Instagram Stories may disappear after 24 hours, but you shouldn’t underestimate their power. This is why we’ve prepared an infographic to show you how to use Instagram Stories and boost your ecommerce sales.
In today's digital age, Instagram has become a force to be reckoned with for businesses aiming to broaden their audience and enhance engagement. Over four million companies advertise on Instagram, making it imperative for ecommerce businesses to excel on this platform. At the same time, Instagram witnessed a remarkable 50% surge in ad revenues from 2020 to 2022.
If you know how Instagram Stories work but aren’t sure how you can tap into all the selling potential the platform can offer, then this blog post is for you. Keep on reading to check out our infographic on how to use Instagram Stories and get the best Instagram Stories tips for your business.
How to use Instagram Stories to boost your ecommerce sales
To help you create the most perfect Instagram Story content for your business, here’s an infographic that summarizes our best tips.
Utilize video content for greater impact
If you want to make the most of Instagram Stories, then video content is the way to go. Videos are an amazing tool for capturing your audience’s attention and keeping them entertained.
Instagram Stories is a great platform for sharing short, engaging videos that showcase your products, behind-the-scenes content or even customer testimonials.
Your videos don’t have to be overly produced; unique storytelling can help you create memorable content that leaves a lasting impression on your viewers and distinguishes you from the competition.
Leverage user-generated content
When it comes to promoting a brand, few things are more powerful than having real people spontaneously vouch for you. And luckily for you, many customers love sharing their love for brands on social media.
It doesn’t always happen naturally, so you can (and should!) encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand on their Instagram and ask them to tag you. This way, you’ll be able to share it on your Instagram Stories.
By reposting user-generated content (UGC) on your Stories, you can showcase your products in real-life situations and also create a more authentic and relatable brand image, which will help you build trust and credibility with your audience.
A quick tip: Be sure to credit and tag the original creator when reposting UGC on an Instagram Story, and consider creating a branded hashtag to make it easy for customers to share their content with you.
Collaborate with influencers
Influencer marketing is an effective way to expand your reach and introduce your business to new audiences.
You can collaborate on Instagram Stories by having influencers share your products, create tutorials or even host a takeover of your account for a day. These collaborations can drive engagement and increase brand awareness.
For your influencer strategy to be successful, it’s important to pick the right person for your business. Make sure to partner with influencers who align with your brand values and have a following within your target audience.
Use Instagram Stories Ads
Instagram Stories ads allow you to reach a wider audience beyond your current followers. By investing in Instagram Stories ads, you can target specific demographics and interests, ensuring that your content reaches the people who are more likely to buy from you.
Be sure to create visually appealing ads that quickly convey your message and include a clear call to action. Snapchat, for instance, created this ad showcasing the use of AR and video on the platform, and, at the bottom, there’s a button for users to click and “learn more”:
Measure and analyze your performance
Regularly tracking the performance of your Instagram Stories is crucial for understanding what resonates with your audience and identifying areas for improvement.
In the Instagram app, you have access to many Stories analytics such as number of replies, shares and accounts reached. To access your insights, go to your profile, tap on the three-stripe icon on the top-right corner and select Insights.
If you have a store with Shoplazza, you can analyze your Stories insights with your Shoplazza analytics to determine which types of content receive the highest engagement, and use this information to refine your content strategy. Additionally, you can track the effectiveness of your Stories in driving traffic to your Shoplazza store or generating sales, and adjust your approach accordingly.
Use Instagram Story highlights
Don’t want your Instagram Stories to disappear for good? Then you can pin them to your Instagram Story highlights.
IG Story Highlights allow you to showcase your best Story content on your profile, ensuring that it remains accessible even after 24 hours. Organize your Highlights into relevant categories related to your business, such as product features, customer testimonials or behind-the-scenes content, and regularly update them to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
Host giveaways and contests
Giveaways and contests are an excellent way to encourage user interaction and generate excitement around your online store.
Use Instagram Stories to promote your giveaways or contests, and consider incorporating interactive elements to keep your audience engaged, such as Instagram Story stickers for polls or quizzes.
Be sure to clearly outline the rules and guidelines for participation and follow through with announcing the winners and distributing prizes.
Offer exclusive discounts and promotions
Reward your Instagram followers with exclusive discounts or promotions on your online store, and use your Stories to share these special offers. This strategy can help drive sales and encourage customer loyalty.
Consider using a countdown sticker to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action.
Share behind-the-scenes content
Offering a glimpse into the inner workings of your business can humanize your brand and make it more relatable to your audience.
Post photos or videos that showcase the production process, company culture or even the people behind your brand. This transparency can help build trust and foster a deeper connection between your customers and your business.
Utilize Shoplazza's Instagram Integration
Shoplazza offers seamless integration with Instagram, enabling you to tag your products in your Instagram Stories and posts. This feature lets users quickly shop for your products directly from Instagram, streamlining the customer journey and driving sales.
Be sure to take advantage of this integration to make your Instagram Stories shoppable and provide a seamless shopping experience for your audience.
If you want to start an online store and want to give Shoplazza a go, you can sign up for our seven-day free trial—no credit card needed.
How to use Instagram Stories: conclusion
Adapting to consumer trends and behaviors is crucial as businesses strive to stay relevant and thrive in a constantly evolving market. Instagram Stories have emerged as a potent marketing tool for ecommerce businesses, and their integration with Shoplazza opens up even more excellent opportunities for success.
By adopting these strategies and consistently fine-tuning your approach based on audience preferences and engagement, you can fully harness the power of Instagram Stories to drive significant growth for your online store.
