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Every time I update my Instagram Story Highlights, I get more product sales and bookings for my 1:1 coaching sessions. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Here's what you need to know👇🏻
1. Highlights are like a mini version of your website! They are an active part of your sales funnel and customer service.
2. They can simplify your process. Answer common questions with your highlights and refer people to them when needed.
3. They add a TON of value to your Instagram page and make it complete! An Instagram page without story highlights is not complete!
That’s exactly why it’s also part of our profile optimization services!
4. Yes, you can update them in one go!
Just let your story viewers know in your first story that you’re about to update your highlights and you’re good to go.
5. Make sure the covers are relevant, on brand, and visually pleasing!
Alright, now, what should they look like?
Depending on whether you're a product-based, service-based, or local business, you should choose 5 of these most relevant Highlights for your own...
Here are my top recommendations:
1. About Me / Us
Brand Storytelling: Who are you and what do you do? Use this Highlight to convey your brand’s unique story. Include a video introduction where you or your team share the brand's mission, values, and journey. Personal touches like this help humanize your brand and build a connection with your audience.
Interactive Q&A Sessions: Host interactive Q&A sessions where followers can ask questions about your business. Use tools like Instagram Stories' question sticker for engagement. Highlighting these can make your audience feel more involved and informed.
🚨 Local's ONLY: For local businesses, include your location, address, and a brief history of your local impact. Perhaps a short clip of your storefront or a map showing your area can make it more engaging.
An extra Story Highlight for local businesses below!
2. Reviews
Collect real stories, client results, reviews and testimonials, and UGC. The easiest way you can do this by adding video testimonials or visual quotes...
Video Testimonials: Invite satisfied customers to record short video testimonials. Videos add authenticity and let potential customers hear directly from those who have had positive experiences with your brand.
Visual Quotes: Create visually appealing graphics with quotes from customer reviews. Tools like Canva make it easy to design on-brand testimonial graphics that capture attention.
✨ Screenshot Galleries: Take screenshots of positive reviews from different platforms and compile them in this Highlight. It showcases the consistency of customer satisfaction across various channels.
3. Products or Services
Obviously, depending on your business and brand!
Product Launches: Highlight new product launches with engaging visuals, including photos and videos that showcase the product's features. Countdown stickers for launches build anticipation.
Demos and Tutorials: Provide step-by-step guides or video tutorials demonstrating how your products work or how services are delivered. This can help demystify the customer experience and reduce barriers to purchase.
Customer Spotlights: Share content from customers using your products or services. Highlight their unique use cases, which can serve as inspiration for others.
PRO TIP: Add direct product links or direct links to your services and bookings page. This drives traffic and streamlines the journey from interest to action.
🧋 If you have a menu and/or specials, this is also where they belong.
4. BTS (Behind-the-Scenes)
This is what your audience craves to see! 👇🏻
You providing your services
Office culture
Office or shop tour
Day in the Life
Production Process: Show snippets of how products are made or services are prepared. For instance, if you run a bakery, show the process of making a popular pastry item from start to finish.
Team Activities: Share fun moments or team-building activities that humanize your brand and showcase the culture behind your business.
Sneak Peeks: Offer glimpses of upcoming products, services, or projects. This builds anticipation and gives your audience something to look forward to.
Local Collaborations: Highlight partnerships with local businesses or events. This not only builds community goodwill but also cross-promotes with other brands.
All the fun stuff! 👏🏻
5. Tips
Niche Tips and Tricks: Share tips that are specific to your industry. For example, if you’re a skincare brand, offer skincare routines for different skin types.
Expert Advice: As a service-based business, share common mistakes to avoid or expert insights that position your brand as a thought leader in the industry.
Inspiration and Ideas: Inspire your audience with creative ideas related to your niche, such as style guides for a fashion brand or decor ideas for a home goods store.
6. Events / Local
Community Involvement: Share clips and photos from local events your business participates in or sponsors. Highlighting these can show your support and involvement in the community.
Promotions and Sales: Announce special sales or promotions, and include countdown stickers to generate excitement and urgency.
Local Sourcing: If your products are locally sourced, use this space to highlight local partners and the story behind your supply chain.
PRO TIP: Don't forget to add CTAs here and there in your Highlights to drive desired actions ("Swipe up," "Visit our website," "Contact us").
Here are just a few of our amazing client page examples:
✨ Quick Highlights Checklist
Is the cover design on brand? No, it doesn't have to be a brand color and cute graphic. Sometimes a photo is the perfect fit for you.
Keep the stories super relevant and short.
No more than 3-7 stories per story highlight.
Choose short and relevant keywords as topics.
Always have 5 relevant highlights added.
If you need help with your Instagram Story Highlights, check out my Instagram Makeover Package. It comes with a profile audit and recommendations, a customized highlight strategy, and so much more 🙌🏻
written by Daniela Schrittenlocher and Terra Werner @ELAS Marketing Services LLC
Follow @elasmarketingservices for daily tips, facts and honest social media & marketing talk on Instagram.
Email us at hello@elasmarketingservices.com with questions or topic requests.
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