Ultimate Guide to Instagram Stories for Small Businesses

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram stories and found yourself skipping past some before they even get going? 

Let's face it, some Instagram stories can feel a bit...well, boring.

The first few seconds of your story are crucial for grabbing viewers' attention and keeping them engaged.  

But fear not, small business warriors! 

This blog is here to spice up your Instagram stories for small businesses, leading viewers to want more.

Before digging deeper, learn how to create an Instagram account.

How can Instagram stories for small businesses help in growth?

Techjury reported that approximately 70% of people watch Instagram stories every day.

With this vast percentage of the audience, it is a no-brainer that there is a huge potential for the growth of small businesses using Instagram stories.

With their fleeting yet captivating nature, Instagram Stories for small businesses offer a powerful tool to boost brand awareness, cultivate deeper connections, and ultimately drive growth.

Let's dive into learning the strategies for Instagram stories.

Steps of creating Instagram stories for small businesses

You must follow some steps to create Instagram stories for small businesses.

Step 1: Click on the + icon

Go to the Instagram app; the desktop version does not support posting stories. Select the ‘+’ icon on your profile picture.

Step 2: Select the content

You can add a picture or choose the “CREATE” option to create a custom story, or you can add someone else's story or post to add it to your story. 

Step 3: Add the desired sticker (optional)

Even though this step is optional, it is one of the best strategies for Instagram stories to help increase reach and engagement.

Types of stickers:-

• Location
• Poll
• Link
• Questions
• Hashtags
• Quiz

Additional Details:-

Length of Instagram Story: Instagram stories can be 60 seconds long. If there is a photo in it, then it can stay for 15 seconds.

 Best time to post:-

Well, there is no one particular time to post Instagram stories for small businesses.

The best would be to post when people are generally free, that is, during lunchtime.

So, 11 AM to 2 PM is the best time to post an Instagram story.

You need to remember that you need to be consistent with posting. Using an Instagram story scheduler can be a boon.

Cache is the best social media scheduler to help schedule and post on time. 

Benefits of using Instagram stories for small businesses

Instagram stories offer advantages for small businesses looking to thrive online. 

Here's a breakdown of keyways stories can fuel your business growth:

First, Increased Reach

Unlike static posts, stories appear at the top of the Instagram feed, increasing the chance of being seen by new audiences beyond your follower base.

According to SkedSocial, about 58% of people become more interested in a new product/service after seeing it on Instagram stories.

Second, Interactive Features

Polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and live videos foster two-way communication and audience engagement, creating a sense of community.

You should also use hashtags, as they help increase discoverability. Use hashtag tools to get the best hashtag for your story.

#Tags by Creatosaurus helps find the hashtag relevant to your content.

Third, Story Highlights 

Pin important Instagram stories for small businesses to your profile for continuous visibility. These curated collections can showcase your brand personality and key messages.

Fourth, Call to Action (CTAs)

Using CTAs in the best way is the best strategy for Instagram stories, as it helps direct viewers to your website and product pages.

These can be Swipe-Up Links (available to business accounts with 10,000+ followers) to connect viewers to relevant landing pages or product details seamlessly.

As reported by Marktech, 15-20% of people swipe up to open the link if it is attached to the story.

Examples of Effective CTAs:-

• Shop Now 
• Learn More (link in bio)
• Swipe Up for Details!
• Download Now (free!)
• Ask Us a Question! (encourages engagement)

Data & Analytics:-

Track key metrics like reach, engagement, and link clicks with Instagram Insights to understand audience preferences and optimize your Stories strategy for continuous improvement.    

Check your Instagram stories for small businesses insights regularly to analyze the success of your efforts.

You can use Analytics by Creatosaurus to check the insights of various social media platforms in one place.

Some Instagram story ideas for small businesses

Do you want some Instagram story ideas?

Then, worry not!

Here is a list of what you can put in your next Instagram story.

Embrace Interactive Features

"Ask Me Anything" Sessions: One of the most engaging Instagram story ideas is to dedicate a story to an "Ask Me Anything" session in which viewers can submit questions using the question sticker.

• "Story Takeovers" by Influencers: Collaborate with relevant micro-influencers to host takeover sessions; this can be one of the reach-increasing strategies of Instagram stories.

• Live Countdowns: Build anticipation for upcoming events, product launches, or live sessions with countdown stickers.

• Interactive Polls: These features spark conversation, gather instant feedback, and make your Stories more dynamic.

We have also curated a table with more Instagram story ideas

You can take inspiration from top Instagram accounts that are already thriving in the field. 

Common mistakes to avoid with Instagram stories for small businesses

Here are some key mistakes to avoid when using Instagram Stories for small businesses:

i) Forgetting the CTA: Don't miss the opportunity to convert viewers into customers! Include clear CTAs that direct them to e, product pages, or special offers.

As per Techjury, one out of three people became interested in a product when they saw it on an Instagram story. So, it is essential to have a CTA, as it can help drive traffic to the website. 

ii) Neglecting Polls & Quizzes: These interactive features are a goldmine for audience engagement. You should pay attention to using them regularly. 

iii) Ignoring Story Replies: One such strategy for Instagram stories is to reply to the messages you receive from viewers. Acknowledge their messages and build relationships through two-way communication.

Use Inbox by Creatosaurus to get all the messages in one place to ease the process of replying.

iv) Story Length Extremes: Keep your Instagram stories for small businesses concise and engaging. Aim for snippets that are easy to digest within a short timeframe. 

By being mindful of these common mistakes and implementing best practices, you can create the best content for your Instagram story.

Case Study: How strategy for Instagram stories helped Billie Eilish to be the talk of the town

Billie Eilish is a Grammy-awarded American singer and songwriter who gained attention with her debut song, “Ocean Eyes,” in 2015.

On April 4, 2024, she surprised her followers by adding them to her close friend’s Instagram story. This move created a buzz, and many people started talking about her on social media. 

Instagram's "Close Friends" feature allows users to share stories with a curated list, creating a more private space.  Adding all followers to this list defeated the purpose of a close friend's circle.

However, there's no concrete evidence of how this happened, as you have to manually select all of your followers to have them in your close friend list, and adding 110 million followers manually is a challenging task. 

Overall Impact:-

This strategy for Instagram stories resulted in the singer having an increase of almost 10 million followers.

She not only gained followers but also became part of the headlines.

Conclusion on Instagram Stories for Small Businesses

You can optimize your Instagram stories for small businesses in a way that would help you grab your audience's attention in the first few seconds. 

Now that you know a lot about the strategies for Instagram stories. 

Go and make full use of 60 seconds!

Get creative, have fun with it, and watch your small business thrive on Instagram!

You can also post Facebook stories, along with Instagram. This would help increase reach on both platforms.

Bonus Tip: Explore Instagram's advertising options to amplify your reach further and attract targeted audiences to your Stories.

So, grab your phone, unleash your creativity, and get ready to tell your brand story through the captivating world of Instagram stories!

Get started with Creatosaurus, the only social media management tool you will ever need for all social media management needs.

Further Readings:-

Create Captivating Instagram Captions with Instagram Caption Generator

Free Customizable Instagram Ad Templates | Muse

FAQS on Instagram Stories for Small Businesses

1) How often should you post Instagram stories?

Ans. You should target a regular posting schedule that aligns with your audience's activity. Daily posting is recommended, but even a few weekly stories can be compelling.

2) How long should your Instagram stories be?

Ans. There are no strict limits, but the aim is to produce concise and engaging content. Ideally, stories should be under 15 seconds, but you can use multiple slides for longer content.

3) Where can I find inspiration for Instagram stories for small businesses?

Ans. Explore successful brands in your industry, check out Instagram's creator resources, and participate in relevant hashtag challenges.