How to Increase Story Views and Clicks to Help You Sell More Instagram
Are your Instagram Story views stuck at a frustratingly low number? Do you wish you could drive more traffic and engagement through your Stories? If you answered yes, you're in the right place.
It seems like engagement on Instagram Stories decreases day by day, but there is a simple yet powerful strategy called the Black Story Strategy. When you use this strategy it can help skyrocket your Instagram Story views and clicks.
But first... why even post Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories are an essential tool for engaging with your audience. They offer a dynamic way to share content, from behind-the-scenes looks to product promotions. However, with so many users posting Stories, it can be tough to stand out. This is where the Black Story Strategy comes in.
So, what exactly is the Black Story Strategy?
It's a VERY SIMPLE design technique that leverages a black screen with white text to grab your audience's attention. This simple and unconventional approach can dramatically increase your Story views and engagement.
Why This Instagram Story Strategy Works
When users scroll through their Instagram Stories, they typically see colorful, vibrant content. Amidst these eye-catching visuals, a black screen with white text stands out like a sore thumb. This stark contrast catches the eye and piques curiosity. Viewers are more likely to stop and read what you have to say.
I've personally seen my Story views jump from around 700 to between 3,000 and 6,000 using this method. The number of clicks on links embedded in these Stories has also skyrocketed, sometimes reaching up to 400 clicks per Story.
When to Use the Black Story Strategy
Timing is crucial for this strategy to work effectively. Here are some ideal situations to use the Black Story Strategy:
Promotions: Use it when you're promoting a product or service especially during the final days of a launch or campaign. The high engagement rate can drive more traffic to your offer.
Announcements: Important updates or announcements can benefit from the heightened visibility and draw awareness to them
Exclusive Offers: Share special discounts, affiliate links, or limited-time offers to maximize clicks and conversions.
For best results, let your regular Stories expire completely before posting a black screen Story. This creates a sense of anticipation and ensures your audience is not bombarded with too much content, making them more likely to engage with your post.
PRO TIP: And it is more likely that the Instagram Stories algorithm will work in your favor when you promote this Story AFTER all of your other Stories have disappeared.
How to Create a Black Story for Instagram
Creating a Black Story is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Open Instagram, and start a Story as you normally would.
Create a Black Background: Take a photo of anything, then tap on the draw tool, select the color black, and hold your finger on the screen to fill it in completely
Use the text tool to write your message in white. Make sure the text is clear and concise, but write out a sentence or two. Longer text works better as it makes the viewer feel like they are reading something important.
Add a link if you want viewers to click through. Customize the link sticker text to make it even more compelling so viewers will want to click
The Black Story Strategy is a simple yet highly effective way to boost your Instagram Story views and engagement. By standing out in a sea of colorful Stories, you can capture your audience's attention and drive more traffic to your links. Give this strategy a try and watch your Story views and engagement soar.
Want to grow your Instagram account?
If you're trying to grow your Instagram account with a content strategy, you're most likely not seeing many results. You need a content strategy and a growth strategy that are both possible for you to execute with your bandwidth.
In this class, we will define what each of them are and how to create both for your business. Includes a bonus Growth Strategy Planner!
Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, an Instagram strategy and templates business that helps ethical brands with a sense of humor grow their organic engagement and sales using Instagram.
Your Social Team also offers Your Template Club, a Canva template subscription to help social media managers and busy business owners get more results and save time.
Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000, right out of college, to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award-winning career in creative for 15 years.
Manu started Your Social Team in 2017 and has worked with brands like Teachable, Brit+Co, James Beard Foundation, Open Table before shifting focus to women founded small businesses and social media professionals.