Social media is constantly changing. We know keeping up with the trends is hard work, but it’s time to add Stories to your digital marketing strategy.
“You mean I have to learn how to produce more content?”
We know that’s what you’re asking, but let us explain.
Snapchat was the first social media company to introduce Stories. A growing list of platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube now have some version of Stories. Users are able to upload photos or videos their followers can view for 24 hours.
So why should your brand utilize Stories?
First, we are storied people.
Storytelling is the most basic sense-making mechanism of the human brain. Your customers love stories. They often think in terms of a narrative, even if they don’t realize it. This social media feature allows you to take them on a journey with you as their guide.
Second, Stories keep your brand in front of people.
On most social media apps, Stories appear at the top. Followers may or may not scroll to see your latest post. But when you add content to your Story, your brand stays at the top of people’s newsfeed—and their minds!
Third, you can create unique content.
Social media apps offer some cool options in Stories not available to you for regular posts. Do you want to create a poll, add music or GIFs to your photos and videos, or make a geo-filter for a specific location followers can use? You can do all of this and more with Stories.
Don’t know where to start? Here are 5 easy ways to begin using Stories today.
1. Share your latest posts.
Don’t have any time to create new content right now? No problem! Just add your latest social media post to your story with a call to action to read it! It’s that simple. You give followers another opportunity to catch your content if they missed it in their newsfeed.
2. Ask followers a poll question in Instagram stories.
Do you want to get to know your customers or involve them in your decision-making process? Instagram allows you to create polls for your audience.
People want to be heard. Ask for their input in a new product or service you’re creating or pose a question that helps you know and understand them better.
3. Feature customers using your product.
If someone tags your brand in a post or story, add it to your story if their privacy settings allow it. Tell followers you’ll be featuring their posts with your product or service, and up the ante with a drawing or giveaway for participants.
Testimonials are powerful. Followers envision themselves using your product when they see it working for others in your story.
4. Go live and interact with your followers.
Going live is an easy way to start utilizing Stories. Business leaders earn trust when they’re easily accessible to customers and clients, and a live Q&A in your story is a great way to do that. You can also go live with a tutorial on how to use your product. The possibilities are endless with live streaming in Stories!
5. Link to your website.
Want to drive more traffic to your website? Several social media apps have an option for link sharing. Create a story with your favorite products, and tell followers to “swipe up” if they’d like to shop your store. Add a short video about your service and link to your website so followers can schedule a call or appointment.
Instagram does make link sharing harder if you don’t have a verified account or 10,000 followers. But don’t fret: click here for easy alternatives to share your site with followers! You can also direct them to the link in your bio.
We know this adds more content creation to your plate, but you’ll get the hang of Stories in no time if you start taking these steps today. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to start with your digital marketing strategy, our team is here to help. Schedule a call and let us help you tell your story today.
