Imagine being able to connect with your audience instantly, share your brand's story visually, and build a loyal customer base—all through a single feature on a social media platform.

Instagram Stories offer this and more, making them an essential marketing tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs. With its ever-growing popularity, Instagram Stories have integrated themselves into the daily lives of business owners, offering diverse ways to connect with audiences through limited 24-hour pictures, videos, and interactive features.

If you’re not using Instagram Stories for your business yet, it’s time to start!

Why Instagram Stories Matter for Your Business

Instagram Stories allow business owners to engage with customers instantly and increase overall sales. Its visual nature, high engagement rates, effective advertising options, and interactive features make it a powerful tool for business growth.

With over 1 billion active users on Instagram, Stories provide access to a vast and diverse audience.

This makes it an ideal feature for reaching potential customers across different demographics.

Here are a few reasons your business should be using Instagram Stories and how it can benefit you:

1. Visual Storytelling

Instagram Stories are highly visual, perfect for storytelling through photos and videos. This allows businesses to showcase their products, services, and brand personality in a visually appealing way. Visual content is more engaging and memorable, helping you capture and retain your audience's attention.

Example: Share high-quality images of your products in use or behind-the-scenes videos of your team at work. This visual storytelling can create a stronger connection with your audience.

2. High Engagement Rates

Instagram Stories boast higher engagement rates compared to other social media features. Users are more likely to engage with content on Stories through views, replies, and interactive elements. This interactive audience leads to increased brand loyalty and stronger relationships with your customers.

Example: Encourage engagement by using polls, quizzes, and question stickers in your Stories. Higher engagement translates to more loyal customers.

3. Effective Advertising Options

Instagram Stories offer robust advertising options, including photo ads, video ads, and carousel ads. These ads can be highly targeted based on user demographics, interests, and behaviours. Targeted ads ensure that your content reaches the right audience, increasing the chances of converting viewers into customers.

Example: Run a targeted ad campaign promoting a special offer to a specific demographic that matches your ideal customer profile.

4. Influencer Marketing Opportunities

Instagram Stories are a go-to feature for influencer marketing. Collaborating with influencers can help you reach new audiences and build credibility through trusted voices. Influencer partnerships can amplify your brand message and drive more traffic to your business.

Example: Partner with a local influencer to promote a new product. Their endorsement can introduce your brand to a wider audience.

5. Community Building

Instagram Stories help you build a community around your brand. By engaging with followers through comments, direct messages, and interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions, you create a loyal customer base. A strong community increases customer retention and encourages word-of-mouth marketing.

Example: Host regular Q&A sessions where you answer customer questions about your products or industry. This interaction fosters a sense of community and trust.

Ten Ways to Use Instagram Stories

Now that you understand why you need to be on Instagram Stories, let’s discuss how to use them effectively.

As a social media consultant with 15 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Instagram Stories. Even if you’re not comfortable putting your face on screen or talking to a camera, you can still use Instagram Stories to grow your business.

Here are ten examples of what you can post, why it’s important, and how it can increase your customer engagement and sales:

1. Behind-the-Scenes Content

Share a photo or short video of your workspace, product creation process, or team members at work.

Why It’s Important: This humanizes your brand and builds a personal connection with your audience.

Impact: Customers feel more connected to your business, leading to increased loyalty and sales.

2. Product Highlights

Use Stories to showcase new or popular products with high-quality photos or videos.

Why It’s Important: Regularly highlighting your products keeps them top of mind for your audience.

Impact: Increased product visibility can drive more sales and customer interest.

3. Customer Testimonials

Share screenshots of positive customer reviews or short video testimonials.

Why It’s Important: Social proof is a powerful tool for building trust and credibility.

Impact: Potential customers are more likely to purchase when they see others have had a positive experience.

4. User-Generated Content

Repost photos or videos that your customers have shared featuring your products.

Why It’s Important: Showcasing real customers using your products creates authenticity.

Impact: Encourages more customers to share their own content, increasing brand visibility and engagement.

5. Exclusive Offers and Promotions

Announce flash sales, discount codes, or special promotions exclusively on Stories.

Why It’s Important: Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity can drive immediate action.

Impact: Boosts sales and rewards your most engaged followers.

6. Polls and Q&A Sessions

Use the poll or question sticker to engage with your audience and gather feedback.

Why It’s Important: Interactive content encourages participation and shows you value customer input.

Impact: Helps you understand customer preferences and improve your products or services.

7. Tips and How-Tos

Share short tutorials or tips related to your industry or products.

Why It’s Important: Providing valuable content positions you as an expert in your field.

Impact: Builds trust and keeps your audience coming back for more, increasing engagement and potential sales.

8. Event Coverage

Post updates and highlights from events you attend or host, such as trade shows, workshops, or community gatherings.

Why It’s Important: Keeping your audience in the loop about your activities enhances transparency.

Impact: Creates a sense of community and involvement, boosting engagement and brand loyalty.

9. Behind-the-Brand Stories

Share your brand story, mission, and values through a series of images or videos.

Why It’s Important: Customers are drawn to brands with a compelling story and clear values.

Impact: Strengthens your brand identity and attracts like-minded customers who support your mission.

10. Day-in-the-Life

Document a typical day in your business through a series of short clips or photos.

Why It’s Important: Gives your audience a peek into your daily operations and builds relatability.

Impact: Helps demystify your business processes and fosters a closer connection with your audience.

Instagram Stories offer a powerful way to connect with your audience and build relationships, even if you’re not comfortable being on camera. By sharing a mix of behind-the-scenes content, product highlights, customer testimonials, user-generated content, exclusive offers, interactive polls, helpful tips, event coverage, brand stories, and day-in-the-life posts, you build loyalty and trust. Over time, this increased engagement will translate into higher sales and a stronger brand presence. So, dive in and start sharing your unique story with the world!

Are you a tourism business and have a Digiport account? This FREE downloadable will help you get started with stories: 43 Short-Form Video Ideas for the Tourism Industry