4 Instagram Story Tips: How to Grow Followers Organically

With over 500 million daily viewers, Instagram Stories have become one of the most popular features on the platform. Beyond their convenience for sharing posts, they are a powerful tool for helping you gain Instagram followers.

In this guide, we'll unveil the most effective strategies to maximize the impact of your Instagram Stories. From captivating content creation to utilizing the built-in tools provided by the platform, these expert tips will help you unlock the full potential of this dynamic feature.

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1. OUTSMART THE INSTAGRAM ALGORITHM

It's essential to understand and utilize the algorithm to maximize your brand's visibility on any social media platform. Instagram's algorithm determines which Stories are shown to specific accounts, so you must play the game strategically. One effective strategy is to encourage user interaction with your Stories. The more users engage with your content, the higher your brand will rank in their feed.

To achieve this, interact with other accounts' Stories, fostering a sense of community and engagement. Additionally, prioritize engaging content creation that compels your followers to interact with your Stories. By leveraging the tools and features offered by Instagram, you can enhance the overall user experience and increase the chances of your brand gaining visibility on the platform. Plus, due to the significant impact of social media on the travel industry, this will help put your brand top of mind for travel planning.

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2. ENCOURAGE ENGAGEMENT WITH STORY FEATURES

Utilizing all of the Story features to boost engagement on your Instagram account is crucial. One powerful approach is to create captivating content that grabs attention and inspires users to interact and share their thoughts.

Instagram offers various stickers that encourage engagement and enhance the overall user experience, providing exciting opportunities to interact with your followers and foster a sense of community. The following are some sticker options available to improve your brand's Instagram Stories.

• Polls: Conduct quick quizzes and gather opinions from your audience. Pose interesting questions about your brand, industry, or current trends to encourage participation and generate valuable insights.
• External Links: Drive traffic to your website or external platforms by utilizing link stickers. This lets you direct your audience to specific landing pages, blog posts, or other relevant content beyond Instagram.
• Mention stickers: Utilize the mention stickers to directly tag and highlight other accounts in your Stories. This is a great way to recognize collaborators, influencers, or brands you are featuring or partnering with. It increases the chances of those accounts engaging with your content and potentially sharing it with their own audience.
• Questions: Encourage feedback and initiate conversations with your followers. Ask open-ended questions that spark discussions and allow your audience to share their thoughts and experiences.
• Locations: Add specific location tags to your posts, especially if you're hosting events, collaborating with local businesses, or showcasing unique destinations. This helps increase visibility and attract an audience interested in those locations.
• Countdowns: Generate excitement and anticipation using the countdown sticker for upcoming product launches, special promotions, or events. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages your followers to stay engaged and stay tuned.
• Emojis: Add a touch of emotion, playfulness, or emphasis to your Stories using emoji stickers. They can help convey your message effectively, evoke reactions, and create a sense of connection with your audience.

In addition to stickers, there are other methods to drive engagement. Hashtags are a powerful tool for expanding your reach and attracting new followers. Sharing other accounts' Stories and incorporating gifs into your content can add variety and encourage interaction. By leveraging these features and techniques, you can effectively promote engagement on your Instagram account, cultivating a vibrant and interactive community around your brand.

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3. PLAN YOUR STORY CONTENT STRATEGY

When it comes to planning your Instagram Story content strategy, there are various sources you can draw from. Consider the following options:

• Reposting from Tagged Accounts: Look for accounts that have tagged your profile and repost their content. This showcases user-generated content and builds a sense of community with other brands.
• Reposting Your Own Content: Reuse your static posts and reels by reposting them on your Stories. This tactic helps extend their visibility and enhances their chances of gaining more views.
• Utilizing Story Features: Leverage the creative potential of the Stories feature by exploring layouts, filters, and other engaging elements. This lets you craft unique and visually appealing content that captivates your followers.
• Showcasing Your Original Visuals: Whether you're the photographer/videographer or have hired professionals, share your brand's photos and videos. Your followers want to see what your brand offers, so show them the best you've got!
• Sharing Brand-Aligned Visuals: Curate and share photos and videos that align with your brand image and values. Ensure you have proper permission to post them and give credit to the original owner whenever necessary.

Remember, your Instagram Story content can include duplicates if it aligns with your brand and the story you want to convey through your Instagram profile. By incorporating a mix of the strategies above, your brand will offer users a comprehensive and compelling view of your profile. Here are some specific examples of how you can leverage different content sources for your Stories:

• Posting a reel that you are proud of? Repost it to your Story later in the day to prolong the reel's life and help it grow in views!
• A client of yours posted a great testimonial? Repost it on your Story!
• You have photos that you want to compare? Use the layout feature and create a poll for your followers!
• You found inspiration that aligns with your branding and what your followers like to see? Post it on your Story (with credit to the owner, of course)!

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4. PLAN & GROW YOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights are a collection of Story posts curated into categories and located front and center on your profile. Your Highlights play a vital role in your Instagram profile, offering valuable information for users eager to explore your content, whether related to your products, services, top posts, brand identity, or any other promotional aspect you wish to showcase.

Make the most of this opportunity to captivate and inform users, especially first-time visitors, guiding them through the critical aspects of your brand that you want to emphasize. By strategically selecting these categories, you can ensure that the Stories you share align with your brand, creating a lasting and cohesive impression on your profile, unlike regular Stories that vanish after 24 hours.

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Mastering the art of Instagram Stories is crucial to organically gaining new followers, maximizing visibility, and creating a sense of community among your brand. The key to success is consistently posting interactive content, utilizing Story features, and engaging with your audience. With platforms constantly adding new features like the new Threads app, it's crucial to always stay on top.

By partnering with Delicious Digital Marketing's social media experts, you can unlock the full potential of Instagram Stories, ensuring a strategic posting schedule with engaging content that informs and excites people about your brand. Contact us to help you outsmart the algorithm, foster a vibrant digital presence, and strategically plan your Story content to leave a lasting impression.

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