A complete guide to using Instagram stories for business in 2022 

Instagram is one of the best social media networking sites and is estimated to have 2.3 billion active users worldwide as of 2023. Instagram lets you share images and videos and also helps you in marketing your business online. Instagram allows you to build your brand image through pictures and videos far more effectively than Facebook or Twitter or any other social media website. 

Fun fact: On a normal day, there are 80 million photos shared on Instagram and 3.5 billion likes.

Contents

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1. What are Instagram stories?

2. What are story highlights?

3. how to add a story on instagram?

4. Instagram story tips to build your business

5. How to get more Instagram story views?

What are Instagram stories?

Instagram stories were officially introduced on 2nd August 2016. Instagram Stories are only 15 seconds long and disappear 24 hours after they are posted but you can add them to your story highlights. Whereas, Instagram posts appear on your profile forever until you delete or archive them. 

Unlike instagram posts, Instagram Stories offer a wide range of tools that encourage engagement. This includes a variety of different stickers, polls, quiz, music and a lot more. People can even reply to your stories instantly after viewing them with a reaction emoji or a message. 

Instagram Stories are packed full of features that are perfect for capturing viewers’ attention and most importantly, converting them into loyal customers. 

What are story highlights? 

Story highlights can be made by adding your stories for viewers to take a look at the stories you uploaded. They will remain on your profile forever until and unless you delete them. Story highlights are a fantastic way of expressing yourself through the stories you have shared. It’s a great way to keep your most successful stories running and visible to your stalkers on your profile. 

For business, story highlights can be used to showcase your best products or group different products in a different story highlight. This saves people from having to scour through endless pictures and videos to find what they want. Instagram highlights is your chance to showcase different sides of your business such as BTS (Behind the scenes), customer reviews etc. 

How to add a story on instagram?

1. Open the instagram app on your phone.
2. Tap on

1. At the top right and select ‘story’.

3. Long press on the white button to record a video and click once to take a selfie or picture. You can even try experimenting with different instagram filters.
4. If you want to post a video or picture from your gallery then click on the bottom left which directs you to your gallery.
5. You can also add stickers, temperature, GIFs, location etc. 

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6. Once your story is ready, tap on “your story” 

That’s all! Isn’t it fun? 

  Instagram story tips to build your business 

Instagram stories are a powerful tool which can be used to promote your business. Instagram Stories are a great way to reach potential new customers and build a stronger connection with your existing ones. Below are a few key tips which will help you build your business in all aspects;

1. Use poll stickers

polls are a great way to help you know your audience better. Starting a poll on Instagram will help you discover what your audience expect from your new product or service. Polls can be really fun and interactive. Try asking customers which of your products they enjoy or use the most. 

You can use Instagram posts to alert your followers about an upcoming poll so they’ll be more likely to tune in to your story. Responses to your survey can help you create relevant content based on customer interests, and can even provide ideas for your next marketing campaign. 

2. Use question stickers to hear from your audience

Adding Questions to your Stories is easy, but with a little planning it can also be useful for your content strategy and your brand reputation. Depending on your company and your audience, you may get tough questions or even negative feedback, so you should be prepared to respond to those. 

Do not forget to answer the questions! Tap the individual replies to open a new Story that will respond to it. Try answering the most common questions but make sure you don’t overload them. Make sure you achieve something while answering these questions whether that’s gathering product feedback, building trust with customers, or adding momentum to a campaign. Make all your efforts count!

3. Put up a quiz using quiz stickers

Select the quiz sticker option from the sticker tray. Decide on your multiple-choice question and customize the answers. Instagram lets you choose up to 4 options for your instagram quiz. Quiz stickers can also be used to help your audience get to know you and your business.

Use quiz stickers to encourage your followers to engage with your brand, then track the results, you can do this by simply swiping up to see how many votes each option received. So, the possibilities for marketing here are endless! 

4. Go live on instagram stories

Instagram live allows you to easily connect with your community in an authentic way. You’ll immediately grab Instagram users’ attention, especially because active users that follow you will get a notification every time you go live. 

It's great for building engagement, connecting directly with your users, sharing news, and establishing your brand. Instagram Live breaks down the barrier between you and your audience. It gives you an opportunity to have a real conversation and interact in real-time. 

5. Use instagram story ads

Instagram Stories ads are the perfect way to reach new audiences and showcase your brand. In an Instagram Stories ad, a ‘sponsored’ label appears in the top, right corner of your post and reveals that your post is an ad.

 Make sure your Instagram Stories ads fit seamlessly in with your overall Instagram aesthetic. 75% of Instagram users take action, such as visiting a website or making a purchase, after looking at Instagram ads. 

How to get more Instagram story views?

1. Use hashtags 

Hashtags can increase your brand’s exposure and help you reach more people. Relevant and appropriate hashtags will ensure that your Stories get more views. Just like instagram posts, people can find your story using the hashtags you use in them. 

You can opt for a branded hashtag that your audience can use as well when they engage with you, or you can use hashtags that are already popular. Only if used correctly. Hashtags have become a powerful tool to increase engagement. 

2. Post stories constantly

Consistency is the key to success. When you stop posting stories, people might get bored and will unfollow you. Therefore, being consistent with posting stories daily will help your brand in all aspects. Get creative with your stories. 

Posting actively at regular intervals will offer your stories the maximum chance to reach more people and gain more followers. Posting stories consistently can also impact how your posts perform in the Instagram algorithm. 

3. Share music on your stories

Music has the ability to unite and bring people together. You can share musical interests and playlists from Spotify or Apple music to your Instagram Stories.

After you post your content, your fans and followers will be able to click on the “Play on Spotify” option available on the upper left corner of the screen and listen to the playlist you shared. 

Conclusion

Utilize all of these amazing Instagram features to show your audience how awesome your company or brand is! 

Happy posting! 🥳