10 Uses For Instagram Stories
Maximize your user engagement and have fun while you do it!
There’s no doubt that Instagram has taken over as one of the top dogs in the social media world — from companies looking to sell products, to your neighbor down the street, it seems like everyone is an “Insta” user.
When it comes to the features within the Instagram App, stories are a relatively new way to share content with your audience quickly and more informally. You can think of stories as a more casual, unfiltered way to reach your followers — but how can you maximize this feature to its full potential? We’ve got you covered with some lumberjack-approved insta story ideas:
1. Promote Events/Activities
NAU is a busy place, as is any college campus, and locating event information is often challenging for students to track down. Instagram stories can be used promote events in advance, or day-of, and ensure your event is packed!
2. Virtual Tours
Show off your department or campus organization and take your viewers on a tour from the comfort of their phone screen. You can access areas on campus where you might not be able to bring large groups, showing a more behind-the-scenes look at your space!
3. Terrific templates
Create content that followers can customize and make their own is a great way to improve engagement. Play on the idea of a “get to know me” template and see your users share what’s important to them!
4. Voting/Polling
Let your followers get involved, and learn something about their opinions and interests at the same time! Simple 2 option polls are a great way to increase engagement at a moment’s notice (examples: Blue or Gold?, North campus or South campus?, Snowboarding or Skiiing?)
5. Q&A
NAU Social Media has had great success with our “Ask NAU” series this summer geared towards incoming freshman and returning students on-campus. Followers DM their questions and we compile answers with links, images, and detailed information to be posted in response! From questions about meal plans to weather in Flagstaff, users will let you know what they need to know!
6. Weekly Series
Promote other campus or community accounts by using stories to feature those that your audience may also want to interact with. The NAU Social Media team hosts a “weekly workout” story featuring Campus Recreation staff!
7. Real-time Special Events Coverage
Invite your extended digital audience to be part of a campus tradition! Give on-the-stage Commencement access and on-the-field sports coverage in a snap with Insta stories.
8. Takeovers
We know what it’s like interacting with thousands of followers each day, why not share the spotlight with one of your own viewers and let them tell their story? From students to campus officials, takeovers can be useful in diversifying content and showcasing members of the community. Set yourself up for future content by including a story page for viewers who want to participate in your next takeover opportunity!
9. Informational/Public Service Announcements
Information on campus safety, important weather updates, and time-sensitive content can be challenging to share via normal Instagram Feed, where algorithms and timelines don’t always match up. Stories are available up front and personal, allowing this media to be accessed quickly and simply.
10. Tips/How To
We all remember the first day of school, meeting new friends, or trying to get to your classes on time. Tips on how to succeed, find your way around campus, or even how to use meal plans can be easily (and quickly) shared with stories.
Instagram stories can be a place to let your creative side take charge — experiment with fonts, gif’s, stickers, and more to create unique content that is immediately shared with followers.
Have any ideas we should incorporate into our stories? Let us know at social@nau.edu! Happy story-ing!
