Whether we like it or not, how we use it has changed. Instagram is aware of this. Instagram Stories is the most talked about feature of Instagram to date. Users can share photos and videos in a slideshow format that disappears after 24 hours.
You’re right. It does sound like Snapchat. Snapchat has been leading the way in temporary and transient social media posting. In this new social media era, content is not created, curated, scheduled, or edited; it’s constant and fleeting everywhere.
Snapchat has over 100 million active users, and 10 billion snaps are viewed daily. It is now the third-most popular social media channel, just behind Instagram.
It was only a question until other networks joined the digital bandwagon.
Essential Points About Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are displayed in a bar on the top of your news feed. You can scroll through them quickly.
Select the plus sign at the upper left corner to add more information.
Then, you can record a video, take a picture, and edit it using text or finger drawing.
Direct messages can be sent to you by users, even if they don’t comment or like your Story.
You can track who has read your Story.
You can add your photos and videos to Stories by swiping the camera.
Instagram Stories are separate from the feed you curate. However, you can share a portion of your Story by clicking the “Share” button.
Instagram Stories: Benefits to Your Business
Instant video marketing has many advantages, including that it is quicker and easier to create than editing pictures and creating endless content for Twitter or Facebook. Instagram Stories are immediate and reactive. Instagram Stories is natural, authentic, and direct. Hit record and upload. No editing is required.
Telling your audience about what is happening now and in the present is all that matters. You can be more creative and lighthearted. It will also refresh your social media channels. Because Stories are separate from your existing curated feed, you can now share more content without worrying about spamming.
If your brand has an existing following on Instagram, then using the Stories feature makes sense. It offers a more personal and engaging way to connect with your audience.
You can enter the real-time world of video marketing without worrying about setting up a new channel, such as Snapchat or YouTube, and gaining a following.
Behind the Scenes
Live video tends to keep audiences more captivated. You can take advantage of this by taking your audience through your content. They will gain more insight by taking them on office tours or showing your products.
You can give your audience exclusive access to your social media platforms.
Content Teasers
You can show your followers teasers of a product or service that’s coming soon by using Instagram Stories. Please gTo keep them intrigued, give them a glimpse of your new branding or logo.
Introduce Yourself
Instagram Stories are more personal than any other social media. Your followers can see and hear you, giving them the feeling that they are getting to know who you are.
Asking your followers to submit questions will increase interaction.
Promotions
Offer exclusive discounts and promotions to increase your Instagram followers. This will also encourage them to engage with you. Giving out voucher codes and running competitions exclusively for Instagram users will encourage people to follow you.
Takeovers
Influencer marketing via video is particularly effective. Many brands have successfully used this concept on Snapchat. Glamour Magazine, for instance, lets celebrities take over their account for a day to keep their followers guessing and diversify the content.
You can ask influencers to manage your Instagram Stories if you are a brand or product that is a niche. This can increase your reach and generate buzz for your brand.
Marketing Tips for Instagram Stories
It will take some time to determine what type of content is most engaging for your audience.
Focus on providing value for your audience, regardless of the techniques you experiment with. Instagram Stories is a great content marketing tool, even though the posts are temporary and less planned. You should still give your audience what it wants.
Be sure to match your content with the tone of the channel. Avoid heavy sales pitches and be conversational.
Ask your followers directly for feedback if you are unsure about your efforts. Ask your followers what they would like to see. Let them guide you.
Conclusion
Investing time and effort into another social media tool can be intimidating, mainly when you cannot track your results. Instant video marketing can be a lengthy process. It may not result in immediate sales, leads, or conversions for many brands. However, the engagement and loyalty you build by posting regularly could be invaluable.