Ways to Use Stories to Promote Your Brand on Social Media
If you’re already using social media to promote your business, it’s time to start looking deeper at what the new features offered by Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can offer you. Leveraging new features is key to staying ahead of your competitors. Let’s take a look at Facebook and Instagram stories.
What is An Instagram Story?
If you’re unfamiliar, never fear. They’re not that complicated to figure out. Like Snapchat, Instagram has given users a way to upload both videos and photos that expire after 24 hours. If you’re wondering what benefit a business can reap from something that is going to be gone after a day, don’t worry. Instagram stories work well for engagement purposes. It also gives you a chance to be more playful and informal.
What about Facebook Stories?
It’s no secret that social media platforms often emulate each other. Snapchat came out with their stories back in 2013. Instagram followed in 2016, then came Facebook stories in 2017. According to one of their most recent conferences in 2018, Facebook claimed that Stories was one of their most popular services.
How can stories be used to promote my business?
Don’t Just Promote – Engage
You can create stories for Instagram and Facebook that help you do more than just let your audience know about products and services. Stories can let your audience know of a new product or service launch. They can also give a sneak peek into your company culture, letting your customers know what your brand is all about.
Leverage #FOMO
Okay, so the fact that both Facebook and Instagram stories are gone after 24 hours may seem like a downside. However, if you leverage a fear almost every human being has, the fear of missing out (#FOMO), you can make that 24 hours only work for you. Using time-sensitive content gets the attention of your customers, especially if you tease the release beforehand.
Leverage News and Trends
According to David Bressman, founder of a personal injury law firm in Ohio, “Social media allows for news and trends to spread like wildfire. The latest stories get engulfed in social commentary in no time. If you can, find a way to relate a relevant news story to your brand and invite comments. If done correctly, this kind of marketing can transform your engagement.”
Let Your Audience Behind the Scenes
Adidas has been using Instagram stories to show their customers how their shoes are made and the process behind their production. You don’t have to be a worldwide conglomerate to leverage this option, either. Even mom & pop shops can take their customers behind the curtain to engage their audience.
Knowing how to leverage the different social media platforms and their various services is important. Not only can you get your message out to millions of potential customers, but you can also make them feel like they are part of the process.