Instagram Stories: 5 Creative Ways to Engage Audiences

On Instagram, “Engagement” is the name of the game.

After all, the better job you do at engaging your audience, the more likely they are to share your content with others, and possibly even become paying customers in the not-so-distant future.

Of course, actually getting your audience to engage is sometimes easier said than done, especially with so many rival accounts also trying to get the most out of Instagram.

This is most relevant with the recent introduction of Instagram Stories.

This new, Snapchat-esque feature has great potential for your marketing efforts, but how can you turn it into something that will actually connect with your target audience?

At Kicksta, we’ve identified five essential tips to enhance engagement through Instagram Stories. These strategies aim to captivate your audience, encourage interaction, and ultimately drive meaningful connections. By leveraging the interactive features of Instagram Stories—such as polls, questions, and swipe-up links—you can create immersive experiences that invite viewers to participate actively. Consistency in storytelling, coupled with compelling visuals and concise messaging, enhances the likelihood of content sharing and boosts overall engagement metrics.

Incorporating these tips into your Instagram Stories strategy not only amplifies your brand’s presence but also cultivates a community of engaged followers who are more likely to advocate for your brand and potentially convert into paying customers. Embrace the power of Instagram Stories to forge deeper connections and propel your marketing efforts to new heights.

1)  Make Your Content Exclusive

Exclusive content is a great way to drive follower growth and engagement.

Instagram Stories is the perfect platform for providing your audience with promotions or behind-the-scenes content they won’t find in their regular Instagram feeds or anywhere else.

Think all of this sounds a bit far fetched?

It’s not. In fact, Nike already used this method to reveal the University of Michigan’s new football jersey’s at the start of the 2016 college football season—check it out:

So, whether you give your users the inside scoop at a marketing event or use a Story to reveal a new contest or product, letting your audience know that interesting content is only going to be announced through this format is a sure-fire way to keep them coming back for more.

2) Use Vibrant Colors

Instagram Stories have revolutionized how users engage with visual content, similar to Snapchat’s appeal in allowing creative text and drawings on photos. This feature empowers you to enhance your Stories with vibrant text, colorful drawings, and imaginative elements that captivate audiences. From playful polka dots paired with text to elaborate thought bubbles, these artistic touches elevate the appeal of your Stories, making them visually compelling and engaging.

Beyond basic lines and dots, Instagram Stories serve as a canvas for unleashing your creativity. Incorporating flashy text and bright colors not only grabs attention but also encourages viewer interaction. Whether it’s through doodles, stickers, or animated effects, each element adds depth and personality to your Stories, resonating more effectively with your audience. By embracing these creative tools, you can transform ordinary updates into captivating visual narratives that foster deeper connections and boost engagement on the platform.

Embrace the artistic potential of Instagram Stories to showcase your brand’s unique voice and captivate your audience. By integrating creative elements thoughtfully, you can elevate your storytelling and enhance the overall impact of your marketing efforts on Instagram. Let your creativity shine through and turn each Story into an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on your viewers.

With emojis, filters, and other Stories editing tools, there’s really no limit to what you can do to make your Instagram Stories stand out—if Taco Bell can do it, so can your company.

3) Leverage Timeliness

A distinctive feature of Instagram Stories, akin to Snapchat, is their ephemeral nature—they vanish from your profile after 24 hours. While this may limit initial engagement opportunities, it also presents a unique advantage. Brands can leverage the urgency of Stories to drive audience engagement effectively. For instance, promoting a time-sensitive offer or exclusive event through a Story capitalizes on its fleeting visibility, creating a sense of immediacy and prompting immediate action from viewers.

Furthermore, the temporary lifespan of Stories ensures that content remains fresh and relevant, aligning with Instagram’s dynamic and real-time nature. This approach prevents clutter on your Instagram profile and encourages followers to stay tuned for updates. Additionally, repurposing Story content by downloading it for later use extends its lifespan and reinforces key messages beyond its initial posting. This strategic reuse maintains continuity in your brand’s storytelling and maximizes engagement over time.

By harnessing the ephemeral and versatile nature of Instagram Stories, brands can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. Whether it’s driving immediate engagement through exclusive offers or extending content longevity through strategic reuse, Stories offer a powerful tool for enhancing brand visibility and fostering meaningful connections on Instagram. Embrace the temporal dynamics of Stories to amplify your marketing efforts and create lasting impact with your audience.

#ThrowbackThursday? #ICYMI?

Those posts suddenly become easier to curate when you can pull from successful Story content.

4) Embrace Imperfection

While much of the content you produce on Instagram is carefully crafted and curated, Stories provide the perfect opportunity to demonstrate brand authenticity.

And that means throwing a lot of photography’s “best practices” out the window.

This isn’t to say you can’t make your Instagram Stories look every bit as nice as your standard Instagram posts, but you don’t always need to put the same spit-shine on your Stories that you do on regular, run-of-the-mill posts.

A spontaneous, behind-the-scenes video isn’t going to have the same professional look that normal content does, and that’s okay. Besides, Instagram Stories demonstrate your company’s personality and appeal in a far more meaningful way than meticulously planned content ever could.

5) Target Your Audience Effectively 

Sure, targeting may not seem like the most creative marketing option for using Instagram Stories, but it’s something that elevates this feature well above Snapchat.

By targeting your Instagram Stories to a specific audience, you put your content on track to reach those who are likely to be interested in it, but aren’t yet familiar with your business’ account.

In recent months, liquor brands have been targeting their Instagram Stories to ensure that they’re viewed by those who are at least 21 years of age. By so doing, they restrict their content to only those who are able to legally buy their products.

Even though limiting the reach of your Instagram Story may seem counterintuitive, as a marketing means, it’s much more efficient, and can lead to better long-term results.

What’s Your Story?

In the dynamic landscape of social media marketing, Instagram Stories have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience on a more personal level. Unlike traditional posts, Stories offer a fleeting yet engaging format that allows brands to showcase their authenticity and creativity in real-time. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes glimpses, product launches, or interactive polls, Stories enable brands to narrate their journey and values directly to an eager audience.

Moreover, a well-crafted Instagram Stories strategy can complement and amplify your overall social media marketing efforts. It provides a platform to experiment with different content formats—from videos to boomerangs and live broadcasts—keeping your brand’s content fresh and engaging. Consistency in storytelling, coupled with strategic use of hashtags and location tags, further enhances discoverability and encourages audience participation.

As businesses embrace the storytelling potential of Instagram Stories, they open doors to limitless creativity and connection with their audience. By showcasing the human side of their brand, addressing customer queries promptly, and leveraging user-generated content, brands can cultivate a loyal following that eagerly awaits each new Story update. In essence, Instagram Stories not only enrich the brand’s social media presence but also pave the way for deeper engagement and lasting relationships with their audience.