THE WHY AND HOW OF INSTAGRAM STORIES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

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Let’s talk about stories. Instagram stories in particular and how they might actually help you tell better stories. Look, I know, you’re occupied running a business and who has the time to effectively run instagram. Most of the time most entrepreneurs won’t even actively use stories because there’s pressure to do it perfectly. I understand this pressure and the pressure of time all together. I’m hoping to bring some insight and help as to how you can maybe begin to let people in a little more on your journey through stories.

WHY INSTAGRAM STORIES IS A GOOD IDEA + WORTH YOUR TIME

It’s important to view stories as an opportunity to let people in a little closer. By allowing them access to areas of the business that they might not typically see on your curated feed they will automatically feel more connected to you through stories. Stories is just that, I feel like if you approach stories like STORYTELLING your day or your product/service, you’re going to be effective and the time you’re taking to do that will be so worth it. It’s been proven that people hang out in stories more than they do scrolling and reading actual posts, so …maximize this opportunity to connect and engage with others.

The fun part about stories is that you’re adding your touch and flavor without having to do it perfectly. Show people what mess it was to create the beautiful project. Let them in to the chaos of the home. Let them see your brilliant process to get to the outcome you share on your feed. It’s as if you’ve opened the door and welcomed them into a more intimate space and it’s so much fun.

I’ve been doing this for years and it changed my business completely and I believe it can change yours if you simply stop overthinking the process and just give others access to what you’re doing and how you feel that day.

WHY USE INSTAGRAM FEATURES

Every once in a while, try to use one instagram feature to help you engage. Use a poll, a slider bar, whatever it is to help users begin to interact with you. It’s actually a lot of fun and people really have a great time being included in your thoughts/surveys. I’ve done so many different things from polls that are work related, to some asking which outfit to wear and even to settle disputes between my husband and I, lol. You can make them as serious or fun as you desire.

Instagram Stories Features: FILTERS

Instagram story filters are available by adding your photo or video and simply swiping right. When you swipe right you will get a few options that instagram has ready for you. I recommend sticking with a consistent look. For example. I tend to only use Paris/Oslo/Tokyo. It’s rare I use anything outside of this. So maybe find a consistent look and try to stick with that.

Instagram Story Features: GEO TAGGING [LOCATION]

Geo tagging your location on every single instagram story post will be so beneficial for your business, especially if you want instagram to start recognizing the areas you love and serve. I recommend tagging and even hiding it by pinching it with your fingers and simultaneously moving it out of the photo area so that it’s tagged but not really seen. I tag everything and it’s been really great for people to know where I serve. This is a primary reason why I’ve been found by people in LA, SF, NY and so on. You become more discoverable this way.

Instagram Story Features: TAG OTHERS

This feature is amongst one of my favorites and it should be yours as well. Tagging collaborators, people you work with, items you purchase and so on is such a great way to highlight others while connecting others to your business brand. It is probably one of my most used features in stories. This is how other connections are also able to reshare. If you don’t tag them, instagram will not mention to them that you’ve mentioned them in your stories and it will be a missed opportunity to connect.

Instagram Story Features: MUSIC

I mean, I LOVE MUSIC! Music really makes a huge difference when you use it in stories. It gives people a feeling and therefore will automatically connect to what you’re sharing a little more. They will be moved-moved to laughter, moved to joy, moved to tears, moved to inspiration …moved. Music does this. Just think of commercials, movies, etc. When they want you to feel something, they will implement music. Use your music choices wisely and don’t do it on every single slide or it might be overwhelming, yet find a moment that you want to emphasize a feeling [you working out and add pump up music!]

Instagram Story Features: POLLS

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Polls are a great way to engage with your audience and also, understand them a little better. There are so many ways you could go about polls. Bottom line, remember that people don’t always want to hear about you-sometimes, they want to help or they want to interact and feel like you care. You should care who you’re serving and speaking to so creating polls will foster this connection and communication. I’ve asked my “little community” so many things through polls. It’s been both fun, and insightful. It’s helped me understand things that matter to them and things that don’t and therefore even helping me craft a better experience.

Instagram Story Features: QUIZ

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I typically use quiz feature for two reasons, either for random QUIZ questions about myself but also to interact with others as to which one they would choose if Polls isn’t enough options for me. It’s been a really great and fun feature to use to understand whether or not my audience also knows me, my business or the things we offer. It’s been a great way to get to know them as well.

Instagram Story Features: SLIDER

Adding a slider to an image is a simple way to get others to engage or share their opinion. You simply raise a question [if you had a photo of your lunch and you added the slider you could put “How delicious does this meal look right now!?]. If you select the color wheel on the top of the bar options you’ll be able to even change the color scheme of the bar and you’ll also be able to change the emoji you’re using on the slider by tapping on the emoji.

WHAT TO SHARE ON INSTAGRAM STORIES

What you share on stories can vary and should be based on your clientele or the person you’re speaking to, while also just sharing glimpses of yourself!

Here are just a few ideas off the top of my mind:

PROFESSIONAL: A video explaining what you do. A photo or demonstration of what you do. Client reviews. Client work or products you sell. Your preparation process [a time-lapse or photo with details]

PERSONAL: Your workout routine. Something you recently bought that you love. A process of a redesign of your home. Your likes and dislikes. A favorite drink and how you order it. Places you love to visit. A date with friends [take us along]

FOR THE USER: Give them some information about something you think they’re interested in. Engage in conversation by asking questions. Go Live and talk to people on the spot about a specific topic. DIY something.

The possibilities are endless on what you can do on INSTAGRAM STORIES and perhaps that’s where and why it gets overwhelming. Again, people just crave some insight to the person/business they are following. Every single day they are wondering if you’re the right person for them and the instagram feed might not always tell them that. Give them insight. I always look at it this way…if I share something on my stories that they didn’t connect with, I would want them to know that before going into work with them. That way they are sure if I’m the right person for them. It will save us both some heart ache.

So…GET A LITTLE DARING….dare to tell more stories, on INSTAGRAM STORIES….will you?