Ever since the Instagram algorithm changed, I feel like people prefer Instagram stories over actual feeds. I know I do. And it isn’t just because Instagram shows me pictures from 3 days ago. It’s because I feel like Instastories are a way for me to connect more deeply with the people I follow.
I personally love Instastories. They’re more unfiltered and raw. Plus it’s a way for me to get to communicate directly with you guys. I think that this is a very important tool that we have access to, and one creators should take full advantage of. So here are 5 tips to kill it on Instagram stories.
Ask Your Community What They Want To See
What better way to deliver high-value content to your community than to ask them what they want to see? The questions feature is great for this! I regularly ask the Icing & Glitter community what kind of content they like from me. It’s their time to request any specific story ideas or even suggest that I do things differently. I really believe that Instagram should be thought of as more of a community than a popularity contest, and this is a great way to get your audience involved.
Get To Know Your Community
If you don’t know who your community is, who are you talking to? I know the most active members of my community by name. I’ve also made it a priority to get to know who they really are, from their likes and dislikes to how they take their coffee in the morning. Use the questions feature on Instagram Stories to ask your audience questions. Get their thoughts on a specific topic and start a conversation.
Create A Weekly Series
If you know people are really enjoying a specific kind of content for you, create a weekly series! This is a great way to give your community something to look forward to. I decided to do this pretty recently when I got A TON of messages asking about my grocery recommendations for Whole Foods. Now I do a series where I showcase exactly what I’m buying and why.
Another great example of this is my friend Steph Gee who has a Sunday Style Section series where she showcases the images she’s been saving on Instagram every Sunday. It’s a great way to feel inspired!
Use The Swipe Up Feature
You guys, I love this feature. I use it to link to everything from a relevant post on my blog to the jeans I’m wearing to my favourite nut butter. Again, it’s a great way to deliver high-value content to your community.
Show Your Creativity
Earlier this year, I hired a graphic designer to create graphics specifically for stories. While 95% of my stories are real time, I use graphics to direct people to relevant blog posts and podcast episodes. I think it’s just something a little special because it’s different. Of course not everyone wants or needs to hire a designer, which is why there’s apps like Unfold, Storyluxe and Canva out there. Use them to get creative!
Respond to Every DM
This is a big one. I will keep saying it until I’m blue in the face, and even then I’ll say it some more: Instagram is not a popularity contest. If someone takes the time to DM you, get back to them. If your inbox is flooded with FAQs, then answer it on stories as a whole and direct people to that answer. Don’t just ignore people, it’s rude. Plus, this is how you get to know your community and really connect with them. Take full advantage. I think it’s a privilege that people take the time to respond to my stories to ask questions. Even if I’m a few days late, I always respond.
Get Real
In the over-curated world of Instagram, realness is a breath of fresh air. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and the real, mundane things that you do every day. I love to give the Icing & Glitter community a look into my everyday, from hanging out with my brother to watching a basketball game. I love sharing my skincare routine, what I’m making for dinner, and my workouts. It’s just a great opportunity to allow people to get to know you better and show something more than your highlight reel.
PS – Check out my how to launch a blog and everything you need to know about sponsored posts.