How to Utilize Instagram Stories for Public Relations

Because, let’s face it, Instagram is taking over

by Alyssa Makhlouf

​As social media has progressed, Instagram has undoubtedly made a name for itself as one of the best business tools. It offers an easy way to connect with your audience… and it’s FREE for everyone. Instagram recently took a bite from Snapchat’s domain and introduced Instagram stories. This update is a genius marketing tool for businesses because there are so many different uses for it. Who doesn’t love free advertisement?

Here are five easy ways to make the best out of Instagram stories!

1. Promoting A New Product: Your brand can effectively post as many updates as it wants onto its Instagram story to let your audience know about a new product/launch. Updates can be posted daily, but stories expire in 24 hours. You can add the story to your “highlights,” which will remain on your main profile page until you remove it.
2. Instagram Takeovers: Your brand can call on a relevant influencer or spokesperson to “take over” your Instagram story and spark more interest. This influencer can announce the takeover to all of their followers, widening the relevant audience of consumers.
3. Swipe-up: When your brand wants to directly link a website, or product, you can embed the link to the Instagram story, allowing users to simply swipe-up and go directly there. This saves clicks and time! Keep in mind your page must be verified to use this feature.
4. Keep Your Profile Aesthetic: Whenever your brand wants to post something without interrupting the theme or color scheme of your profile, you can just post it on your story instead! This is a great way to keep your profile aesthetically pleasing for your audience, while still getting your messages out.
5. Polls: Sending out surveys the social media way! Now, whenever you want answers directly from your audience or consumers, you can directly ask them on your Instagram story.

With hundreds of millions of users using Instagram stories every month, it has proven that it is going to have major staying power. It’s in every brand’s best interest to start utilizing this amazing (and free!) tool for their public relations social media strategies.

For more information on Instagram stories, here’s the direct link to FAQs on Instagram’s website. ​