No matter which one you decide to use (or if you implement both), they’re effective ways to connect and build trust with your audience.
However, many business owners are faced with the question, “What in the world do I post?”
To help eliminate that problem, I’m sharing 10 content ideas for Instagram Stories (and Snapchat). You can easily start using them today!
Instagram Stories vs. Snapchat: Which One to Use?
It’s pretty clear that Snapchat and Instagram Stories do the exact same thing. Each one allows you to create a curated story of photos and videos with the ability to add filters and text for decoration.
Because the two are so similar, many people have completely jumped ship and ditched Snapchat in favor of Instagram Stories since it was released in 2016.
In fact, at the time of this post, Instagram Stories has about 300 million daily active users. Snapchat has 178 million.
So, the question remains… Do you use both platforms or do you stick to just one?
If You Want to Use Both…
Here’s my advice if you want to use both: It’s likely that people are following you on both Snapchat and Instagram. Those people don’t want to watch the same exact story twice. So, if you’re going to implement both into your social media strategy, you need to mix it up with your content.
You can certainly cross-post content here and there, but don’t make your Instagram Story identical to your Snapchat story.
If You Want to Use One or the Other…
If you’d rather stick to one platform, that’s fine too. The most important thing is that you’re spending time where your audience is most active. If you’re seeing better results on Instagram Stories, you be better off spending most of your time there.
The tricky thing is, you never know what Snapchat is going to do next. They could add some amazing new feature that sends everyone rushing back to the platform who previously left. And you don’t want to have missed out on all the opportunities to build your presence there, would you?
Related: How to Use Instagram to Market Your Business
10 Content Ideas for Instagram Stories
Once you’ve figured out which platform you’ll focus on (or if you’ll be using both), you need to come up with amazing content that will keep your followers watching.
You don’t want them to drop-off halfway through your story, do you? By providing value and entertainment, you’re sure to see better results. So, here are a few ideas to implement:
1. Give the Behind-the-Scenes Scoop
One of the best ways you can provide value to your followers is by giving them a behind-the-scenes look into your life and business.
This gives people the opportunity to get to know you better, which ultimately helps build the Know, Like, and Trust Factor.
Social media is the perfect way to build relationships with your target audience and Snapchat and Instagram Stories provide the perfect way to do that.
2. Share Sneak Peeks of What You’re Working On
By giving your followers a look at what you’re currently working on, it helps build anticipation. It gives them a chance to get excited about what’s coming up for your brand.
Do you have a blog post going live tomorrow? Share a teaser so people will want to check your site in the morning. Are you working on a new e-course or eBook? Post a snippet of the content or share the steps of your process.
3. Have Q&A Sessions
Odds are, your audience has a lot of burning questions they’d just love to ask you. You can give them a chance to do that through Snapchat or Instagram Stories.
Let people know you’re going to hold a Q&A sessions and invite them to submit questions via direct message (DM).
The great thing about a Q&A is that it’s informative for your audience, but it’s so simple. This is one of the content ideas for Instagram Stories that doesn’t require much effort on your part because your audience provides you with the topics.
4. Offer a Little Motivation
Could you use a little extra boost of motivation in the morning? Your followers probably could as well!
You could share a motivational quote or an inspirational passage from a book you’re ready. It’s the perfect way to start the day, but it also works for an afternoon pick-me-up. Anyone who watches your story is sure to appreciate it!
5. Promote Your Latest Stuff
It’s totally okay to promote your latest offering on your Instagram Stories. However, you do want to make sure that it’s not all you share. There should be some sort of balance between valuable content and promotional content.
If you have a new blog post or a product, you can tell your followers all about it. Don’t be afraid to share the amazing things you have waiting for people.
6. Provide Value With Informative Segments
This is probably one of my favorite content ideas for Instagram Stories. However, it’s only going to be successful if you truly have something valuable to share.
You can plan out longer segments packed with informative tips that will benefit your audience. Teach them how to do something. Share a tip that they can implement themselves. Just make sure that, whatever it is, it’s something they have an interest in.
Then, make your content captivating as you create it. If you’re doing multiple snaps in a row, it can get quite boring. So, you can decorate your posts with filters, stickers, and text to add visual interest.
My advice is to keep things short and sweet, but if it’s going to be a longer segment, you can let people know ahead of time. Simple intro and outro snaps let people know when the segment begins and ends.
7. Create Themed Days
Having themed days on your Instagram Stories helps to keep you on track, plus it gives your viewers something to look forward to.
For example, you could create a Motivation Monday series or offer valuable advice during Tip Tuesday. It’s so simple, but this can be very effective at keeping people tuned in and engaged.
With themed days in place, you’ll never struggle to find content ideas for Instagram Stories. You’ll know what you can cover on any given day, which will provide you with some direction.
8. Have an Instagram Stories Takeover
A great way to build your following by reaching new people is through an Instagram Stories takeover. You can invite an influencer in your field to share photos and videos to your Instagram Stories for the entire day.
The reason this is effective is because they’ll likely share it with their audience, which helps more people discover you. Not only that, but the influencer will likely have something entertaining or informative to share with your followers.
9. Offer an Exclusive Discount
Are you in search of content ideas for Instagram Stories that will boost your sales? Try offering an exclusive discount on a product or service.
While this will help you earn some extra cash through the additional promotion, it’s great for your audience as well. If your discount is exclusive for your Instagram Stories viewers, they’ll feel appreciated because it’s a simple way to give back to them.
10. Treat it Like a Vlog
You can also treat your Instagram Stories like your own personal vlog. If people really enjoy getting a look into your daily life, they’ll love seeing snippets of what your day to day is like.
They’ll get to know you and you can get to know them better by inviting them to engage with your content. It doesn’t get easier than that!
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