20 ways to generate leads using Instagram Stories

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Let’s jump right in! No matter if you are a B2B or B2C business, these Instagram lead generation methods can help you boost conversions and brand trust. 

Understanding how to generate leads is really just another great way to monetize your Instagram account. Find out 7 more lucrative ideas here.

20 ways to generate leads with Instagram Stories

First things first: Make sure you have a business account and that your Instagram Stories are set to public. You definitely want to make sure people can see them! 

If you’re not sure how to make your Instagram Story public, click here. 

#1 - Analyze your target audience

Before you make your next post, review what you know about your target audience. Who are they? When and where can they be found on Instagram?

Then, take a look at your current Instagram followers. Are your followers actually within your target audience? If a majority of your followers are your ideal customers, great! 

If not, it’s time for some market research to understand what kinds of content will attract them to your page. 

#2 - Always have a CTA

A CTA (AKA “call to action”) encourages people to take the next step towards a purchase or conversion. 

As an Instagram business account, everything you do should have purpose - whether it’s getting conversions or building great relationships with your followers. 

Some CTAs are more abrupt, such as “Shop now.” Others are more subtle, such as “Check out my website to learn more.” You’ll want a mix of CTAs, but Instagram users tend to appreciate subtle CTAs in the captions.

#3 - Don’t sell to people

You have a product you want to sell to people, but don’t. 

Say what? 

Instagram is the platform for experiences. People love having a visual and interactive experience with your brand, rather than being sold to. 

There are infinite ways to craft a great brand experience. Stay tuned, because we’ll discuss some in this article. 

#4 - Lay out the benefits

Let’s go back to marketing 101 for a second. People need a reason to buy your product or to book your service. How does your product or service benefit them? 

For example: If you’re a spa, maybe your services help people step away from stress and return to normal life refreshed. If you sell baby books, perhaps your books are both fun and educational, helping parents stimulate their baby’s brain for essential development. 

Your benefit to consumer should be concise, compelling and obvious. In every Instagram Story that shows your product or service, it should answer the question, “Why buy?”  

#5 - Talk about hot topics

Capitalize on the urgency and time-sensitive nature of Instagram Stories. Think of your Stories as breaking news bits.

Share your thoughts, expertise and educated opinions on hot topics related to your industry. This will help build authority and establish your credibility in the field. Followers will turn to you for information and insight. 

#6 - Streamline the conversion process

Whatever you can do to minimize the steps between a person seeing your Story and converting - do it! 

Making it easy to convert will help you generate way more leads! Here are some ideas:

• Establish an Instagram Shop
• Make your Feed clickable (with services like Gallery Metrics)
• Utilize link in bio
• Provide multiple ways to connect with you (phone, DM, email)

#7 - Spice up your Stories

Make your Instagram Stories worth the watch! Add filters, stickers and special effects that will wow your audience. Improve the aesthetics of your Instagram Stories to rack up more views.  

At Mojo, our app gives you tons of creative power to turn your content ideas into stunning visual experiences. Check it out here. 

#8 - Identify your most popular content

Sift through your Instagram posts and Stories to determine which content drives the most engagement with your followers. 

If you get a sudden surge in views when you go behind the scenes, create those kinds of posts consistently, if not often. Ride with what works, baby!

#9 - Add links to your Stories

Links in your Stories are awesome because they give people a CTA and it’s super easy to take. Exactly what you want for more leads on Instagram! 

Just FYI: To do this, add your Story content and then go to stickers to find the “link” sticker.

#10 - Save the best to Highlights

Don’t let your awesome Instagram Stories go to waste! Save your best ones in Highlights on your profile.

Which Stories are your best ones? Here are some Stories that you may want to save:

• Stories with high engagement
• Stories that give an overview of your brand (concisely)
• Stories that showcase your product or service
• Stories with influencer promo

#11 - Collaborate with influencers

Speaking of influencers… It may be worth the investment to collaborate with popular, trusted influencers. Feature them in your story and work out a deal where they feature you in theirs. 

If you can’t fork over $1000s for the mega influencers, consider smaller influencers. They may be way cheaper (or free) and will still be able to showcase your brand to hundreds or thousands of new people! 

#12 - Show your face

Nowadays, people love seeing the humans behind the brand. If you want an authentic way on how to generate leads using Instagram Stories, this is it!

Show your face - and the faces of other team members. Share content about everyone you work with, from entry-level employees to your C-suite execs (with permission, of course). 

#13 - Use geolocation

Nothing builds a sense of connection like geolocation on your Instagram Stories. It shows that you’re involved in the community, especially if you can be local with your customers. 

If you’re trying to get noticed by the Instagram algorithm, geolocation increases the likelihood of getting seen by extra users. 

#14 - Post a giveaway

People love freebies, especially if it’s really easy to access. 

Post about a giveaway or freebie product in your Instagram Stories and encourage people to tag other users for “extra” entries. 

#15 - Give a how-to

How-to’s are super interesting. Plus, they provide a mini, instant win for those watching. 

Just like this “how to generate leads using Instagram Stories” article. We hope you leave with actionable strategies that give you great lead generation!

Make sure your how-to covers something that your target audience needs or wants. Once you have the right topic, watch it spread like wildfire! 

#16 - Keep cranking out Stories

One of the most simple ways to generate leads with Instagram Stories (albeit, not necessarily easy) is to keep producing Stories.

You want to consistently deliver great content so your current followers will come to expect it from you. And, with some added features like geolocation and giveaways, you’ll continue to drive new followers to your account. 

#17 - Go behind the scenes

Behind the scenes content is a casual, fun way to let your followers get to know you and your products. Some accounts find behind the scenes posts are their highest performing content!

Show people how you make your products, where you work, how you travel… and anything else you do! 

#18 - Post your success stories and reviews

Another great way to generate leads from Instagram Stories is to show off your street cred - with reviews, testimonials and success stories, that is. 

With permission, share written content or conduct video interviews with previous customers. Doing this will help new customers feel better about purchasing or booking with you. 

#19 - Do a product demo

Did you know that product demos increase the likelihood of purchase? If you want some ideas about what to show in your product demo, here are some:

• Cool features
• Unique features
• Benefit to consumer
• How it works
• Common ways to use it
• Uncommon ways to use it
• Hesitations to buying (address them head-on)

#20 - Promote your products or services

Don’t be afraid to highlight what you have to offer. If you continue to convey how your products and services will benefit your customers, they’ll see it as the perfect solution for them.

And if you’re looking for a video creation app that makes it easy and fast to produce professional, stunning visuals, try out the Mojo app.

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