Instagram has become the go-to social media source for millions of people—it’s now the second most popular platform in the world. For business owners, this represents a perfect space for brand exposure.
Instagram’s Stories feature, especially, is setting them apart from the competition. Just as it sets them apart, however, it represents a new challenge for marketers to grow their brand’s exposure.
It can definitely be an effective marketing tool, though, and will help you grow Instagram followers for free, if you use it right. To get a start on mastering Instagram Stories, take a look at the following tips:
1) Take Advantage of Instagram Live
Instagram Live allows you to interact with your followers in real time. This gives them an incredibly accurate picture of the brand you wish to convey. Additionally, going into live mode will put you at the front of all the stories at the top of your followers’ feeds.
2) Give Your Viewers a ‘Day In the Life’ Experience
If a day in your life is sleeping in till ten, rolling into the office for a few hours, and then binging Arrested Development reruns, this may not be the best idea.
However, if you can bring viewers into the life of your business—show them the daily processes and give them an “insider’s perspective”—you can bolster your brand’s image, and will give you a way to increase brand exposure for free.
3) Build Up to Something
Some companies have mastered the art of using their Instagram Stories to lead their followers to some sort of new promotion.
For example, they may tease a product drop in short videos throughout the day, or post small segments of one large video, each building upon the last, until the grand reveal is, well, revealed. This may take a bit of muscle in terms of your videography and editing, but the result can be captivating.
4) Run a Hashtag Campaign to Gain Brand Exposure
This will likely take a sizable initial following to effectively put into practice, but a purpose-driven, “call to action” style hashtag campaign can mobilize your consumer base and will give you a calling card of sorts.
You’ll want to do some research to find the best way to go about this, however.
5) Get Your Viewers to Swipe Up
Instagram Stories allow you to link to your website, or any website, really. Post a video or photo about a product you’re using, a special that’s happening, or, even better, a worthy cause worth promoting, and tell your viewers to swipe up on your story to go to the website.
This makes it easy for them to get to where you want them to go, and it will give them a clear picture of what you want them to associate you with.
6) Show Your Product (or Service) In Action
This is easier for some than others. For example, if you make skateboards, you should have no problem showing them off in your story. If you make microchips, though, you’ll have to think outside of the box.
Take Intel, for example. While most are likely to be uninterested in semiconductor manufacturing, they show how their products can be put into action, piquing the interest of their followers and winning the attention of people who would otherwise never give them a second thought.
Odds are, you’re passionate about what you do. When it comes to building your brand, the most important thing you can do is to communicate that passion to your followers. The more you can gain the interest of your followers, the more you’ll be able to gain Instagram followers and boost your brand exposure for free. If you use Instagram Stories correctly, you’ll be able to do this with incredible success.
