Instagram rolled out its Story feature three years after Snapchat, so we can’t say it’s the most nuanced or original app feature. However, we can say that Instagram is beating Snapchat at its own game; in fact, most users claim to prefer Instagram over Snapchat for its added functionality of interacting with others’ posts via likes and comments. And did we mention that 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day?
That’s a lot of opportunity… And while casting your net too wide can lead to fewer caught fish, features native to Instagram Stories actually allow you to narrow your reach to better target your audience! So, all this to say: knowing how to use Instagram Stories strategically is key when it comes to engaging with your community.
It’s a free form of advertising! Use it.
If you’re not using Stories yet, we think you just might start after learning that 62% of consumers claimed to become more interested in a brand or product after seeing it in a Story. It’s safe to say that the ideal place for your brand to promote blog content, highlight new products, engage with followers, and increase brand awareness is in Instagram Stories!
If it’s interactive, it’s feedback.
Features like Polls, Questions, and Emoji Sliders are a great way to engage your audience, build your brand, and increase customer satisfaction by allowing them to provide their unfiltered opinions.
Hootsuite notes that 60% of businesses who post on Instagram Stories use an interactive element every month, which includes location tags, @-mentions, and polling stickers alike. This, no doubt, improves their return on investment by increasing reach, providing opportunities for free user-generated content, and receiving raw feedback. Story stickers & GIFs have even been reported to enhance video performance 83% of the time!
Talking to your followers will allow you to quickly evaluate what parts of your social strategy are working, and what parts aren’t. After all, time is money – and the less time you spend figuring out what needs to change, the more time you save when it comes to implementing that change!
Stories are a more laid-back and intimate form of content on Instagram, but – as has been made clear – they can be very powerful for businesses. And if the competition is upping their Instagram Story game, shouldn’t you be doing the same?
– Riley
@riley_mckeown
#KEEPSOCIAL
@serotinamedia
