Instagram has over one billion monthly active users and is considered one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. In 2016, Instagram launched Instagram Stories, which allows users to add a picture or video that disappears after 24 hours.
Since the release of Instagram Stories back in 2016, its popularity has grown every year and can now be considered the most popular part of Instagram. According to Statista.com, in January 2019 Instagram reported 500 million daily active story users worldwide, up from 400 million in June 2018. With Instagram Stories becoming so popular, how can small businesses use it best? Below are four ideas that companies can use to help grow their business by using Instagram Stories.
1. Boost your sales
As a business owner, if you are looking for some quick sales, you can use Instagram Stories to encourage people to “act now” on a sale. For example, run a limited-time-only promotion to help get deals faster. If you add the information to Instagram Stories letting people know that the sale is only for 24 hours, you don’t have to worry about taking down the promotion. The promotion will disappear after 24 hours on its own, and your sale will be over without you having to do anything!
If you are running paid ads for your business, you can set them to show up in Instagram Stories, too. Doing this will also expand your audience reach by having the ad run on both the Instagram feed and Instagram Stories.
2. Influencer takeover
Social media influencers have become a growing trend over the past few years. Partnering with an influencer that will promote your brand can help with getting your business more exposure. It is also common for companies or organizations to give complete account access to influencers to post stories. Keep in mind that if you do decide to do this, you may have to spend a little bit of cash to get an influencer to work with you, but it could be an excellent investment for you.
3. Go live
Not only can you post videos and pictures to your Instagram Stories, but you can also go live. Many organizations and businesses have scheduled Instagram Live events and promoted them a few days beforehand. Instagram lives can allow your followers to feel connected with you and your brand because everything is happening in real-time. Step up your customer service game and allow your customers to write in questions during an Instagram Live.
4. Repost or give shoutouts
Reposting content that your customers have posted is another great way to step up your social media game. Let’s say you are a clothing store, and a recent customer posts a story of her wearing a new shirt from your business. As long as this person’s settings are public, you can reshare her post and thank her for the purchase! Shoutouts and reposts can make people feel appreciated and noticed. This special touch with customer service will help you build more meaningful relationships with your customers and encourage them to come back.
If you are looking to step up your Instagram marketing plan, start using Instagram Stories more consistently. Instagram Stories are where your followers and potential new customers are hanging out. Be where they are, and you will see a difference in your Instagram marketing.
If you are looking to grow your Instagram presence and would like a complete Instagram marketing plan, reach out to Keep It Real Social. Our experts are here to help!
