Digital Marketing Blog News & Updates By Digital Academy 360
10 Ways You Can Use Instagram Stories To Promote Your Business
Today’s businesses have recognised the importance of having an online presence. While many associate this with just having a website, social media channels — especially Instagram — play a vital role in digital strategy. Businesses need to show up where their customers are, and right now, Instagram is one of the hottest platforms out there.
What is Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories is a feature that allows users to post photos, videos, boomerangs, and collages with effects that disappear after 24 hours. Launched in August 2016, it’s a powerful tool for businesses to engage with followers in real time.
Below are 10 ways to creatively use Instagram Stories to promote your business:
Programs Crafted for Real
World Success.
Our Alumni Work Across 1,000+ Global Giants
1. Announcements
Use Stories to share exciting updates — product launches, new store openings, behind-the-scenes moments, or key management changes. This helps humanize your brand and gives followers an inside look.
2. Contests
Running time-sensitive contests in Stories can spark quick engagement. Ask followers to share emails or tag friends to enter, and use hashtags like #giveaway or #contest to boost visibility. You can also promote feed contests through Stories.
3. Highlights
Instagram Highlights allow you to keep top-performing Stories beyond the 24-hour limit. Create themed highlights like “Products,” “Promos,” “Behind the Scenes,” and “Customer Reviews” to make your profile more engaging.
4. Polls
Polls are an easy way to get feedback and increase interaction. Ask your audience questions about preferences, new ideas, or even blog topics. Collect insights under Story analytics before the 24-hour window ends.
5. Questions
Use the Questions sticker to invite Q&As or ask for feedback. This builds community, shows that you value your audience’s input, and provides useful data for product or service improvements.
6. Reaction Slider
Reaction sliders are fun, visual ways to gauge audience sentiment. Whether it’s a sneak peek of a new product or a behind-the-scenes clip, they encourage fast, easy engagement.
7. Countdown
Promote urgency with countdown stickers for events, product launches, or sales. Users can set reminders and get notified, which helps drive real-time interest and action.
8. Links (Swipe Up)
If you have over 10,000 followers, add swipe-up links to direct viewers to a landing page, product, or article. Combine this with a strong call-to-action like “Shop Now” or “Learn More” to boost conversions.
9. Story Templates
Use editable templates with consistent brand colors, fonts, and design elements. This strengthens brand identity, saves content creation time, and improves story quality across campaigns.
10. Location Stickers
Adding location stickers puts your Story on that location’s public story reel, increasing the chances of new views from users nearby. This is ideal for local businesses wanting to boost foot traffic.
Final Thoughts
Instagram Stories offer countless creative ways to connect with your audience. They’re simple to use but highly effective. With the right strategy and a consistent posting schedule, your business can build brand awareness, drive engagement, and grow its online presence.
Start experimenting with these 10 Instagram Story tactics today — your next big marketing win could be just one Story away!
