Instagram is one of the top leading apps in the social media world, boasting approximately 500 million monthly active users while only 100 million active users on Snapchat. Furthermore, the numbers say that up to 68% of Instagram users consistently engage with brands. Although Instagram Stories seems like something that just adds a little fun to Instagram it can also lead to generating interest for your brand.
Instagram has released 2 new features. The first being the live Instagram Story feature which allows you to record live videos for only your followers to view. While the video is live comments can be sent in which will appear on the live video alongside all the viewers names. The second feature is the disappearing videos and pictures which allows you to take a picture/video send to friends/group via DM and it disappears immediately after it has been viewed ( does this sound like Snapchat?!)
So wether you’re a business owner / personal brand / career girl these 6 awesome ways can help you:
PROVIDE EXCLUSIVE DEALS
Everyone likes a great deal and this a good way to give your Insta Story viewers exclusive ones! Share discount deals and much more exclusively to your Insta Story viewers , you should always remember to cross promote on your other social media handle, this will lead to you getting more Instagram followers so they too can get access to the exclusive deals.
One way to deliver offers via stories is to refer viewers to the link in your bio. Post a promo as an Insta story. The story will then direct the viewers to click on your bio link which takes them to the landing page where they can redeem the special offer. Announcing that the offer only lasts for the 24-hour story period will create a sense of urgency for your customers
GIVE YOUR FOLLOWERS BEHIND THE SCENES TO YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS
Followers like to know what goes on behind the scenes with most brands . This gives you the opportunity to give your followers a personal experience and show them what you get up to leading to your brands end product. If you’re a dress designer you may want to show your followers the process you go through in making a dress. Starting from the first step of curating ideas, drawing out the design up until the finished dress. You can also use this as an opportunity to give followers a peek of an unannounced new product. Be careful not to share too much, keep your followers coming back for more.
FREE LIVE ACCESS TO EVENTS
With the new Live Insta Story feature, Instagrammers are now able to broadcast live events for all their followers to view, a notification will come up for followers once the live video has started. Now all your followers who are unable to attend your events can see what’s happening live from their phones. This is also an opportunity to host webminars , Q & A series and much more.
INSTA STORIES TAKEOVER
A great way to grow your followers is to host a Insta Story takeover. Here you allow another brand to take over your Insta Story for next 24 hours or you takeover another brands Insta Story, this a mutually beneficial for both brands as both their audiences will grow due to the fact that they will both be getting new exposure.
PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS
This one is a no brainer, you can use Insta Stories to promote your products and show your viewers how to use your products. For example, If you sell clothes you can show your viewers how to style your items with other items if they buy it, this gives your viewers unique style content and an opportunity to promote your products.
DRIVE TRAFFIC TO OTHER CAMPAIGNS
You can use this platform to mention other campaigns that may be happening exclusively on your other social media platforms. For example you may be hosting a Twitter Q & A session on how to become a Fashion designer, posting an announcement in your Insta Story will drive your followers to your twitter account leading to an increase.
Despite Instagram’s power as an amazing platform for business and a top channel for growth, there is only 36% of marketers are on Instagram. If you feel lost and aren’t sure what to share on Instagram, why not ask your followers what kind of content they would like to see.
What has Instagram Stories done for your business / Brand ?
