blog engaging Instagram stories

How to Engage Followers with Instagram Stories

Is your company taking advantage of Instagram stories? Launched in 2016, stories have quickly become an important feature in the app. 500 million people use stories each day yet they are extremely under-used by businesses despite their ability to help companies gain insight about followers. How can your business benefit from posting engaging Instagram stories? 

 

Benefits of Using Instagram Stories

Although having an Instagram account allows you to connect with users, it lacks a sense of authenticity. Posting stories gives your brand a face and personality. There are many ways to reach your audience using engaging Instagram stories. You can educate people about your company, give them a behind-the-scenes look at a project you are working on, host contests, advertise an upcoming event and much more. Using this feature helps people learn more about your brand and it’s a quick and effective way to connect. You can also hire a content creation company that has experience in social media marketing to take your stories to the next level.

Let’s take a look at some of the new features Instagram stories include that will help you effectively engage with your audience!

How to Spice Up Your Stories

The “question” sticker is a great way to interact and learn more about your followers. When using this feature, you are able to ask a question and have people respond with their answer. You can share answers to your story and respond for everyone to see. Not only does this boost interaction, but it also allows you to engage with viewers on a deeper level. You will get a better understanding of your audience and what they want while adding a relatable aspect to your account.

content creation company, engaging Instagram story      

 

The countdown timer is a marketing strategy that companies should use to their advantage. This can be used for an upcoming event, product release, contest, etc. that helps build anticipation and urgency. This approach has been known to increase conversion rates and sales by getting people excited about what you are doing. There is also a way for viewers to turn on notifications to be reminded when your timer will end. 

 

How to Increase Sales Through Stories

Just like Instagram’s feature to make shoppable posts, you can now make your stories shoppable as well. When viewers tap on the product sticker in your story, they will be brought to a landing page where they can see more information about the product. This allows viewers to be further exposed to your company and shop your products. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating a close friends list is another feature that should be utilized more. This allows you to compile a list of people you can send exclusive stories to separate from your other followers. Businesses can use this feature to compile a list of loyal followers or past customers and send them exclusive offers, sneak peaks at new products, or any “insider” information. You can also make changes to this list at any time. This is a great way to build a relationship with your followers.

       

 

Using these techniques will help you be up to date on all of the latest features that users enjoy while engaging with your audience on a deeper level. Make sure to save your stories to a highlight folder on your profile and strategically organize them in a way that will benefit you and your audience. Some possible arrangements are having one that is made up of all the questions you have answered, one that showcases specific products or events and one with all your past contests or promos. 

 

Choose Us

Since Instagram offers many features that might be overwhelming for you to learn, it’s in your best interest to work with a content creation company that has a pristine track record. Bright Age Digital Creative Agency has a strong background in Instagram and offers a full range of services. Our team can create unique Instagram stories while effectively engaging with your audience.