When Instagram Stories launched in 2016, I thought, “This is just another copycat of Snapchat.” I was skeptical that this Instagram feature could compete with Snapchat. “Hey, Snapchat did everything first right?” Instagram has surpassed all its competitors five years later by continuously innovating and adding new features to keep users on the platform engaged.
Why should businesses use Instagram Stories for business?
First, Instagram Stories allow you to quickly and easily engage with your followers and other users. Microsoft conducted a study that found that the average attention span of humans has decreased from 12 seconds to 8 seconds. This drop in attention span has been attributed to technology. Instagram Stories caters to people with shorter attention spans. You can only post up to 15 seconds per video. This feature’s format is also perfect for mobile. You can post wherever and whenever you want, making it easy to access when you’re on-the-go. Instagram Stories are shot vertically, rather than the square-format Instagram posts. Third, Instagram Stories are deleted after 24 hours. This means that you don’t need to worry about it not fitting your overall feed theme.
Here are four reasons why Instagram Stories is a great platform for businesses to engage with customers.
Instagram allows you to post a variety of content
Instagram Stories allows you to post any content you want. You don’t have to worry about changing the aesthetic or theme of your Instagram feed. Do you plan to launch a new product? Are you looking to show your followers a sneak peek into your office? Are you interested in having one of your employees take over Instagram Stories? Announce the winner of your social media contest. You can post anything from promotional photos and videos to fun and lighthearted content. This will keep your Instagram Story and brand current. Keep your followers coming back for more by creating content that is engaging.
Instagram helps businesses grow their audience
You should never stop seeking out new ways to grow your business’ audience. When you’re deciding on the right social media platform for your business, it is important to remember that Instagram helps increase brand awareness. Instagram has added many features over the years to help businesses and brands reach a larger audience.
Use location tags. To make your brand or business more visible locally and internationally, you can now include geolocation tags to your Instagram Stories. It doesn’t matter if you are tagging a specific place, a city or even a country. This is a great way to reach different demographics.
Use hashtags. To increase your profile’s searchability and to share your content with the Instagram community, you can include hashtags in your Instagram Stories. You can use hashtags in your Instagram Stories, just like you can add them to the comments or captions of your regular Instagram posts.
For an Instagram Story viewer, head on over to InstaNavigation.
Businesses can engage with their audience on Instagram
Instagram users who are millennials account for a large percentage of the total. Keeping them engaged requires time, effort, and commitment. To engage effectively with millennials on social media, it’s crucial to learn how to communicate with them. Instagram just released new Instagram Story features that allow you to:
Create a poll. Insta Stories polls encourage interaction from your audience and increase engagement. It is a great way for your followers and audience to share their opinions and gather information.
Ask questions and let your followers ask questions. Another effective way to interact is with your followers is through the new Instagram Stories “Ask Me Anything” feature. You have the option to ask your followers a question, or allow them to ask you any questions they wish. This feature has two great benefits: your followers learn more about you and your brand. In return, they learn more about you. It’s a win/win situation.
Tag others. You can tag others on Instagram Stories, just like you can tag users in your Instagram posts. Your brand’s visibility will increase if you tag other brands, influencers or businesses. This works because other people can tag you in your Instagram Stories and they will have the option to repost your story. It helps increase your reach.
Instagram drives traffic to websites
Instagram Stories can be used to promote your business. You can direct your followers to your website if you own a retail or online business. According to a Facebook study, 1 in 3 Instagram users were more likely to be interested in a product or brand after viewing it in Instagram Stories. Instagram launched this new shopping feature for Stories earlier this year to expand its e-commerce reach. Businesses can now:
Look at the shopping bag-shaped notification. Users can click on selected items in your Instagram Story to shop the item(s). Instagram’s product stickers allow users to quickly and easily access product information.
Use the “Swipe Up” feature. You can use the “Swipe Up” feature in Instagram Stories to drive traffic to you website. This feature can be integrated by incorporating eye-catching and effective CTA’s (calls for action) to direct your followers to your blog or landing pages.
FAQs for Instagram Stories
Once you are familiar with all the possibilities, Instagram Stories can be a great tool for social media marketing. These are the top questions regarding Instagram Stories and all the possibilities it provides.
Who viewed my Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories allows you to track who has viewed your posts. Click the icon in the top left corner of your feed to open your story. Next, swipe up. An eye icon will appear next to your story. This will let you know how many people have viewed it and who. Only you will be able to see who has viewed the story.
Are Instagram Stories public?
Adjusting your privacy settings can make it clear whether you want your stories to be made public. Your account will only be accessible to you if it is private. Public accounts allow anyone to see your story. You will probably want your account public because you use it for marketing purposes. However, you have the option to make it private.
How can I add audio to an Instagram story?
There are two options for adding music to your story. You will see a music icon when you tap on the sticker you want to add to a photo. You can scroll through a selection of tracks by tapping on the icon to find the best one for your story. You can also choose to play the track in the background while you are recording your video.
How can I add a link to my Instagram story?
It is very simple to add a hyperlink to your story. Swipe left to begin your story. Click on the “Insert Link” option (the chain icon at the top). Click on ‘URL’ to paste or type your link and click ‘Done.’ You can then share the page as usual.
Is it possible to search old Instagram stories?
An Instagram story can be deleted after 24 hours. This is incorrect. Instagram added functionality that allowed users to download, view and repost old stories. Simply click the “Clock” icon in the top right corner of your profile. This will show you all your Instagram stories. You can download them and then repost them.
Why can’t Instagram Stories allow me to reply?
The settings of the user will determine whether or not you are allowed to reply to Instagram stories. You can disable replies entirely or allow replies from only those they follow.
