Instagram has developed into a vital resource for companies and event planners. With over a billion users using the network each month, you can't afford to ignore it if you want to expand your brand and events. Instagram Stories is one of its most captivating features; it's an effective means of establishing a lighthearted, imaginative, and genuine connection with your followers.
However, how can you maximize Instagram Stories to guarantee that your events and business grow? Let's look at some ideas and strategies to help you get started and engage your audience.
Instagram Stories offer a unique way to engage with your audience in real time. They are short-lived, lasting only 24 hours, which creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity. This fleeting nature encourages your followers to check your profile regularly, ensuring you stay on top of their minds. Instagram Stories also lets you publish user-generated material, advertise events, display behind-the-scenes photos, and much more.
Stories are interactive, offering features like polls, questions, and swipe-up links. These interactive elements can significantly boost your engagement rates and provide valuable insights into what your audience likes and wants.
Now, let’s explore 15 Instagram Story ideas that can help you grow your events and business.
Show your audience what goes on behind the scenes. Whether you’re setting up an event, preparing products, or brainstorming new ideas, give them a peek into your daily operations. This not only humanizes your brand but also builds trust and authenticity.
Use the countdown sticker to create excitement around upcoming events. This feature allows your followers to set reminders so they don’t miss out. It’s a great way to build anticipation and ensure higher attendance.
Encourage your followers to share their experiences with your events or products. Repost their content on your Stories to build a sense of community and show appreciation. It also serves as social proof, encouraging others to participate.
Host live Q&A sessions to interact with your audience directly. This can be about anything – your upcoming event, your business journey, or even fun, personal anecdotes. It’s a great way to build a deeper connection with your followers.
Use the poll and question stickers to engage your audience. Ask for their opinions on upcoming events, new product ideas, or even what content they’d like to see next. This not only boosts engagement but also provides you with valuable feedback.
After an event, create a highlight reel of the best moments. This could include snippets of performances, key speakers, or happy attendees. It’s a great way to showcase your event’s success and entice others to join future ones.
Announce flash sales or exclusive offers through Stories. The temporary nature of Stories creates urgency, encouraging immediate action. Make sure to include clear calls to action, such as “Swipe up to book now” or “DM us to claim your discount.”
Share short tutorials or how-to guides related to your products or services. This adds value for your followers and positions you as an expert in your field. For example, if you’re promoting a cooking event, share a quick recipe tutorial.
Feature testimonials from satisfied customers or event attendees. This acts as powerful social proof, convincing potential customers of your credibility and the quality of your offerings.
Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to take over your Instagram Stories for a day. This might broaden the audience for your brand and provide your content with a new viewpoint.
Give your followers a sneak peek of what’s coming up. This might be a brand-new item, an interesting project, or an upcoming occasion. It builds anticipation and keeps your audience interested.
Engage your audience with interactive games and challenges. This could be as simple as a “This or That” game, a trivia quiz related to your industry, or a photo challenge. It’s a fun way to boost engagement and get your followers involved.
Partner with influencers to promote your events or products through their Stories. Influencers can help your brand gain a reputation and reach a wider audience. Make sure to choose influencers whose followers align with your target audience.
Share real-time updates during your events. This keeps those who couldn’t attend in the loop and creates a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), encouraging them to participate in future events.
Use Story Highlights to keep your best Stories accessible beyond the 24-hour limit. Make subject-specific highlights like "Events," "Testimonials," "Behind the Scenes," and so on. This allows new followers to catch up on what they’ve missed and provides easy access to important content.
Ready to make interesting Instagram stories?
The simplicity of an Instagram Story does not detract from its effectiveness. These 15 innovative Instagram Story ideas demonstrate that you can produce high-quality content without investing extensive time in creating and editing your posts.
Instagram Stories provide a platform for users to creatively experiment with their content, unlike other post types. With the ability to share multiple photos and videos throughout the day, you can engage with your audience without overwhelming them with excessive posts.
Don't be scared to share your well-performing Instagram Story as a feed post as well. Simply resize your images to meet the look of your Instagram grid and the post-flow on your Instagram feed.
You are ready to take advantage of Instagram Stories' potential if you follow these pointers and inspiration. Try new things, interact with your audience, and observe how your event and business development change as a result.