Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan

Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan
Jen Jordan brings a wealth of life and leadership experiences to her writing. After 10 years creating a variety of content for a nonprofit, Jen decided to establish her own writing business. She specializes in creating high quality blog and website content for small businesses. When she's not writing, Jen is a competitive triathlete with a goal of completing a triathlon in all 50 states.

6 Instagram Story Ideas for Small Businesses

6 Instagram Story Ideas for Small Businesses

Instagram is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms. With more than one billion active users each month, Instagram offers an excellent strategy to reach your ideal audience. Small businesses are harnessing the power of Instagram to educate and build trust with current and potential customers.

While most Instagram users create static posts, one often-overlooked feature is "Instagram Stories." While static posts are permanent and stay on your followers’ feeds, an Instagram Story lasts just 24 hours and can include video and other formats.

6 Instagram Story Ideas for Small Businesses

Instagram Stories are a clever tool to express creativity and connect with your audience. You can share photos and short videos, add text, draw on your photos, and even add audio or music.

It can feel overwhelming to dive into using Instagram Stories for your small business feed. Here are a few clever topics and ideas from small business marketing experts.

1. Use Instagram Live

Live videos connect more personally with your audience. You can use the live format in various ways-from introducing a new product to touring your facility and anything in between. Your audience wants to peek "behind the scenes" to get to know you and your business. A brief live story conveys authenticity, transparency, and trustworthiness.

2. Use Instagram Story for Q&A or FAQ

Instagram Stories are also an excellent tool for Q&A or Frequently Asked Questions. Consider creating Instagram Live stories to answer real customer questions and to educate your audience about frequently asked questions.

Another great educational opportunity is to answer questions your customersshouldask when shopping for your product or service.

3. Use Instagram Stories to Engage Your Audience with Polls

Did you know you can create polls through Instagram Stories? People love to share their opinions and ideas. Whether you ask your audience to help name your newest product or ask people to share questions about your products or service, polls can be a powerful tool for small businesses to build trust. Instagram Stories make polls easier and more fun.

4. Interview an Industry Expert on Instagram Live

Create short Instagram Live stories interviewing industry leaders or influencers. This strategy will also expand your reach as the people you interview share your stories on their social media accounts.

Engaging other industry experts also positions you as a trusted source of knowledge and builds trust with your followers.

5. Use Instagram Stories to Market Your Website or Blog Post

Use Instagram Stories to drive traffic to your website or a specific blog post. Promote new blog content, services, or other parts of your website.

Small businesses with more than 10,000 followers have access to the "swipe up" feature in Instagram, which allows you to add a link to your story. This powerful tool makes it easy for your Instagram followers to click through to your blog or website.

6. Spotlight Local Events and Partners

Highlight local events and strategic partners in your Instagram Stories. This is an effective way to connect with your audience and conveys that you are rooted in the community. It also creates opportunities to tag locations with location-based hashtags and location stickers, which can help you gain more followers in your geographic area.

There are countless ways to get creative and use Instagram Stories on your small business Instagram page. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the strategies that fit your personality and connect with your audience.

Works Cited

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/9-instagram-story-ideas-for-your-business/522798/

https://feedalpha.com/35-creative-instagram-story-ideas-for-businesses/

https://blog.hootsuite.com/how-to-use-instagram-for-business/

https://ducttapemarketing.com/instagram-stories-guide/

https://boosted.lightricks.com/instagram-marketing-tips-for-small-business/

https://buffer.com/library/instagram-small-business/