Instagram stories are an invaluable tool for brands, businesses, and individuals looking to grow their audience. While all the attributes of this social media platform offer one or more benefits to leverage followers, stories do that more interestingly. Instagram stories offer a new platform for creative storytelling, customer engagement, and increased visibility.
As per stats, over 600 million people worldwide post stories on Instagram on a daily basis. 70% of the users watch these stories and engage with the user who has posted them. With so many views, stories certainly have the potential to attract an audience towards your brand and gain more followers.
What are Instagram Stories, and How Can They Benefit You?
Simply put, Instagram stories are an interactive type of content that allows you to post videos and photos that will last for 24 hours before they disappear. You can add them to the highlight section, and they will remain permanently on your profile. Most story users are individuals, but around 40% of businesses promote their products and services through them. There are many benefits of stories.
Instagram stories make your brand visible. Your followers can regularly consume your content.
Stories stand out as the best way to stay in front and center. They keep you active throughout your followers’ feeds.
You can get more personal when it comes to posting stories. Any IG story tends to humanize your content, making you connect with your audience on a more personal level.
With the help of stories, you can repurpose your content. You do not need to craft content that is one-and-done. You can reshare your content through stories and reach out to other people who have missed seeing your content in the first place.
How to Use Instagram Stories to Grow Audience?
Know your Audience
Before starting to create stories, it is essential to know your audience and understand what type of story content they like to consume. Do they like polls? Do they prefer more organic content like behind-the-scenes? Do they consume user-generated content? Ask these questions to understand their preferences.
By understanding their preferences, you can create stories that will truly resonate with your followers. You can use IG’s Insights feature to track how your audience is engaging with your stories.
Visual Appeal is the Key
Instagram is a visual platform. Thus, always create stories that will stand out. You can use high-quality images and videos to grab the audience's attention. Use bright colors and clear visuals to ensure you are consistent with your branding.
You can opt for background music as well. Select from the most trending music clips and add them to your story. It will make your stories reach a larger audience and avoid monotony.
Play with Interactive Instagram Features
Instagram is an interactive social media platform, where you can play with its many interactive features to boost engagement and connect with audiences on many levels.
Polls: Engage in a fun way with your audience by conducting polls regarding your business, product, or industry. Polls always encourage participation.
Questions: Ask questions to your followers. Request them for feedback and ideas. These are good conversation starters.
Quizzes: Quizzes are another great way to educate your audience and keep them more interactive and entertained.
Post Behind-the-Scenes Content
Some audiences enjoy more organic content for they are able to connect themselves on a personal level through such content. Do not hesitate to post behind-the-scenes content. By doing this, you can keep your audience up to date with your business.
Find what interests them and build anticipation in a more engaging but organic way. For instance, if you have posted a reel on your profile, capture some behind-the-scenes moments and post them on stories.
Collaborate, Collaborate
Collaborating with other Instagram profiles through stories is another way to become more relevant and grow your audience. When you collaborate with other profiles, you can have an opportunity for cross-promotion.
Using this strategy will make you more seen, especially by the followers of the profile you are collaborating with. As a result, your followers may increase manifold.
Post Offer Discounts and Limited Promotions
You can use Instagram stories to post offer discounts and limited promotions. These practices keep your business on the top of the minds of the followers.
They feel more exclusive. When they see discounts and limited-time deals, they pursue your profile more than earlier.
Use Story Ads to Reach New Followers
Story ads have become a smart way to build your social presence quicker than before and attract new prospects. These ads are optimized to captivate viewers. They have the potential to spark interest and get people clicking.
You can use high-quality visuals for maximum impact. Do not forget to incorporate a precise call-to-action, such as “Shop Now’ and ‘Learn More’ when you use story ads.
Takeaway
Instagram stories are a powerful way to build an audience and maintain their loyalty. By adopting the above-listed practices, you can see your Instagram profile grow by leaps and bounds.