Since Instagram Story features were introduced in 2016, the platform has taken social media by storm, creating a whole new approach to communicating and sharing information. Sharing stories has not only revolutionised the average Instagrammer’s social media presence, but changed the game when it comes to growing businesses.
What is the Instagram Story all about?
Instagram Stories are a highly effective way to boost engagement with your audience, as they make your brand seem more approachable. They also allow you to post more frequently, with minimal production or post planning time – giving you the advantage of spontaneity. Growing your reach and engagement is a significant part of increasing your brand awareness and product sales, as well as building a reputable reputation. So, if your brand doesn’t make stories, you are missing out on a considerable amount of opportunity to engage with your audience and potential customers.
Learn how to create a powerful Instagram strategy in our previous blog.
5 Instagram Story features:
If you fear you are missing out on this essential business tool, here are five Instagram Story features you can use to make the most of the Instagram platform and captivate your audience effectively:
1. ‘Create’ mode
‘Create’ mode can easily become a business owner’s favourite Instagram Story feature. This feature allows you to post polls, GIFS, questions, countdowns, and so much more without having to share photos or videos. It also gives you a range of colourful backgrounds to utilise. In order to access ‘Create’ mode, first, click on the plus sign in the top left-hand corner to create an IG story. You will see at the bottom it will show different modes. Swipe to the left until you get to ‘Create’.
2. ‘Poll’ sticker
The ‘Poll’ sticker is an easy way to create an engagement opportunity for your followers. Instagram polls allow your audience to vote, based on a question you choose. Many Instagram users enjoy sharing their opinions, which is beneficial as you can gain valuable insight into your market. You can use the ‘Poll’ feature to gather information about which of your products those who vote prefer. You can also use the ‘Poll’ feature to post a true or false trivia challenge in relation to your business, and allow participants to guess the correct answer. The results can be shared, which encourages further engagement. Lastly, you can create a ‘Poll’ in order to find out which type of content your audience prefers, helping you create content tailored to your followers. Be creative – this tool is golden!
To use the ‘Poll’ sticker, head to the IG story tab, upload an image from your camera roll, tap the sticker tab and then select the ‘Poll’ sticker. Alternatively, head to IG ‘Create’ mode and swipe until you get to the ‘Poll’ section.
3. ‘Questions’ sticker
The Instagram Story ‘Questions’ sticker allows you to ask your audience any question, or offer them an opportunity to ask you anything. You will receive a notification when you receive a response in the form of a question or answer. You can share these answers, as well as answer the questions that get sent in.
A great way to use this feature is to ask your followers what content they’d like you to post (e.g. more information about your business, products, or services). Engagement can also be more casual and fun. You can ask your followers what activities they enjoy doing on the weekend, while casually referencing your business. For example, if you own a catering business, you could ask what people have been cooking at home. Asking people to send in questions for you to answer is a great way to discern what information you should provide when advertising.
To access the ‘Questions’ sticker, head to the sticker list after choosing an image from your camera roll, click on ‘Questions’, and then either type in your question in the first field, or leave it as ‘Ask me a question’ and have viewers send questions in. You can alternatively use the ‘Create’ mode.
4. ‘Quiz’ sticker
The ‘Quiz’ sticker allows you to create a custom question and multiple-choice answer options. When a member of your IG audience answers, they will be instantly told whether they were correct or not. This is a fun and interactive way to engage your audience. You can also use the ‘Quiz’ sticker to create a trivia series based on your market. For example, if you run a brewery, you could quiz your audience on beer-related facts. You can access the ‘Quiz’ sticker by heading to the sticker list.
5. ‘Countdown’ sticker
The ‘Countdown’ sticker allows you to display a countdown on your story. You can find this feature in your stickers tab or when on ‘Create’ mode. You can use this feature to build up suspense for a product release, an event you may be holding, a sale, or even the announcement of a new website. It’s a great way to grab your audience’s attention and to keep your audience engaged and excited about your offerings or service.
Start using Instagram Stories today
Engaging with your audience isn’t a chore – have fun with it! You may get just as much joy from using Instagram Story features as your audience will from interacting with them. Contact us if you have any questions and take a look at our social media marketing services that we have to offer.
