Like many other business owners that sell their products and services online, are you wondering how to gain more Instagram followers, drive more traffic to your website or blog, and ultimately sell more products and services?
With 400+ million users, Instagram Stories is an exceptional way for both startup and well-established businesses to connect with new audiences, boost post engagement and drive more sales of products and services.
To do this, the best method of attack is to develop a simple, yet effective, Instagram Stories Strategy to ensure you don't miss opportunities to connect with your target audience.
Instagram has recently launched numerous features, applications and tools that allow users to get super creative, making producing high quality Instagram Stories easier than ever before.
Instagram Stories Strategy Tips
When creating your Instagram Stories Strategy, everything should circle back to your overall brand goals. Once you have identified your overall marketing goals, you can better determine what types of content you want to post on your stories to better engage with your audience.
For example, try filling up your Instagram Stories with new products. Feature images of the products in various colors and angles. Or try featuring images and videos of yourself delivering different services in different working environments, for different clients. Then ensure to hit your audience with a solid call-to-action or a discount promo code at the very end of the story.
If you have 10K+ followers and have the ability to add links to your stories, this is a great place to do it. If you don't have 10K+ followers yet, you can have the same effect be adding a direct link to the product or service in your bio.
Wondering what content to feature in your Instagram Stories?
Here are some Instagram Stories content ideas to get you started:
New Blog or Vlog Posts
New Products or Services
New Seasonal Arrivals, Best Selling Products or Services, or Featured Items
Sales Promotions & Coupon Codes
Contests & Giveaways
Interviews & Guest Takeovers
Customer Testimonials & Reviews
Product “How To” Videos & Tips and Tricks
Share a "Day in the Life" Story
Include a mix of products and services, frequently asked questions, insider advice and tips, headquarters life (even if it’s your home office!), and more to give your followers an insider’s peek at the behind-the-scenes of your business.
Pro Tip 1: Try including a weekly e-book or PDF (or blog) featuring stories and advice specific to your industry or niche. By including a weekly series in your stories, you are creating more brand recognition and giving your loyal followers something to look forward to every week. When your followers know exactly what to expect from your Instagram Stories, they are much more likely to follow you and your brand.
Pro Tip 2: Another cool way you can feature your business differently in your stories, is to feature an Instagram Stories Takeover or invite someone in a similar niche to guest host your stories. This tactic can not only bring some variety to your stories but it offers you a chance to connect with your guest’s followers and for them to connect with yours. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
Wondering what to do next?
After you've decided on the strategy for your Instagram Stories, and you have a few ideas for your content calendar, it's time to start creating. Need some help with that? Send me a private message or post in the comments and let’s chat about how I can help you determine the right Instagram Stories Strategy for you!
