Just because people are viewing your Instagram Stories does that mean they will translate into conversions for your business? The short answer is yes but only if you use them correctly. Here we will explore how to leverage Instagram Stories effectively to increase engagement drive website traffic and ultimately encourage customer actions. Stick around until the end where we reveal the key strategy to make the most out of Stories.

 

How to Use Instagram Stories to Get More Engagement

If your audience makes you feel like you are talking to a wall, you are not alone. With changes to the Instagram algorithm engagement has declined over the years. However Stories can help reengage your audience and turn them into loyal followers who care about your brand.

Do You Really Need Instagram Engagement?

Yes! While engagement alone does not directly translate into revenue an engaged audience is more likely to take action in the future. The more people care about your brand the more likely they are to trust and support it. Buying Instagram Likes can also give a push start to engagements.

Show Your Face or Any Face!

One of the most effective ways to increase engagement is to feature a face on screen whether its yours or a team members. People prefer seeing other people over just graphics or product images.

A client once tried everything product promotions quotes and more. But engagement remained low. One day she posted a funny story about how her fake eyelash had been sitting on her face all day after coming in from the rain. She received a flood of DMs from her community laughing with her. Authenticity wins!

Don’t Be Afraid to Under Produce

Instagram Stories thrive on unedited raw content. Overly polished Stories may cause viewers to skip them. One creator launched a product using animated on brand graphics but saw low engagement. When they switched to simply talking to the camera about the product views shot up.

Use natural lighting embrace mistakes and keep it real.

Use Engagement Stickers

Instagrams stickers like questions, polls, sliders and quizzes encourage two way interaction. A great example is Were Not Really Strangers a brand that engages users with thought provoking questions like ‘Are you over your ex?’ Clicking ‘No’ leads to a blog post with helpful content reinforcing their brand values while keeping engagement high.

Polls can also provide valuable audience insights helping businesses decide which products to launch next.

Play a Game

Games are a powerful tool to keep your audience engaged. Brands like Frank Bod use ‘Fill in the Blanks’ games voting polls and quizzes to make interactions fun and keep their brand top of mind. The possibilities are endless and its a great way for new customers to get to know you.

 

How to Drive Website Traffic

Now the juicy part is how to turn engagement into actual website visits. Once your audience knows, likes and trusts your brand its time to encourage them to take action.

Hype Up Product Drops

Use Instagram countdown timer sticker 24 hours before launching a product to build anticipation. Brands like Ragged Priest combine countdown timers with sneak peek videos to create excitement.

Follow up with a strong call to action like ‘Swipe Up to Shop’. If you do not have the swipe up feature which requires 10000 Instagram followers then direct users to the ‘Link in Bio’.

Showcase Product Reviews

Customer reviews can help convert hesitant buyers. Screenshot positive reviews and share them in your Stories. While these may not be the most engaging Stories they build trust and push potential buyers further down the customer journey. Brands like Frank Body use this strategy effectively.

Leverage User Generated Content and Shoppable Stickers

The perfect engagement driving combo? User generated content paired with shoppable stickers. User generated content from fans influencers or customers provides a more authentic look at your products.

Brands like Jaded London feature influencers wearing their clothing and use shoppable stickers to make purchasing seamless. If you have linked products adding shopping stickers is easy: simply post a Story tap the sticker button click ‘Shopping’ and select your product.

Run a Limited Time Offer 

Announce special offers through Instagram Stories and create urgency with tight deadlines like 24 hour or weeklong deals. Studies show that free shipping is often more effective than discounting prices.

To maximize impact include a clear call to action ‘Shop Now’ and engaging visuals of your products. Adding humor can also increase engagement while driving conversions.

 

Start Now

Instagram Stories can be a powerful tool for increasing engagement driving website traffic and encouraging customer actions if used correctly. Focus on authenticity, interaction and strategic call to actions to get the most out of this feature.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments and they might be featured in a future post. Thanks for reading, see you in the next post!