Creating Instagram Stories that connect with your audience
Instagram offers a fantastic platform to share your brand’s story in an engaging and authentic way. Whilst your main feed is all about showing off your product or service in a beautiful and evocative way, Instagram Stories (IG stories) affords an opportunity to share moments from your day and behind the scenes content. Stories remain on your profile for a maximum of 24hrs unless you choose to save them as a highlight.
So what kind of content works here? Well you have lots of options. Whilst it’s generally recommended to stick with a cohesive theme for your grid, there is a lot more freedom with IG stories with viewers looking for reality not perfection.
An ideas list
A day in the life - show what happens in your business and what you do day to day. Let your audience follow along.
Seasonal stories. Bring your viewer right into your scene by sharing seasonal moments such as a cup of home-made soup by a log fire, bare feet in the grass, wildflowers swaying in a meadow. Seasonal stories have universal appeal. You can also try shooting the same picture through the different seasons and show the contrast. (This also applies with different weather patterns).
What are you eating - with more of an emphasis on showcasing local providers and produce.
Local attractions and independent shops. Give a shout out to those places that you love that visitors might not know about or your favourite stockists.
A list of your favourite podcasts and books.
Customer shares. Profile your customer pictures of your service or product.
Content you are loving. (Make sure and credit appropriately).
More about your story. What was the inspiration behind your brand?
Show your product or service in action. E.g paddle boarding - take us on a tour in your paddle board. For accommodation - give us a video tour of the house. Think about theming it e.g. spots to snuggle up, best views in the house etc.
Creating highlights
On your profile page, click new in the story highlight section and select the group of images you want to include. On the next page, choose a title and a cover image. This keeps your selected story highlight on your profile page for as long as you want to.
How to share content that you love
When you come across something that you love on Instagram, use the paper aeroplane symbol underneath the post to share it in your story. This ensures that the original creators details are listed along with the image.
IG stories is a great way to connect with your audience and show them the real you and your inspiration. Spend some time on your favourite IG pages and focus on what makes their IG stories engaging to you. Whose feed do you always click on to see IG stories and why?
If you keep it fun and create/ share content that inspires you, it will be reflected in your IG stories and provide an authentic way for you to connect with your audience.