Instagram Stories has become an effective social media marketing tool in recent years. The feature allows you to capture everyday moments with ease and bring them to life with text, music, stickers and GIFs.

With the marketing potential of Instagram Stories, you should be using it to your advantage. Highlight what makes your bakery great, interact with your followers and make it easier for customers to purchase your products, all in one place.

Members of The Young Entrepreneur Council were asked by Small Business Trends what is one way small businesses can use the Instagram Stories feature to its best effect. Here are some of the top strategies:

Limited-Time Offers

Because Stories only last for 24 hours, it makes them perfect for showcasing LTOs. Customers will get the sense of urgency and want to act on these deals before they go away.

Product Launches

Not only can you use Stories to show off your latest products, but you can include links to where they can be ordered online.

User-Generated Content

By sharing content created by your followers or others, you’re encouraging activity and building a connection. Potential customers will see that you’re authentic and may be more likely to do business with you.

Behind-The-Scenes

Another way to build authenticity is to give followers a peek behind the curtain. If you show off your team and processes, you may be more likely to connect with people.

Feedback

Instagram Stories are useful for interacting with your customers, asking them what you can improve as a company and getting insights on which products they prefer most.

Live Events

Stories help you to share your bakery’s events more personally and instantaneously.