Fact: 58% of Instagram users say they’ve become more interested in a product or brand after seeing it in Stories (Hootsuite).

Long story short: Your Instagram Stories — and the highlights you create from them — should be bringing in new business! If they’re not, it’s a sign that it’s time for a strategic update.

Solving the 24-hour IG Story dilemma

It’s clear that stories are where the sales happen on Instagram. The problem is, as we all know, stories only last 24 hours. Enter: Highlights. Your IG Story highlights — that stay on your profile indefinitely (until you remove them, of course) are the answer to solving the 24-hour IG Story dilemma.

But, here’s the other dilemma brands and businesses tend to run into: What IG Stories are highlight-worthy?

We’re going to help you figure that out today.

The IG Story highlight basics you need to know:

• First and foremost, m,ost people in your audience will only be watching your first 10-15 highlight slides, so you don't overload them with content that won't move the needle!

• Your IG Story highlights should be telling a story about your brand/business

• If the context of your brand’s story doesn’t fall into these brand recognition and brand-loyalty building categories, it’s probably not so save-worthy

• Your highlights should hit on key topics that your customers want to — or need to — know about your product or business to keep them coming back for more

The 5 IG Story Highlights we recommend:

• Your product offerings

  • This highlight should be like a preview of your website — share and showcase all of the products you’re currently offering. This could also be a great place to include any special deals on offerings that you’re currently running.

• Behind the scenes

  • Whether it’s how your products are made, or just a day in the life of a small business owner, this kind of content lifts the veil on who you are/who your business is and builds trust with your customers!

• Reviews & testimonials

  • Share the love you’ve received from current and past customers! This shows your customers that you value their opinion and you want to hear feedback from them.

• About your business

  • Insight into how your business came to be will always be of interest to your customers! This is a great place to share your values, your mission, and your vision.

• FAQs

  • Odds are, your potential customers have a lot of questions and they want answerss from you! Collect your most frequently asked questions to help educate your audience about your biz/products. (This is also a great place to direct anyone asking questions in your DMs to!)

If you’re looking for a team of social media specialists to help you organically grow your presence and following on a variety of social media platforms, reach out to us today! Shoot us an email today at hello@amrdigitalmarketing.com or head to our website to learn more!