Key Takeaways
- Link stickers on Instagram Stories can negatively impact engagement, as users tend to leave the app to visit the linked content.
- Businesses and influencers should use link stickers strategically, primarily for driving traffic to external websites rather than for increasing engagement on Stories.
- Alternative methods for creating engaging Stories include using the question sticker, hosting Instagram Live sessions, and conducting Story polls to encourage interaction and feedback.
Remember the good old days when Instagram was just a simple photo-sharing app? Now, it’s a full-blown marketing machine, with businesses and influencers constantly trying to find new ways to engage with their followers. One of the latest features that Instagram has introduced is link stickers for Stories. These stickers allow users to easily share links with their followers, which can be a great way to drive traffic to a website or blog. But do link stickers actually help with engagement? Or do they just prompt users to leave Instagram?
The Link Sticker Dilemma
Some experts believe that link stickers negatively impact engagement by prompting users to leave Instagram. After all, if a user is interested in the link you’re sharing, they’re going to click on it and leave your Story. This means that you’re losing out on potential engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares.
Testing the Hypothesis
To test this hypothesis, I conducted an experiment comparing the performance of Stories with link stickers to those without. I looked at the top 20 Stories with link stickers and the top 20 Stories without link stickers in terms of replies, shares, reach, and follows. The results were pretty clear: Stories with link stickers had lower engagement rates across the board.
Only 20% of the Stories with link stickers were among the top 20 most-replied, most-shared, and highest-reach Stories, while 80% of the Stories without link stickers were. This suggests that link stickers do indeed have a negative impact on engagement.
When to Use Link Stickers
So, does this mean that you should never use link stickers? Not necessarily. Link stickers can be a great way to drive traffic to an external website or blog. But they should be used strategically, not just for the sake of increasing engagement. If your goal is to get people to engage with your Story, then you’re better off using other methods, such as the question sticker, hosting an Instagram Live, or doing an Instagram Story poll.
Alternative Methods for Creating Engaging Stories
Here are a few other effective ways to create high-engagement Instagram Stories:
- Use the question sticker. This sticker allows you to ask your followers a question and see their responses in real time. It’s a great way to get people interacting with your Story and starting a conversation.
- Host an Instagram Live. Instagram Live is a great way to connect with your followers in real time. You can answer questions, give behind-the-scenes tours, or just chat with your audience. Live videos are more likely to be seen by your followers than Stories, and they’re a great way to build relationships.
- Do an Instagram Story poll. Instagram Story polls are a fun and easy way to get feedback from your followers. You can ask them questions about anything, from what they think of your latest product to what they want to see more of on your page. Polls are a great way to get people engaged and interacting with your content.
Bonus: Get Creative with Your Stories
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Instagram Stories. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating engaging content. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use eye-catching visuals. People are more likely to watch a Story if it has visually appealing content. Use bright colors, interesting fonts, and eye-catching images or videos.
- Tell a story. Stories are more engaging than sales pitches. Use your Stories to tell a story about your brand, your products, or your life. People are more likely to connect with you and your content if they feel like they’re getting to know you.
- Be authentic. People can tell when you’re being fake, so be yourself and let your personality shine through in your Stories. People are more likely to engage with you if they feel like they’re getting to know the real you.
Conclusion
Link stickers can be a great way to drive traffic to an external website or blog, but they should be used strategically. If your goal is to get people to engage with your Story, then you’re better off using other methods, such as the question sticker, hosting an Instagram Live, or doing an Instagram Story poll. With a little creativity, you can create high-engagement Instagram Stories that will help you grow your following and build relationships with your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the best times to post on Instagram?
The best times to post on Instagram vary depending on your audience, but in general, the best times to post are during the week between 9am and 11am and 7pm and 9pm.
How often should I post on Instagram?
The frequency with which you post on Instagram depends on your content and your audience. However, it’s generally recommended to post at least once a day, and no more than three times a day.
What are the most popular Instagram hashtags?
The most popular Instagram hashtags vary depending on the topic, but some of the most popular general hashtags include #love, #instagood, #photooftheday, #fashion, and #travel.
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