Why & How To Use Instagram Stories for Your Business
Instagram Stories are one of the most powerful tools to sell... you need them for your marketing strategy.
I recently had a conversation with Anna about the challenges of using Instagram Stories effectively. There’s so much advice out there from "experts" on how to leverage this feature, but it can get overwhelming. Many of the strategies designed to boost views on Stories may actually hurt the community aspect of the platform. And while more views are great, they don’t always translate into sales.
As I said, it’s complicated.
That’s why I wanted to break down why you should use Instagram Stories and how to make the most of them.
We always say at Bloom Here Media, just because it works for us, doesn’t mean it will work for you. There are things experts tell us to do on Instagram that just do not work for some of our clients and their business models. Keep this in mind as you read on!
When I spoke to Anna, she emphasized something important: showing up authentically is key to building trust with our audience. People want to know you—the person behind the business. Instagram Stories gives your followers a glimpse into your day-to-day life, which is especially important if you're in a service-based industry.
Using Stories allows you to stay top-of-mind with your followers. Personally, I find myself engaging with Stories more than the feed itself. I love seeing the behind-the-scenes moments of people’s lives, and Stories often keep me updated on new posts, promotions, or updates. Whether someone’s sharing a new blog post, re-sharing a post to their Stories, or giving me a new update on their life or business, it keeps me in the loop without getting lost in the feed.
The number one place to sell is your DMs, but to get people into your DMs (besides DM automation… which is a post for another day) is through Instagram stories.
But here’s the big one: Stories are a great place to sell. While DMs are the number one place to close a sale, and besides DM automation services (which is a post for another day…), Stories get people into your DMs. Sharing your services, answering questions, or posting client reviews through Stories can naturally lead to conversations with potential clients.
Now I hope I convinced you why you should use Instagram Stories, let’s dive into how to use them effectively.
If you’re ever unsure about what to post, I find it helpful to stick to a few key “Story Pillars”:
Share personal moments of your day.
Boost engagement and foster community.
Promote your business.
Here are some content ideas to help you get started:
Q&As: These are a great way to engage your audience and offer value.
Polls: The more controversial, the better! People love sharing their opinions.
“Ask me anything” stickers: Make sure your questions provide value. For example, if you're an interior designer, you could invite followers to “Ask me a design question!” If you're a wedding planner, try “What wedding planning question can I answer?”
Behind-the-scenes content: Take photos and videos of the progress and process. (Pro tip: Save the footage for B-roll that can be used in Reels later!)
Client reviews: Share testimonials to build trust with your audience.
Link stickers: Direct followers to different parts of your website, special promotions, or services.
Follow a Weekly Routine
One of my favorite strategies is to create a routine for the week. For example, I use this schedule with my client:Tuesdays: Controversial polls
Wednesdays: “Ask me anything” sticker (I answer some on Wednesday, then follow up on Thursday)
Fridays: Client reviews
Mondays are left open for creative posts, and I recommend taking a 48-hour break over the weekend to boost engagement when you return on Monday.
Be Consistent
Try to post at least 3-5 times a week. I know five can feel daunting, so if three is more realistic for now, start there. Consistency is the key to building trust and engagement.Avoid Over-Promoting
Don’t just use Stories to push links and promotions. This will only make followers hit the unfollow button. Balance promotional content with personal and community-centered posts.Show Your Face
Stories are the place to build authenticity, and the best way to do that is by showing your face. Let your followers get to know you.Explore Instagram’s Stickers
Don’t sleep on Instagram’s sticker options! They’re designed to boost engagement, which in turn boosts views.
Bonus Tip: When Launching Something Big
If you're launching something important and need to get as many eyes on your Story as possible, here’s a strategy that works:
Don’t post for 48 hours beforehand.
Post a single Story, making sure it includes your face and clear, typed-out text.
Do NOT use the link sticker. This can hurt your views! Instead, tell people to DM you if they want more info or want to sign up for your offer.
I don’t see enough Instagram experts sharing these practical tips on how to use Stories for business, which is such a missed opportunity for business owners. Instagram Stories are where you sell—and if used right, they can have a huge impact on your business growth!
If you found these tips helpful, be sure to follow us on Instagram @bloomheremedia and subscribe to our Substack for more insights on Instagram marketing!