How To Use Instagram Stories For Your Business

Are you using Instagram stories? As a business on Instagram, you need to be! Instagram stories provide a unique opportunity for you to interact with your followers in a more casual way. There is also a lot more creative freedom with stories since they only last for 24 hours. That being said, they can be a powerful tool for brand building and connecting with your audience.

Even if you don't typically like sharing videos of yourself, we have a few tips for you:⁣

POLLS⁣

Polls are just so fun! We personally love answering polls from our favorite brands and we tend to ask them a lot on our own stories. It's great if you are needing to do some market research, or if you are just wanting a simple answer. You only have two options, so make them count! 

Tip: If your option is too long to fit into the poll, you can put an emoji there and then write it in a text box with the option. Just use an arrow so your viewers know how to vote for that option!⁣

QUESTION STICKERS⁣

This is our favorite way to gather answers from our Instagram followers. You can use the question sticker to ask your followers their opinions on your services or products. Then you get to see their replies all in one place. You can even share their answers to your stories. Perfect for a Q&A about your business!⁣

SHARE YOUR FEED POST⁣

Have you been wondering what that little cute airplane icon is under your post? It's to share it! You can share your post to Instagram stories and viewers are able to click through to it! This is great for bringing attention to your newest posts. Be sure to include a small snippet of why someone should go to that post.

STORY DESIGN TIPS

Just because stories don’t go on your feed doesn’t mean they can’t still be pretty! One of our favorite ways to make IG stories stand out is to create a template on Canva! Canva is a super easy to use graphic design tool. You can use a pre-made template or create your own to match your brand! 

VIDEOS ARE YOUR FRIEND

Videos are the MOST interactive way to share content! That being said, don’t be afraid to show up in your videos! Your followers want to see your personality shine. It’s completely normal to feel a little bit awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time! You can make videos talking about your services, demoing a product, or giving any business updates.

SHARE NON-BUSINESS CONTENT

One of the most approachable aspects about Instagram stories is that they only last for 24 hours. This means that you don’t always have to take them so seriously or make them perfect. In fact, you don’t have to talk about your business at all in them! If you want to show off your favorite coffee shop work area, go for it! Use stories as a way to share some of the personal and fun elements of your life that you wouldn’t normally post in your feed.

Want more tips and help for your IG? See our membership that has templates, prompts, and over 2,500+ hashtags!