In 2017, Instagram launched a brave new feature, designed to take on Snapchat in its functionality and form. It was called Instagram Stories, and it just about broke the internet.
A series of photos and videos that disappear 24 hours after their post time, Instagram Stories allows users to draw, write, doodle, or add stickers to their images, and to share them with their followers. The recent addition of branded stories also allows companies to pay for advertisements that appear in-between the stories a user follows.
Even if you’ve never considered using Instagram Stories for your business, now is a great time to give the platform a try. Convenient, engaging, and perfect for our mobile-obsessed and on-the-go culture, Instagram Stories are the way to show off new consignment inventory and make more sales.
7 Tips for Better Instagram Stories
Want to use Instagram Stories to show off your new consignment inventory? Dominate the platform with these seven pro tips:
1. Pick a Color Scheme and Stick to it
Make your Instagram Stories a lesson in branding by choosing a color scheme and sticking with it. While this might be impossible to do with various items, you can keep it consistent by utilizing an on-brand background or a regular setting where you shoot your stories. This makes your videos and images seem more professional and ensures they’re immediately recognizable to your followers.
2. Use Hashtag Stickers
Hashtag stickers (and location information) makes your stories discoverable, meaning customers that don’t already follow you can find the stories quickly and easily. This is essential if you’re using Stories to showcase new inventory, as it expands your customer base and increases your chances of making a sale.
With this in mind, use relevant hashtags and add a location tag to each story you produce. If you’re lucky, you might even show up in the “larger story” for the sticker you choose, which is a selection of curated Instagram Stories that share a specific hashtag.
3. Add a CTA
It’s not enough to just show followers that nifty new jacket or great pair of shoes. Instead, you’ve got to help them understand what to do next! With this in mind, be sure to include a CTA on your Instagram Stories. Something as simple as “stop by today to grab this coat!” or “call for availability!” can help your customers take action, and can help you make more sales.
4. Shoot all Your Photos Vertically
Horizontal photos don’t show up well on Instagram Stories. With this in mind (and to ensure you’re not accidentally cropping out the good bits of an outfit or an item), shoot everything vertically. If your phone has a portrait mode, this is a great time to use it. Not only will your images come out sharper and higher-quality, but it’ll also ensure your followers can watch your videos quickly and easily, without having to turn their phones sideways to do it!
5. Plan Posts in Advance
If you’ve got a big sale or an exciting launch coming up, make sure you’re planning your Instagram Stories in advance. Not only does this allow you to create a more cohesive and comprehensive presence, but it’s also a great way to showcase items as they hit your shelves, and ensure your customers are staying up-to-the-minute on your hot new arrivals.
6. Send out Polls
Did you know you can also create polls on Instagram Stories? A fantastic way to increase engagement and create feedback from customers, polls are one of the most engaging forms of content out there. What’s more, they’re a great way to crowdsource information and get suggestions on what type of inventory you should be looking for, or what your shoppers would like to see more of.
7. Only Post High-Quality Content
No matter what you do, you should never take to Instagram Stories with something that’s sub-par, either in style or quality. This includes fuzzy images, low-quality videos, and anything else that could potentially reflect on your brand in a negative way.
Instagram Stories: Your Store’s Secret to More Sales
If you run a consignment shop, you already know how important social media can be to building a solid following and engaging with your customers. If you’ve never used Instagram Stories before, though, now is the time to take the leap.
An effective and straightforward platform that has the potential to be incredibly valuable for your company, Instagram Stories is an outstanding way to provide value for customers and ensure you never miss a chance to showcase your new items.
Ready to learn more about running the best consignment store out there? Contact Ricochet Consignment Software to schedule a demo or learn more now
