Ever since the introduction of Stories, Instagram hasn’t been the same. They’re engaging, versatile, and very easy to use. And these short, captivating snippets of content also provide businesses with a unique opportunity to form a deeper connection with their followers and drive marketing efforts. So read on as we explore the best ways you can utilize Instagram Stories to market your business successfully.
1. Templates
If you’re just stepping into the world of Instagram marketing for your business, there’s an innovative tool that can quickly simplify the process of creating eye-catching and cohesive content: Story templates, Social Media Templates. These pre-designed layouts, crafted by skilled graphic designers, offer a fantastic starting point for your visual storytelling endeavors.
Platforms like Canva offer an extensive library of Story templates to choose from. If you look hard enough, you can even find cool animated ones. When selecting a template, ensure it’s sized at 1080×1920 pixels, the optimal dimensions for Instagram Stories.
But don’t just pick a template and post it as it is. Make it your own. Add your brand colors. Stamp your business logo on there. And suppose you come across a very visually appealing template that doesn’t match your specific purpose. In that case, you can seamlessly substitute it with content that aligns with your message.
For instance, if you discover a template with an inspiring yoga class backdrop that perfectly captures your intended vibe for an upcoming business seminar, don’t hesitate to replace the image with one that resonates with your event. But remember that high-quality photos are pivotal in elevating your Instagram Stories. If you lack suitable visuals, you can always use stock photos. In the above scenario, swapping out the yoga class image for a stock photo of professionals in business suits can seamlessly shift the template’s focus to your seminar.
2. Story-Exclusive Discounts
Leverage the temporary nature of Instagram Stories to offer exclusive promotions or discounts. You can offer deals or coupon codes available only for a short period. Be sure to highlight the offer’s timeframe: “This cosmic deal vanishes in 48 hours!” See? FOMO alert engaged!
This drives people to act swiftly to secure a deal. By emphasizing the scarcity of the discount, you spark a sense of urgency that propels viewers to engage with your content.
3. Reposts
Reposting user-generated content (UGC) that shines a positive light on your brand is a strategic move that can boost your credibility and visibility. Imagine someone posts a photo of the exquisite ring they received from your online jewelry page. By sharing their genuine excitement and satisfaction, you create a strong rapport with the customer and project authenticity to your broader audience.
And unlike staged or edited promotional materials, UGC provides an authentic and up-to-date portrayal of your products or services. This transparency resonates with modern consumers, who value genuine interactions and seek to connect with businesses on a personal level.
But that’s not all. Every time you upload a Story, your profile is catapulted to the top of your followers’ feeds and the front of the Stories stack. As a result, your reposted Story is more likely to be viewed and engaged with, expanding your potential reach.
Statistics show that consistency is critical when it comes to maintaining audience engagement. Posting up to five Stories per day reportedly leads to a retention rate of up to 70%.
4. Countdowns and Polls
Create anticipation among your followers with countdowns and polls. This is particularly valuable when you’re gearing up to unveil a new product, offer, or event. Before the big reveal, plant the seeds of curiosity by crafting a teaser Story that presents a question or poll. For instance, you could create a captivating Story with a question sticker that reads, “Guess the Product of Our Flash Sale!” This simple act of engagement not only draws your audience into the process but also primes them for the grand unveiling,
As you approach the event, add a countdown. This serves as a visual reminder of the impending date and time. And it also lets your audience turn on reminders for the event, ensuring your brand remains at the forefront of their minds.
As your audience interacts with your Stories, you gain a real-time understanding of their preferences, expectations, and excitement levels. With polls, you can gauge their guesses and preferences, and countdowns give you an idea of how many people are interested in the upcoming events.
5. Highlights
Highlights act as digital storefronts, allowing you to curate a lasting first impression. They are positioned prominently above your posts and offer visitors a glimpse into your brand’s identity. Here are some basic ideas for your business’s Instagram highlights:
- Product Offerings
- Menu (if it’s a restaurant)
- Store Locations
- Reviews
But don’t be afraid to get creative with your Highlights. That will set you apart. The Order Decider Highlight on Chipotle UK’s page is a prime example. This innovative Highlight lets visitors take a chance on a random order suggestion, adding an element of excitement and surprise to the dining experience. Such inventive uses of Highlights not only engage your audience but also add a touch of playfulness to your brand identity.
6. Contests and Giveaways
To execute a contest effectively, use Instagram’s quiz sticker feature. It’s as simple as crafting a question that entices your audience to respond. For instance, you could ask the viewers to guess the number of people who will receive the giveaway. Pose the contest question with multiple-choice options. Once the answers have been received, select the winner(s) at random.
One of the remarkable aspects of giveaways is their ability to ignite instant engagement, even from individuals who might not typically interact with Stories. Moreover, the contagious excitement surrounding giveaways often spills beyond the confines of your immediate audience. Participants who view the contest will probably share their enthusiasm with their peers, effectively creating a ripple effect of free word-of-mouth advertising. This almost always leads to new followers.
7. Avoid Videos
Unless your content requires video format, like behind-the-scenes videos of events, avoid posting videos on your Stories. Instagram users value speed and efficiency, and videos take longer to load than images. Research also indicates that users exit video Stories faster, particularly within the first two Stories. Image Stories also tend to outperform video Stories in terms of reach.
Videos with sound can pose an additional challenge, especially when users view content in public settings or quiet environments. The risk of disruption or embarrassment may lead users to swiftly swipe away from a Story, curtailing their engagement with your content.
Conclusion
By implementing these tactics outlined above, you can harness the power of Instagram Stories to enhance your marketing efforts and ultimately boost business growth. Remember, consistency, creativity, and a genuine connection with your audience are crucial to making the most of Instagram Stories for your business.
Also Read: 7 Instagram Content Ideas to Boost Your Brand’s Sales
