How to Create The Perfect Instagram Story

With over 300 million daily users, Instagram stories are an excellent tool for marketers. For destinations specifically, Instagram stories can be a tool used to help promote unique experiences, attractions, and events — while providing an opportunity to encourage travel. However, the question remains – what makes a great story? We’ve previously discussed how to tell your Destination’s Stories through social media posts. Now, we’re here to discuss everything you need to know on how to create the perfect Instagram Story.

Determine Why and What Story You’re Going to Tell

Instagram Stories are more than just a few photos or videos compiled together. They should be a compilation of images/videos that complement each other. Stitch your story together by viewers through an experiential and informative journey. However, it’s imperative to make sure you have a consistent narrative with a start and finish when telling a story. Your Instagram stories should always have an end goal. When creating your stories, keep the following questions in mind;

Which kind of story do you want to create? (event promotion, partner feature, etc.)
What is your goal with creating the story?
What call-to-action will you include in your story?

Create a Storyboard to Help Build your Story

To create a successful story, you must first plan out the entire process from start to finish. Planning out the whole process, to begin with, may save you some valuable time and give your stories a clear purpose, which is where the importance of a storyboard comes to play. Your storyboard should include what images/videos you will use, the text that pertains to your story, creative aspects you’ll use, and your call-to-action. A few things to keep in mind when creating your storyboard:

Tell your story between 5 and 8 slides
Keep the same pace (a single image slide is 15 seconds)
Stick to a single visual theme through the story
Include text features that guide the user through your story

If you need a little help getting started with your storyboard, check out this free online tool.

Post Your Story + Utilize Instagram Tools

Now that it’s time to post your story, utilize the various tools to spice up your Instagram Story. Instagram allows you to add stickers to your stories, such as:

Location tags
Mention
Hashtag
GIFS
Music
Questions
Stickers
Countdown
Swipe Up!
Add Filters

Creative Tips

To ensure you create the perfect Instagram story, make sure your story accurately represents your brand with correct colors, voice, etc.
Be versatile with your media. Mix up your stories with the use of videos, pictures, and boomerangs.
Don’t go overboard on the use of GIF’s, stickers, etc. so you don’t hinder your storytelling. Your main goal is to inform – not to entertain!
If you’re utilizing the ‘Swipe Up’ feature, be sure to update the linked landing page, so users are brought to a page that is accurately associated with your story’s content.

Be sure to check back here weekly to stay in the know about what we’re talking about regarding digital marketing trends, digital strategies, and more! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, where we highlight the months most popular blogs and where we’re going to be speaking!