20 Easy Instagram Story Content Ideas to Try Right Now
Looking for Instagram story content ideas?
Well, you are going to want to save this blog.
Did you know that 500 million people view Instagram stories every single day?
So yes, Instagram stories do influence purchasing behavior.
Instagram stories are one of my favorite features because it’s like behind the curtain of someone’s life and business.
I also believe that people who watch your stories are your hot leads.
Because if people are interacting with your stories, it is because they want to know more about you and they want to know if they should buy from you.
One quick PSA I want to make is that the first three stories you post every day are the most important so make them count.
Also, these Instagram story content ideas are if you are a realtor, small business owner, freelancer, content creator, or trying to create a strategic content plan to sell your offers.
Now, keep reading if you want to learn about Instagram story content categories and my best Instagram story content ideas that will spike engagement and sales.
INSTAGRAM STORY CONTENT IDEAS: Category ONE – Behind the Scenes
Behind-the-scenes Instagram stories are usually raw and unedited photos. This could be a photo you quickly take and post so people feel authentic to the moment. The content should feel like when you Facetime your best friend to show them you cooked a fresh loaf of bread. My biggest tip is to remember to address your Instagram story viewers as “you.” Like if you ask them a question about food, “What food items do YOU love for breakfast?”
Examples
- Create an agenda post about what you have going on in your day about your business
- Take a photo of yourself and what you are wearing to your Zoom call (tag the brands so they can share it to their story)
- Take a photo of the content you just scheduled for Instagram or LinkedIn
- Take a photo of what you are eating before a prospect or client call
- Take a photo of your favorite item from your morning routine (coffee, tea, avocado toast, etc)
- Post a photo of something interesting you did on the weekend
INSTAGRAM STORY CONTENT IDEAS: Category TWO – Tips
You can create super clean graphics on Canva and save all these tips in a highlight to your Instagram feed. I love to scroll people’s Instagram highlights and see what they have going on, if I am just learning about their account.
Examples
- Share your favorite tips about your products or service
- Share tips that your target audience can relate to example if they also work from home, enjoy cooking, are recently married, etc.
- Share tool recommendations from your industry
- Share tips on how to know your product or service is right for them
- Share bite-sized tips about mindset and success (how to overcome imposter syndrome, indecisiveness, comparison, etc)
INSTAGRAM STORY CONTENT IDEAS: Category THREE – FAQ
The best Instagram story content ideas are from your audiences. So select a question box and ask, “Drop your questions below about (YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE).” Then whoever asks a question, you can answer it in a new slide. I like to get photos from Canva and then answer it in text but you can also just reply on camera and talk to your phone.
Examples
- Post a question box about your product or service (What questions do you have about X)
- Post a question box that is fun and relates to your target audience (if your audience is mom entrepreneurs an example is, “What tips do you have about working from home with kids?”)
- It can be super broad like “Ask me a question.”
- Another example is to ask them how they solve their pain point. Like if you are a graphic designer ask them “Have you ever tried to DIY website? What was your experience?”
My best tip about FAQ stories is if people aren’t asking you a question, I suggest submitting a question you know your audience is thinking. Then you can reply to your question. Sometimes if you have a small audience, people won’t ask a question or are too shy to ask something. Try this out for your first few FAQ stories and you’ll notice that more people will ask you questions.
Here’s an example:
INSTAGRAM STORY CONTENT IDEAS: Category FOUR – Reviews
People want to see social proof. They want to see you are doing what you say you are doing. If for example, you are a graphic designer they want to see reviews. Plus you can save these on your Instagram story highlights.
Examples
- Screenshot a text from your favorite client and share it as a story
- Screenshot a DM from a prospect who wants to book your services
- Screenshot an email from a client who found you online
- Screenshot a comment your prospect/client left on your photo
- Get your tripod and record yourself in your meeting with your client. You can share any of the feedback they gave you on the call, but make sure to get their consent before you post it. You can tell them on the call or email them about it.
Tips to Increase Story View
If you are struggling with low story views, I have some tips you will have to try this week.
- Post 1-3 stories a day (skip posting 15 story slides)
- Always add captions when you are speaking to the camera because a ton of people watch stories with the volume turned off
- Be selective about what you are sharing
- Add an emoji reaction or poll to your story so they interact with it
- Create a shot list on your phone so you know where to film or where to take photos that will make your brand recognizable (TIP: You can do this for your reels too. My shot list taking selfies in the mirror with my phone, laptop, coffee, filming equipment
- Create an Instagram story Canva template with photos for your background or templates if you want to use text stories
Recap
These Instagram story content ideas are split into four categories: behind-the-scenes, tips, FAQ, and reviews. I listed several different content ideas you can post about this week. These ideas will work if you are a realtor, small business owner, freelancer, content creator, or trying to create a strategic content plan to sell your offers. I also want to emphasize the importance of engaging with followers authentically and consistently on Instagram, so more people see your stories daily.
Now make sure to tag me on Instagram stories if you use these and tell me your results. Thank you!
Read the previous blog, “3 Freelance Budgeting Tips for Moms.”
