Having a great product or service isn’t enough to drive sales. First, there’s the competition. Second, consumers expect personalized experiences from the brands they engage with.
The solution? Nurture your customers by sharing meaningful content on the platforms they hang out on. For example, you can leverage Instagram Stories to connect with them on a deeper level and build lasting relationships.
Focus on building a strong Instagram strategy, especially if your business is visual. Use Stories to engage with your audience and get feedback in real time. Here’s how to do it right.
What Are Instagram Stories?
If you’re just starting your business, use an online store builder to set up your e-shop. Once your store is live, begin sharing product photos, behind-the-scenes shots, and other types of content on Instagram.
For example, Instagram Stories are photos and videos that stay on your feed for only 24 hours. They appear at the top of the Instagram app, which can help you reach a wider audience.
This feature is ideal for sharing quick tips, product updates, news, and everyday moments. By doing so, you’ll build a stronger bond with your audience and give your business a human face.
If you want the content to remain visible on your profile page, you can save it as a Story Highlight. Plus, your followers have the option to screenshot a Story they like and then save it to their computers or smartphones.
How to Use Instagram Stories to Drive Sales
IG Stories lets you experiment with different types of content, from product videos to polls and quizzes. This way, you can continuously refine your Instagram strategy and find new ways to drive engagement.
For instance, you can use them to attract and engage customers, which can ultimately drive sales. Glamnetic and other visual brands leveraged this feature to build up their audience.
Running a flash sale? Want to share a quick update? Create an Instagram Story. It’s a great way to get customers’ attention without coming off as salesy.
For starters, use these strategies to grow your business with Instagram Stories.
Showcase Your Products
With Stories, you can share product photos, videos, slideshows, and everything in between. If, say, you’ve just received merchandise or launched a new product line, create IG Stories to showcase your offering.
Another option is to give your followers a sneak peek into upcoming products. Use countdown stickers to create excitement and keep your customers in the loop.
Add relevant hashtags to increase your reach. So, if you’re showcasing a pair of sunglasses, use hashtags like #sunglassfashion, #sunglasslovers, and #summervibes.
Educate Your Audience
IG Stories are ideal for sharing live demos, quick tips, and industry news. What’s more, you can answer frequently asked questions related to your products or services. Or create a specific “ask me anything” (AMA) to drive engagement.
This kind of content makes it easier to inform and educate your audience. And it’s more digestible than plain text and less time-consuming than a standard video demo, webinar, or Q&A session.
Run Special Deals and Promotions
Leverage IG Stories to share limited-time deals, flash sales, or discount codes. You can also run promotions available only to the first 10, 50, or 100 customers to create a sense of urgency.
Similarly, you can use this Instagram feature to highlight seasonal sales. Or run giveaways and contests with prizes.
For example, ask your followers to share how they use your product—and then reward the most creative answers with freebies or coupon codes.
Create Teaser Campaigns
Planning to launch a new product or service? Use Stories to “leak” bits of information about it and spark curiosity.
Let’s say you want to release a coffee mug for gym-goers. Create a series of Stories to reveal clues about its design and key features. Use gym-themed visuals along with relevant text, like “Something exciting is brewing.”
You can also post behind-the-scenes shots of the design or manufacturing process. Use text overlays, such as “Can you guess what this is,” to tease your audience.
Drive Brand Awareness for a New Business
As mentioned earlier, Instagram Stories appear at the top of users’ feeds. Therefore, they have the potential to garner more views and engagement than other regular IG posts.
With that in mind, use Stories to drive brand awareness and website traffic.
If, say, you run a dropshipping business, highlight different products in your Stories. Build a narrative around them and share expert tips related to their features. Show customers how your products would fit into their lives by sharing candid photos and videos.
Remember to include a link to the product page—along with a strong call-to-action (CTA). Use stickers and emojis to reinforce your CTA in a friendly, engaging manner.
Build Trust and Credibility
Share customer reviews and testimonials in your IG Stories to build trust with potential buyers. This can be an effective way to promote your business and build or improve your reputation.
Let’s assume you share a video review in Story format. Use text overlays to highlight the key points, such as what the customer loves about your product.
You can also post before-and-after shots, depending on what you sell. This strategy works best for online retailers selling makeup products, clothing items, home decorations, and other lifestyle products.
Make the Most Out of Instagram Stories
Get the most out of the time you spend on Instagram by sharing meaningful content. Aim for a combination of educational and promotional content, but don’t shy away from using humor to drive engagement.
With Stories, you can make your followers feel like they’re part of your brand’s journey. Think of it as a way to humanize your business and build genuine relationships.
Share your thoughts, offer expert tips, and encourage your audience to ask questions. Most importantly, create value at every touchpoint, whether you’re running a contest or posting about a new product.
