Did you know… Half of all business accounts on Instagram have posted at least one story in the last month?
More than half a billion people use Instagram Stories every day, and one-third of the most-viewed Stories are posted by businesses. (Stats via Instagram.) If you haven’t started posting to your brand’s social media stories, it’s time to get in on the action!
What’s so good about the story feature?
- You’re creative. Show off! – Stories are in-the-moment. These posts are generally more creative, fun and even silly, so they don’t need to be treated the same as a regular post on your profile. Instagram and Facebook both offer features like stickers, filters, and gifs, etc. to help your brand show off its fun side.
- Type. Live. Boomerang. Superzoom. Focus. Rewind. Hands-Free. – These are all the creative formats you can use to make your Instagram story visually exciting! Try them out to see how each one works!
- Know who’s watching… – Want to know who has seen your story? See a count AND list of users for each individual story post (found in the bottom-left corner of your story).
- Facebook + Instagram: Work Together! – One convenient thing about posting a story to your Instagram profile is that with one tap, your Insta story can show up on your Facebook page as well!
Raise your brand’s profile and grow engagement with some tips:
- Funny & creative stories create more engagement. – When a user or company becomes known for uplifting or creative stories, they cultivate a specific following, allowing branding and recognition to grow even with followers who have shorter attention spans.
- Know which way is up! – Stories are intended for phone viewing, so vertical photos and videos work best.
- Whatcha up to? – What’s your organization up to these days? Have you made a change to your office space? Finish a fun project you want to show off? Did someone doodle something funny on the whiteboard? Snap a pic or video and post it to your story! Stories are the perfect place to show your followers behind-the-scenes footage of your business and help them get to know the real people behind the profile!
- Where you at? – Use location stickers to help your story become more discoverable and increase your impressions. Use hashtag stickers for the same reasons!
- Events are FUN! – If you’re at an event, snap some shots to post to your story and tag the people or organizations putting the event on.
- Story mentions. – Did someone tag you in their Instagram story? You’ll find out in your “Direct Messages” and have the option to add their post to your story!
- Highlight the good stuff! – This feature is a great way to pin your favorite stories to the top of your profile, kind of like an extension of your bio!
- Yes or no? This or that? – Drive interaction with your followers by posting a poll, quiz, or question to your story. You can use these features to get feedback, market research, or just to learn about your audience and have fun!
Do you need help stepping up your stories game? We’d love to show you how to create some fun story posts! Reach out to one of the Social Squad members at Skol Marketing by calling 612-787-SKOL (7565) or emailing info@skolmarketing.com. And follow us on Instagram to see what we’re up to!
