If you didn’t ‘gram it, did it really happen? Instagram is one of the hottest social media platforms out there. It taps into the essential human desire for imagery. Endless scrolling is addictive. We can follow our favorite celebrities, friends and businesses on Instagram — staying informed in a visual manner.
With the recent release of IGTV, Instagram proves that it’s ready to adapt and hold on to its spot as a key player in the ever-evolving social media world. For marketers, this means we must adapt, too.
Instagram’s story feature is one way businesses can harness the power of having hundreds, maybe thousands, of viewers’ eyes on your business.
Here are a few hacks you can start using today to improve your Instagram story game:
1. Use Cutstory to Eliminate Awkward Pauses
Nothing’s worse than getting cut off in the middle of an Instagram story. Because the app only allows 15 seconds of screen time before it cuts off to the next story, creating a coherent story can be difficult. Thanks to Custory, however, you can film your video without worry of getting cut off, then have it chopped down in convenient 15-second bytes. It’s one of our favorite hacks. The only downside is the watermark in the corner — but it’s a sacrifice we’re willing to live with.
2. Use Your Location and Hashtags
If you want more eyes on your stories, then make sure to splash your location and company hashtag everywhere. This allows you to build your bank of content associated with your business while also maintaining a strong presence in your local market. If you feel like you’re “over-doing” it, then you’re probably doing it right.
3. Encourage Viewers to DM You
DM is short for “direct message.” It’s when someone sends you a message through the Instagram app. Encourage your audience to DM you with questions, or use the feature to share how they’re interacting with your business. This will not only make you appear more personal and relatable, but it will also make you look Instagram-savvy in the process 😉