How to use Instagram Stories to grow your business.

Instagram Stories aren’t going anywhere. And since many of your followers are already loving you on Instagram, it’s a great way to double-down and really use the Instagram Stories function to help grow your business!

Tell your “story”. Whether it’s showing a how-to or a highlighting a tutorial, your followers want to see what you’re up to. Sharing some “behind the scenes” action from a full-day of shooting can be a really compelling way to take your followers along to see how you work. Instagram Stories are also a great way to highlight a promotion that you’re doing or make a big announcement for your business.

Connect with your followers. Use your Instagram feed to occasionally remind your people to check out your Stories. Once they’re there… be compelling.

• Use bright colors and make sure that the text is legible.
• Use polls to get some easy research on your followers and encourage engagement.
• Don’t be afraid to use songs and GIFs to be dynamic.
• Shout out and tag the other people in your stories to spread the love.
• Always maintain your brand aesthetic.

Use the Instagram tools. Instagram has created some really great tools to maximize the impact of Stories. The combined power of Highlights and Analytics will help you leverage and understand the way that your followers are engaging and reacting to this piece of your social media efforts.

Instagram Stories Highlights are a great way to keep your Stories after they’ve “expired”. It’s easy to do: go to your profile and tap “Story Highlights” and the plus sign to add your stories. Stories that you add as highlights will remain visible until you remove them, even after the original story has disappeared.

Instagram Stories Analytics can help you have a better understanding of what is happening on your business profile. To do this: select the “Insights” icon in the top right corner of your profile, click “Content”, scroll down and tap “See All” in the Stories section. You’ll be able to access impressions, reach and other metrics to help optimize your content strategies.

What are your favorite Instagram Stories tricks? Do you find that you are able to engage with your followers? Leave a comment and let us know!

Need more help growing your business? Iris Works can help.  Try it for FREE for 14 days!