Have you ever wondered about some of the benefits of using Facebook and Instagram stories? I sure have.

Recently, Monica Miller, an international speaker, author, writer, and coach, enlightened the attendees of my Meetup group on this topic. Learn more about my Simplify Your Social Media Meetup Group at https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-simplify-your-social-media/

Using her own stories by way of demonstration, she explained how stories work. Then she showed us how to follow up on the comments and messages that stories generate.

Watch a recording of Monica’s presentation of “How to Get Leads and New Clients from Your Facebook and Instagram Stories” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70tK4hYwgfs

 

What are Facebook and Instagram Stories?

Facebook and Instagram stories are user-generated photo and video collections that last for 24 hours. There’s typically a minimal use of words.

For both Facebook and Instagram, stories are displayed in the News Feed, above the posts. If you want to access the stories you have posted, go to your personal page on Facebook. Click on Story Archive. For Instagram, go to your profile and tap the Archive icon at the top right.

I found this description in the article “Facebook Stories: An Introduction for Content Creators” to be very helpful:

“Stories are a great way to connect with your audience and share content between your scheduled video posts, with photos and short videos. All content posted to Stories lasts only 24 hours. Stories are full screen, short-form, ephemeral and offer all sorts of creative, customizable overlays, which means more ways to be authentic and less pressure to be perfect.”

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/lessons/facebook-stories-creators

Learn more about Instagram Stories at https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/instagram-stories

According to Monica, you are better off using Facebook’s mobile app to create stories, since that’s the easiest way to access the many available filters that can enhance creativity. Similarly, it’s easiest to use the Instagram mobile app to create a story. Monica also recommended creating the stories through your personal page of Facebook rather than your business page. Doing so will increase the reach of the stories.

 

Some Benefits of Using Facebook and Instagram Stories

  • Monica pointed out that from her experience, people tend to engage more with stories than with regular posts. Only you as the poster of the story can see its comments and reactions. You can find the comments and reactions in Facebook Messenger and Instagram direct messages.
  • You can do some market research, such as through polls you can incorporate into your stories.
  • By reviewing your archive of stories and responses to them, you can determine what content is working and what’s not.

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those ages 55 and older, to become more comfortable using social media, particularly Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

She works with business owners, business development professionals, leaders of nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.