You’re probably already using Instagram as part of your social media strategy – but are you taking advantage of one of their newest features, “Stories?” If you’re familiar with SnapChat then you’re already one step ahead. Or maybe everything you just read has your head spinning…in either case, it’s time to read on to learn How to Create Urgency–Use Instagram Stories. Growth Tactic #60 in your 100-Day Digital Growth Plan will have you sharing stories to help build brand awareness in no time.
OVERVIEW – How to Create Urgency–Use Instagram Stories
Just because you want to share a moment with your followers, doesn’t mean you want it to stay live forever. After all, Instagram is THE #1 aesthetically pleasing platform. So you probably don’t want your profile permanently littered with fun, yet not-so-eye-appealing, pictures and videos. And yet – not sharing the time-sensitive, the silly, and the random (along with the perfectly poised) doesn’t feel right either. The workaround? Instagram Stories. Snap a picture or record a video, draw, add a filter, upload, enjoy – and POOF–in 24 hours there will be no proof.
Sounds fun…right? But how exactly is this feature helpful for your business? Share limited-time offers that will expire and literally disappear in 24 hours (talk about a sense of urgency!), tease upcoming products or services, show your customers a “day in the life” at your company, offer up behind-the-scenes shots with your team in action, or consider collaborating on an Instagram Story Takeover. Instagram may be the “pretty” social platform, but this is one book you don’t want to judge by its cover. There is plenty of depth to IG’s marketing capabilities. So, what’re you waiting for? It’s story time.
HOW-TO
STEP ONE: Familiarize yourself with Instagram Stories and how to use them in general. Then, you can focus your attention on how to best apply them to your strategy to help boost engagement and awareness.
STEP TWO: Survey your fans, followers, and current clients to find out what they want to see. Coupons? Events? A Takeover? Product information? Company background? You can create a simple form to send through email or just include your question or an image in a short social media post. Or, take a look at our Resources and Tools section below for further suggestions.
STEP THREE: Use the information gathered from your survey and start creating your Stories. See which tactic sparks the most engagement and continue to experiment, test, play and add chapters to your story. And always continue listening to your followers–if they have suggestions, consider implementing them!
RESOURCES AND TOOLS
- Instagram Help Center: Stories
- SharpSpring (to survey email list)
- Survey Monkey Social Media Surveys
- How to Use Instagram Stories
We’re committed to providing a deep source of information and education for our community. Find more resources in our Learn page and visit us here again for the next 100-Day Digital Growth Plan Tactic! Then, contact us for more ideas on digital growth and your website.