As new content marketing methods become available to help gain more audience attention and conversions, small business owners should adapt and implement as well.
Instagram stories are one of the new marketing methods that are getting an excellent amount of attention lately.
Here are 13 ways small business owners can get the most of Instagram stories:
Plan a storyboard
If you are going to use Instagram stories as part of your marketing tool then it is only reasonable that you create a plan. Planning your Instagram stories ahead of time will give you ample time to learn and discover the best ways to present your marketing to your audience. Planning will also allow you to determine the images, videos, or other resources you want to be included and the sequence of your stories so you can lead your audience towards the goal you want to achieve.
Post in the right time
Conduct a little trial and error before you launch your marketing stories by posting on different times of the day so you would have an idea which times you are getting the most engagements.
Use the right dimension
When shooting videos for your stories, make sure you shoot them vertically. Same as creating graphics for your stories to make sure they fit perfectly to mobile devices.
Create engaging content
Stories are already short but viewers can drop off as early as 3 seconds. SO you want to make sure you engage your audience in the first 3 seconds of your stories to make sure they watch until the end.
Use geotagging and tag people
Stories who use geotagging and tag other people on their stories get more engagements. With tagging, you increase your visibility as well.
Follow swipe up
This is very important because swipe up features allow you to add a link where your viewers can directly access. It could be your website, a product, or a landing page. This is a great opportunity for you to increase your conversions.
Add hashtags
Make sure you add relevant hashtags to your stories. will increase your engagement and visibility as well as adding your story to its stories ring.
Design a series
Creating a series of related stories can be very entertaining to your audience. So if you have a long video, cut them into 10-second videos and then make sure you upload them to your story.
Add CTA
Make sure you include a strong CTA to encourage engagement from your audience.
Share behind the scenes
Entertain your audience by letting peek the behind the scenes actions. This will help you build rapport with your audience increasing their trust towards your brand.
Host takeovers
If you are collaborating with other small businesses or micro-influencers, try doing the host takeovers. Your audience would love to see something new in your stories. Having micro influencers or other small business owners take over your Instagram will also increase your brand awareness.
Interact with your audience
Your audience loves it when they are included and interacting with your stories and creating a poll is one of the best ways to do it on Instagram stories. By creating a poll and crowdsourcing opinion from your audience, they feel that they are part of your brand and that you value their opinion. Plus, it boosts engagement as well.
Make some offers
Create compelling offers or run competitions that will reward your loyal viewers and or customers. This will make people compelled to check your stories all the time while looking out for your next give away or offer.
Instagram stories are just a wonderful way to market your brand and get more people talking about your business. Follow these simple tips and you will surely be getting more and more viewers resulting in higher conversions for your business.