We have all enviously checked out Instagram accounts with thousands of followers only to wonder what they are doing right and how we can make our own business just as “Instafamous”. Well, sorry to disappoint you, but there is no exact recipe for Instafame. On the bright side, Instagram is constantly coming out with new features and ways for your business to create engagement and reach potential followers. One such way that can enormously jumpstart your claim to fame is Instagram Stories, complimented by its Instagram Live companion.

Getting Started With Instagram Stories

It’s super easy and intuitive to capture an Instagram Story video. When you click on your profile icon on the top left-hand screen, you get to the main Stories page and simply hold down the middle button located at the bottom of the screen to shoot video or tap in order to take a photo. You can find the full official guide for using Instagram Story here. You can also select existing pictures or videos from your device’s camera roll. Just keep in mind that only 15 seconds of the video will be played and that it is not a square dimension like the permanent photos uploaded to Instagram.

 

 

Awesome Features Available Using Instagram Story

 

Disappearing Act:

Similar to Snapchat, your stories disappear after 24 hours. This means it is a great place to test out new ideas, materials or even create flash sales to get users hooked to checking your Instagram account.

 

Hashtags and Location Tags:

Be specific - add more details to your story using hashtags or create one specific to your brand! Location tag use allows your story to be discovered by anyone, including users who are not your followers, gaining you exposure and new fans.

 

Polls:

Collect statistics from your everyday users and find out what your audience wants! [Or doesn’t].

 

Filters, Stickers, Doodles:

Also similar to Snapchat, Instagram Stories now come with optional stickers, doodle pens and now face filters so have fun! Stories don’t last forever.

 

Reverse Video and Boomerang:

An additional way to get creative is to edit your videos so they play in reverse or a never-ending loop using the Boomerang app or built-in feature.

 

 

Creative Ways Your Business Can Make the Most of Instagram Stories

 

Demonstrate Your Product For All To See.

Take the opportunity to show off your goods! What better way to show how awesome your product is then displaying it live and in action? If you are selling products or goods, rather than services, then the Instagram stories feature is the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate how your product works in an organic, quick and effective way. Do it Live or using Boomerang. Practice makes perfect.

 

Show And Tell - Your Content.

A new way to share the written word! Try turning your story into a little mini-booklet displaying your blog post content! Your followers will be able to “turn the page” easily by simply tapping for the next part. They won’t be able to contain themselves. Bonus points for leaving them hanging and displaying a URL to get more info, leading them to your website. You can do this by inserting a CTA of taking a screenshot of the short link and visiting your site or you can cheat and point them to the link in your Instagram bio for an easier click.

 

Engage With Your Followers In New Ways.

Thanks to Instagram Story, you can now let your customers feel that they are in on the action and actually have an opportunity to make a difference. In your Story, you can add a Yes/No [Poll] sticker or ask for their opinion, calling for responses from your fans. This can be followed up on by using DMs.

 

Time To Celebrate Your Company.

Celebrate your company’s achievements with your fans (and I don’t just mean reaching x amount of followers)! Use different forms of creative content to promote your brand by celebrating any reached milestone or accomplishments through interviews, quotes, images, or videos, and be sure to stick with the company colors and overall themes to strengthen your brand following.

 

V.I.P. Access To Your Company Culture.

Sharing “behind the scenes” photos or videos from your company’s events, meetings or office parties. You can even take pictures of your everyday activity, to give your customers some insight on what goes on in your company’s environment, allowing them to feel they are a part of the team or have insider access.

 

[HINT, HINT] - Live Broadcast Coming Soon!

Allude to a live broadcast happening in the near future, telling them to stay tuned for more details. This is a sure way to keep eyes glued to the Instagram screen. This is also a great way to tease any scheduled AMA (Ask Me Anything) or Q&A. This is another ideal place to include a link to the scheduled live broadcast, to make sure that any interested parties can “attend”.

 

 

More Options, More Exposure.

In addition to all of the tactics shared above, we find that most Solomoto registered businesses often advertise using Instagram Ads in order to boost the effectiveness of their Instagram stories and gain more exposure. Despite Instagram Ads being displayed on mobile only, these ads draw a larger audience which gets their businesses far more attention. This promotional strategy combined with the above tips for engaging story content has proven highly successful for our clients.