New Year, New Instagram Stories
As we approach the New Year, we tend to be thinking of certain ways we upgrade and elevate our lives. One digital goal we have at The Sampson House is to elevate our Instagram stories! New Year, new Instagram stories, right?
Instagram, from a simple sharing photo app back in 2010, has evolved into the main marketing channel for millions of business. Whether you are an Instagram newbie or a veteran, these tricks from our pro social media specialists will help create beautiful and successful Instagram stories.
1. Utilize Engagement Features
Instagram stories are meant to engage your followers…so engage them!! Remember, you’re not just posting out into a void where no one will see your content. Real people want to interact with your content in personable ways! Here are few ways you can put more thought into your Insta story engagement:
Poll- A great little gadget for your followers to make decisions for you! Is it ‘Doughnut’ or ‘Donut’? See what your friends think. We recently polled our followers on their favorite Thanksgiving sides. It was a great opportunity to interact with our audience and gage their food preferences…
Question- Let your followers ask you questions. You can save these questions & answers in your story highlight for followers to easily track and find next time.
Sharable Template- We made these quarantine templates awhile back (that are unfortunately still relevant). It gives your followers the opportunity share your content with their followers while also having the kind of personalized fun you get from taking an online quiz. Make sure to include your logo on your templates so people can refer back to your page as the templates get passed on! Click on each template to download.
P.S. Feel free to use these templates on your Insta story ;)
2. Get Creative
Now the real fun begins. The best stories are the ones that go above and beyond with visuals. Those basic tools that are available with Instagram stories can go a long way if you know how to use them. Try these pro tips to enhance your stories originality!
Sticker Library- Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Try these search terms to find these cute, hidden gems of stickers.
Catch the Rainbow- Not finding the color you want to use in the basic palette they offer? Hold down on one color and the entire color spectrum will pop up so you can fine-tune your color options.
Eraser Tool Art- An eraser can be used for much more than just getting rid of mistakes! Use it to create a 3D affect by drawing a spiral or halo around an object and then erasing where the object meets the line. If you have multiple lines in your design, erase every other one.
3. Highlight your best moments
Instagram Stories Highlight is a great tool to save and share your best work and moments to new followers. It can also be used as an FAQ folder for people to get to know about you or your business. Best of all, you can customize them to fit your feed or brand story.
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got a little gift for you: FREE Downloadable Highlight icons!
Click on each image to download your favorite!
4. Template Time!
Many Instagram influencers and brands have begun to use Instagram templates. These templates allow creators to match their stories and profiles aesthetic to create one cohesive brand. Instagram Stories templates are pre-made layouts with graphics, text, or animations that you can edit to fit each new story. If you want your followers to stop, look, and remember your Stories, give templates a try!
You thought we were done giving out Christmas presents? You thought wrong! Here’s an extra special set of holiday story templates you can use this season to upgrade your stories. Click on each template to download.
Pro-tip: Open the template in the Instagram Story editor, copy an image from your camera roll, paste into the Instagram story editor, and repeat!
Make sure to tag us @thesampsonhouse or use #thesampsonhouse so we can see your creations!
On the hunt for more Insta tips? Check out our blog on Instagram Caption Hacks to keep the ball rolling!
Best Digital Marketing Agency in Sioux Falls, SD
Our Digital Marketing Agency is located in Downtown Sioux Falls, SD.
Why Choose The Sampson House:
Award-winning agency with 10 Gold ADDY Awards
Expert team of dynamic creators
Full-service, white-gloved approach with all client interactions
