If you’re like me then you were thrilled when Instagram released its stories features awhile back. I have absolutely loved using this feature, and it has been the best place to share the real parts of life. Since then, Instagram has continued to improve this feature, and I have loved every bit of it! If you aren’t fully utilizing each of the features, then you are missing out! Here are just a few ways that I love to use them to connect with my followers {& you should too!!}.

1. Instagram Polls
   

   This is probably my favorite addition to Instagram Stories. I love adding polls to different posts. This allows my followers to become more engaged, and I can connect with them better.

   TIP:  Don’t immediately jump into really personal or specific questions. For example, if you are just starting to use polls and you ask your followers if they like your outfit YES or NO, they might shy away from answering. Since you will be able to tell who answered what, they might fear you’ll judge them for their opinion. I suggest asking more general questions or give answer options that are more open and friendly. Instead of asking (YES) or (NO), try giving the options of (YES) or (Let’s see something else). You’ll likely get a better response because your followers feel that their real opinions are masked.

   You can also use polls as a way to learn more about your followers. Try asking questions that will pertain to content you will post. Using the method, I found that my followers wanted to learn more behind the scene and real life moments.
   

2. Camera Roll Photos
   

   The camera roll upload option has been available since the beginning of IG Stories. Originally, you were only able to upload images that were taken in the past 24 hours. This was super annoying, and PRAISE THE LORD, Instagram has made it possible to choose from your entire camera roll. I believe this update was in the past few months, and it has made a world of a difference for me. By simply swiping up, you can access your entire camera roll and select which image you’d like to share.

   TIP: This is an easy way to show memories from throughout the week, month, or year. For the New Year, I used this feature to show my favorite moments from 2017. It was easy to select each image and share with my followers.
   
   

3. GIFs
   

   If you haven’t heard, you can now add gifs to an Instagram Story. I don’t want to be dramatic… but this life changing. Okay, a little too dramatic, but y’all this new addition is super fun and easy. GIFs are extremely popular, and you can make your content more relevant and relatable by adding a few gifs to it! Ready to add a GIF? Once you’ve selected or captured your photo, simply swipe up for the latest stickers and add ons. You will see a search icon with GIF. Click the search icon, and you can search any word/phase for related GIFs. Once you’ve found the one you want, click on it, and it will be directly added to your image.

   TIP: Don’t use GIFs on every single image. This can cause followers to get annoyed or lose interest. I suggest using GIFs sparingly and purposeful. Also, GIFs are not for everyone. Be sure to consider your own brand or your company’s branding guidelines before posting.
   

Want to see how I apply these tips to my Instagram Stories? Follow me on Instagram, and watch how I incorporate each of these tidbits into my content.

xoxo,