We know that targeting the right audience is key in the success of your ads. But how does Instagram help you reach your core audience? Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Instagram (IG) started as a photo-sharing app but has rapidly transformed into a digital branding tool. Businesses of all sizes and industries have something to extract from this unique social platform. It has evolved and considered what it means most to companies and professionals. Today whenever companies think of having a social presence, they start with Instagram.
In this blog we will be talking about how Instagram stories and reels can help businesses build an online brand.
Instagram Stories is a feature on Instagram that allow users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Stories appear at the top of a user’s feeds and are public. The Instagram story is a vertical portrait post with the size 1080px by 1920px. You can share images, GIFs, and videos on stories. If you post a video in a story it must be 15 seconds or less. If it is more than 15 seconds, it will occupy more than one story space.
Reels are like Stories, but they're only visible to people who follow you. Reels have to be in a video format. You can add music from a library of licensed songs or your music collection and attach it to your reel. IG Reels can now be up to 60 seconds long. It could be a long continuous video or a combination of clips that add up to 60 seconds. Shorter videos in reels tend to get more engagement
Instagram Stories and Reels are a great way to build an online brand because they allow a business to share its story creatively and connect with followers on a more personal level, which can help to strengthen client relations. Both reels and stories are visual elements of IG branding that can showcase valuable content that entices customers to take action. These platforms can be used to post day to day activities, educational videos or even quick promo commercials. Videos connect with potential customers more than anything. Using Instagram insights you can track the opportunities that have been created with your content.
You can use Instagram stories and reels to create engaging content for your audience by adding creative effects, filters, and text. You can also use polls and questions to engage your followers in conversation form. It is highly recommended that newer accounts should post multiple times a day on Instagram. When designing a social media story or reel, put yourself in the shoes of your targeted audience. Try to feel how they will interact with the content you are putting out there. Clear imagination is your best bet. IG reels and stories have inbuilt design features that can beautify your content. Also, adding call to actions, emojis, animations, and audio can make posts more engaging.
Businesses around the world are getting proven results by using Instagram. Be it a brand or a small business owner – all are using Instagram to grow their business. Instagram content strategy varies from business to business. It’s not a one size fits all scenario. One thing which is common for all Instagram businesses is to maintain consistency. If you have a content publishing plan, do it consistently according to a devised strategy. If you have an engagement intent, engage with relevant accounts on a daily basis. Consistency will lead to increase in followers and outreach of your content.
Here are some more tips that can boost your stories and reel’s content.
Instagram is a great platform to find and engage with lime minded people. You can market your content in multiple formats on IG and even monetize it to make money. Brand your business with free tools on IG and use impressive filters and sounds to tone up your content. With the right approach you can create a massive fan base on Instagram and even get website traffic by applying the right call to actions on stories, reels, and profile bios.
The growing network of Instagram actually helps brands and retailers leverage visuals to better describe and detail their products. And as the network increases, shoppers understand that Instagram can be a reliable source for more product information and visuals.
If you are not using Instagram Stories and Reels yet, get on board now. It’s never too late to start big on social media. Strategic Connection is a full-service marketing firm with expert social media marketers. Learn more and get a free consultation today!