What to Post on Instagram Stories

Instagram stories are overlooked. I suspect it’s because most e-commerce businesses aren’t sure what to post on Instagram stories.

But it could be because there are other Instagram features that seem to be better for growth.

First, Instagram reels get all the love for being an efficient way to grow your community. Second, Instagram posts get lots of love because memes and graphics can reach thousands of people. 

Although Instagram stories might not reach as many people, they increase your sales and build relationships with your customers. To give you an idea of how valuable they are, I spend the most time and energy creating my client’s Instagram stories when compared to reels or grid posts. 

Fun facts aside, let’s talk about what to post on Instagram stories.

What to Post on Instagram Stories as an E-Commerce Business

What to post on Instagram stories when you’re an e-commerce business, also known as a CPG brand or a product-based business, will vary depending on your social media objectives. 

Instagram stories are a valuable tool for selling because they’re where your most engaged customers are. Instagram stories are also set up for selling: you can add links, take advantage of polls, quizzes, and question boxes to drive engagement, and it’s easy for customers to slide into your DMs right from your Instagram story. 

Therefore, you should use your Instagram stories to educate your customers on why they should buy your products. 

Share the benefits of your products, how they’ll improve your customer’s lives, and what makes your products unique from anything on the market. Add links with clear calls to action. 

But your Instagram stories aren’t only for selling. They should help you build relationships with your customers.

You can build relationships through Instagram stories by sharing behind-the-scenes of running your business, what your day-to-day is like, and by sharing user generated content. By sharing UGC, your customers will see how others are using (and enjoying) your products. It’s social proof; proving that your brand and products are valuable. 

Get 15 Instagram story ideas for e-commerce businesses with my free guide. 

Bonus: What to Post on Instagram Stories as a Service-Based Business

If you’re a service provider, your Instagram stories should feel organic and personal because you’re not selling a product. You’re selling *you*. 

There’s thousands of social media strategists, photographers, and designers. A client chooses to work with you because of you.

Maybe it’s your sparkling personality, because you have something in common with the client, or your unique approach. But at the end of the day the reason is you. So you have to show off what makes you special.

How do you do that? 

Treat your Instagram stories like you’re talking to a friend. Share what’s going on with you, what you’re working on, your latest project, and ask how your audience is doing. Do this consistently to build relationships.

Try the following Instagram stories to see what brings in the most Instagram story reach and engagement.

Slide #1 – Take a picture of yourself or your desk, say hello, and share what you’re up to that day.

Slide #2 – Share something related to your work. This could be that day’s Instagram post, a new blog post, or a teaser for next week’s email newsletter. 

Slide #3 –  Share something related to your clients. This could be a case study, testimonial, or an upcoming project. 

Slide #4 – Share behind-the-scenes of your day. As a food and wellness marketer, I share any snacks or beverages I’m enjoying, a wellness trend I’m trying, or anything that I think my ideal client will resonate with.

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Wait, Who Am I?

Hiiii! 👋🏻 I’m Sarah, an online entrepreneur & marketer of over 10 years. I went from starting a clean beauty blog right out of high school to managing social media for Canada’s largest wellness retailer. Now I live in the middle of nowhere in North Carolina, helping high-growth entrepreneurs get SEEN so they can build a crazy fun life their business supports, and not the other way around.

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