Instagram Stories for Photographers
As a photographer, you're always looking for ways to showcase your work and connect with potential clients so I’m going to let you in on a little secret of just how powerful IG stories are. It pains me to say this as a social media manager, but there was a time when I wasn’t posting consistently on my business page. I was, however, sharing stories daily. Sometimes they were things that were meant to educate or engage my audience, but most of the time they were just nonsense behind the scenes things of my life (mainly my dog) and guess what?! One of my social media manager friends said she didn’t even realize I wasn’t posting because I was always showing up at the top of her feed on stories.
Now I’m not saying you should abandon posting because that is NOT the way to go, but not using your stories is a HUGE missed opportunity. Think about it… Instagram users open their app and they’re following hundreds or thousands of people, it’s easy for your post to get lost in there, BUT every time you post to your story that little circle of your profile photo makes its way back to the top of the feed - so why not take advantage of that and let people know you’re there?!
Here are some tips on how to use Instagram Stories to boost your business.
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses
People love to see what goes on behind the camera, so use Instagram Stories to show your process. Whether it's setting up your equipment, scouting locations, or editing your photos, share these moments with your followers. It doesn’t even need to be related to photography - you talking about something you love outside of work, walking the dog, venting about something, etc.. People will relate and that’s what social media is all about - making connections. You also don’t need to be all glammed up since this is just staying up for 24 hours so don’t be afraid to just be REAL. Not only will it give your followers a better understanding of what you do, but it will also help to build a more personal connection with them (which builds that like, know, trust factor for sales!!).
Showcase your portfolio & testimonials
Instagram Stories is a great place to showcase your portfolio in a more dynamic way. You can create a slideshow of your best work, add text overlays to highlight important details, or even use the Boomerang feature to bring your photos to life. Be sure to use high-quality images that represent your style and aesthetic. You can also share client testimonials to give people insight into what it’s like working with you. Then save this to the top of your IG page as a story highlight to educate new followers all about what you do and what they can expect when working with you.
Use hashtags and location tags
Using hashtags and location tags in your Instagram Stories can help to increase your reach and attract new followers. You can use popular photography hashtags like #instaphoto or #photooftheday, as well as location tags for the places you're shooting in. This will help to make your Stories more discoverable to people who are interested in photography.
Engage with your audience
Finally, don't forget to engage with your audience on Instagram Stories. You can use the poll or question sticker to get insight from your audience like asking if a location or theme suggestion. When you show that you value their input, you'll build a more loyal and engaged following.
So there you have it! IG stories are a powerful tool that should not be overlooked by photographers looking to boost their business. By sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, showcasing your portfolio, using hashtags and location tags, and engaging with your audience, you can build a more personal connection with your followers and attract new clients. Don't be afraid to be authentic and show your personality, whether it's through talking about your favorite things or showing off your furry friend. The more you connect with your audience, the more likely they are to remember you when they need a photographer. So go forth and use Instagram Stories to your advantage!
