Using Instagram stories to grow your business is not only a fun way to engage with your users. But it is also very creative and useful. It builds brand awareness, and if used in the right way, then it can also skyrocket your sales.
Introduction To Why Instagram Is A Powerful Growth Tool For Business
Instagram has more than 500 million users who daily log-in to it. The story feature on IG is a vastly used one. Users and businesses use it for one sole purpose: to promote themselves. Companies can use Instagram stories to reach new customers and to make their relations better with existing customers.
The feature of Instagram stories has been around since 2016 and has been popular ever since. Truthfully, the number of feed posts have significantly declined since the story feature came in. Instagram stories are great for business because customers get to experience a more authentic connection with brands.
If any brand posts a story, then it stays available for 24 hours. This gives a perfect content showcasing to the brands without too much production cost.
For the past few years, the story features of Instagram have significantly evolved. New features have continuously been added to it, like getting first-hand feedback and conversing in real-time with your fav brand. If you are a business owner and not posting enough stories, you can miss out on a great source of promotion.
Features To Boost Your Business With Instagram Stories
Instagram stories have many cool and easy to use features which increases user engagement. If you are out of ideas, then Instagram has got you covered with the new ‘create mode.’ Or if you want quick feedback from users, then fret not because the poll sticker is there for you. There are many similar features for you to use. Let’s discuss some of those.
Poll Stickers – Feature 1
These stickers are the fastest way of involving your followers in whatever you are doing. You can instantly involve them and boost your engagement rate. Polls are a great way of seeing your customer interactions.
For example, as a brand, you can put up a pole before launching new products. You can ask your users which colors they want to see in the new product collection. You can also ask them whether or not they can guess what the collection will be about.
Such poll questions will make your users excited with your brand and eager for more updates. Hence improving your engagement rate.
Emoji Sliding Stickers – Feature 2
This sticker is yet another easy way to engage users with what your business is up to. You can make your stories versatile on a whole new level because there are so many emojis available. The available emojis are usable for getting a quick reaction to your posts. However, the use of these emojis can be far greater.
For example, there is one skincare brand named ‘Lush cosmetics.’ They use the poll and emoji stickers very creatively. They ask about what kind of skin type users have and what they want to see next. They also use it to ask which free service the users (individually).
A personal touch in the posts by brands is what gives an involving feel to the customers. Because of this, the clients will take any recommendations seriously and will also buy from you. The emoji sticker slide is all that is needed to introduce that personal touch for your brand’s growth.
Question Stickers – Feature 3
Since their release in Jul 2018, the question stickers have been trendy. Undoubtedly, they are famous for all the right reasons because they in increasing interactions. From gathering valuable customer feedback to inviting your users to ask questions and queries. The question stickers are the answer to all your questions.
You can timely respond to all your audience’s questions promptly, whether directly or via DMs.
However, you have issues determining which questions to ask in Instagram stories; then, you can take guidance from Ace Assignments in order to get engaging content.
Fun Quizzes stickers – Feature 4
If you aim to achieve clicks and a good boost on your product reach, then quizzes are what you need. Quizzes are a fun way to communicate with your brand’s insight. You can also use quizzes for a new product launch or about anything fun.
The brands aren’t just about shopping anymore. They are more focused on customer care. The best way to show your customers that you care is to interact with them.
Chatting Stickers – Feature 5
Along with the question stickers, Instagram released the chat feature, which is an excellent feature undoubtedly. With this feature, you can create a forum of your business with 32 participants.
The creator of the post also has this option to allow or decline people. So, as a brand representative, you can add 32 participants of your choice. Afterward, you are at freedom regarding which topic is essential and want to discuss it with your users.
Because this feature only allows a limited number of participants. It can also be used to test new products or carry out surveys.
Chatting Stickers – Feature 5
Along with the question stickers, Instagram released the chat feature, which is an excellent feature undoubtedly. With this feature, you can create a forum of your business with 32 participants.
The creator of the post also has this option to allow or decline people. So, as a brand representative, you can add 32 participants of your choice. Afterward, you are at freedom regarding which topic is essential and want to discuss it with your users.
Because this feature only allows a limited number of participants. It can also be used to test new products or carry out surveys.
Going Live – Feature 6
Users love to see their favorite brand’s representative in front of them. This way, your users will get excited and interact more with your brand. You can also answer questions and give shout outs to users to make them feel more special.
BTS – Feature 7
As we all know, BTS means, Behind the Scenes. It can really give an insight into your business to your clients. The little clips and pictures tell the story of your brand and how every product comes into being. It also shows your employee’s dedication towards making people happy and their work enthusiasm.
BTS are some of the most precious stolen moments that can work wonders when it comes to winning over clients. Using the BTS will make the users think that they are an essential part of your company. They will support your products and become your loyal customers –on whom you can rely.
Using Influencers For Business – Feature 7
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are full of influencers. The influencers have taken over these platforms so much that a layperson will now trust the word of influencer more than he will trust actors/actresses.
The job of influencers is to use a product, use it, and then review it. Sometimes they also promote certain products. Influencers get so much engagement because they are ordinary people like most who use products and then give an honest review over it.
The top Instagram influencers get contracts from big brands and promote their products. Because all the brands also know that the fan following of influencers can grow their business.
Picture Attribution: Pinterest
You can also get your brand promoted by influencers as it is an affordable and easy way of business growth.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, I hope that you realize how important Instagram stories are for your business. With these features, you improve your brand’s awareness, drive engagement, sales, drive traffic, etc. Once you get the hang of it, then you can upgrade your Instagram plan.
