Effectively using Instagram stories can be incredibly helpful when it comes to boosting engagement. The more often your followers interact with you, the more likely Instagram shows your content to them on a regular basis. For example, if one of your followers begins engaging with your Instagram stories, it is likely that Instagram will begin showing that follower your in-feed posts regularly. Let’s discuss how to encourage your audience to engage with your stories (resulting higher overall engagement on your page) with these Instagram story ideas!
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Instagram Story Ideas To Boost Engagement
1. Use Instagram stories to extend the conversation on your in-feed posts
A great way to boost engagement is by using Instagram stories to extend the conversation on your latest in-feed post. For example, let’s say you post a photo of your current favorite books and in the caption ask your followers what their favorite book is. Using the question sticker, post an Instagram story at the same time that also asks what your followers’ favorite book is.
Did you know that it can take someone up to 7 times to see the same message before taking action? By asking the same question in your Instagram stories, you’ll increase response rate. In addition, it will expand the conversation, engaging a wider group of people.
2. create a “get to know you” series
Also using the question sticker, ask your audience a series of questions that encourages them to share fun facts about themselves and allows you to get to know them better. This will strengthen your relationship plus provide inspiration for future content! Knowing your audience’s specific interests is incredibly valuable insight. [Click here to get your “Meet My Audience” worksheet]
For more actionable ideas on how to increase your Instagram engagement, get my engagement-boosting activity check-list below:
3. Post question responses
Posting your audience’s responses is powerful. The goal here is to emphasize the similarities that you and your audience share – this builds and strengthens your community. Try posting the most common responses you receive first. For example, if the majority of fashion blogger’s audience say they love shopping at Anthropologie, she should post these responses first. If the majority of the food blogger’s audience say they love chocolate cake, he should post these responses first.
You know that wonderful feeling that comes over you when you meet someone that you have a ton in common with? You have the opportunity to give your audience that feeling when you enable them to see that they are a part of a community that shares similar passions, favorites, inspirations, etc.
4. Create a game/trivia quiz
Everyone likes games! Create a trivia quiz on your Instagram stories using the “quiz” feature. This provides your audience with a form of entertainment and a fun opportunity to engage with your content.
Click here to learn how to design beautiful + engaging Instagram stories
5. Use the Countdown feature
Use the countdown feature to count down to an event you and your audience are both looking forward to or generate excitement around a specific piece of content/announcement you are planning to share.
6. Include a free gift
Send some love to your followers by surprising them with a free gift. You can do this by purchasing an online gift card and sharing the barcode in your story.
7. Create shareable content
Create content that viewers are likely to share on their own accounts. This could be a fill in the blank template or a fun resource like a movie or book list!
What is your favorite Instagram story feature to use?
