Instagram Stories for Business: How to Create Engaging Stories

Do you use Instagram Stories? If not, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with your audience and increase engagement. But how are you supposed to create compelling stories if you don’t know what types of stories work well on the platform? Here’s a guide on how to create engaging Instagram Stories for your business.

What are Instagram Stories?

Instagram Stories allow users to share moments in their lives by posting photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours. This unique feature makes it easier for brands to share behind-the-scenes footage, announcements, and behind-the-scenes clips with followers in an authentic way while still maintaining the privacy of their accounts.

Creating a variety of Instagram Stories for your business doesn’t have to be time-consuming and difficult. In fact, you can use the same template to create your stories.

Here are the top ten tips and tricks on how to create engaging Instagram Stories:

1. Use the ‘Choose’ Feature Whenever Possible: 

The best way to get more followers is by using the ‘Choose’ option in stories. This feature allows users to choose a clip from an existing video, or create a clip with just an image or text of their choice. With this option, your followers will know that you’re still behind the scenes and keep coming back for more!

2. Use Hashtags: 

Hashtags are one of the best ways to increase your reach on Instagram. Use them in your stories to reach a target audience or to get featured in a hashtag story. As you create your content, remember that hashtags can be used not just the pictures and videos, but also in captions and comments. Thus, you can use them effectively in all four components of an Instagram Story.

3. Put Your Content First: 

When creating videos for your Instagram Stories, keep your content at the forefront and let it speak for itself. Don’t force long introductions into your content; instead, use captions to introduce yourself or explain what’s happening in the video if needed.

4. Make sure your audience doesn’t get too distracted: 

The best way to ensure that your audience doesn’t want to skip your content is to keep the clip short and focused. Always remember that the point of Instagram Stories is to capture a short, impactful moment and allow your followers to stay on the app for as long as they want.

5. Encourage followers to comment: 

One of the greatest ways to create engagement on Instagram Stories is by encouraging interaction from your followers. If you’ve created an interesting story for your business, think about how you can encourage more interaction, whether it’s by asking questions or by providing someone with a challenge (hint, hint – this strategy works well).

6. Grab people’s attention: 

Another great way to gain engagement to come back and view more of your content is to highlight the most engaging parts of your story, such as a surprise wrap-up or an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip. When done creatively, this strategy can get people excited and make them want to check out the rest of your content

7. Use real names: 

Nothing says “I’m authentic” like using real names with all your Instagram Stories. Add a personal voice and use first or last names instead of nicknames when possible. Keep in mind that your users want to see you as a real person, so be open and honest – they’ll love hearing from you!

8. Use filters: 

In addition to using first or last names, try using filters. Instagram Stories are perfect for images or videos that don’t require very much detail. For example, instead of giving a long play-by-play on your brand’s latest event, use an Instagram Story to give out details like the artwork, ticket numbers, price range, and time.

9. Use memes or animation: 

Memes are a fun way to attract followers and provide them with something they can share with their friends. If you’re having a hard time coming up with content ideas, try looking at your followers’ Instagram profiles and find an interesting picture or video that you can turn into a meme or animation.

10. Give sneak peeks: 

If you’re doing something behind-the-scenes, such as creating a new product, use that strategy to create suspense and hype your audience. If you can work promotional messages into your stories, then do it! But don’t be too obvious about it; subtlety is key to getting users excited about what’s coming next and how they can be a part of the experience.

Top Stories for Engagement: 

There are three main types of stories that tend to get the most engagement on Instagram. 

1. Behind-the-scenes or unboxing: 

Creativity is a huge part of Instagram Stories, so it’s not surprising that behind-the-scenes clips and unboxing videos are very effective on the platform. If your business is in retail or you have a new piece of merchandise that you’re trying to get people excited about, try making a behind-the-scenes video or an unboxing clip to see how it does!

2. Product tips: 

Make the most out of your products’ features by creating videos that show people how to use your products. These videos can be short and sweet, just long enough to give viewers the information they need and want.

3. Behind-the-scenes footage of other channels: 

If you’re not creating videos for your channel on Instagram, you can still include behind-the-scenes footage of other people’s videos. This is a great way to show people what your company would be like if they worked with you! It also works as a creative way to promote your own business.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, to craft stories for Instagram, you will have to begin with planning and setting goals. With this in mind, look at ideas that complement your vision and work towards them with purpose.

Besides this, if you do an outstanding job in creating the story, then it may go viral! And viral content typically results in more views and interactions which translates into more followers.