Customers crave engagement, and Instagram Highlights provide an excellent tool to keep your audience captivated and interested in your brand's profile. By strategically using Instagram Highlights, you can showcase your products, share stories, and provide valuable content that keeps your customers coming back for more. One of the best ways to engage your customers is by creating visually appealing and informative Highlights that promote your products or services.
In this blog, you will get a better understanding of what Instagram highlights are, how to create Instagram highlights, and 7 ways to create effective/conversion friendly Instagram highlights.
What are Instagram Highlights?
Instagram Highlights are a feature on Instagram that allows you to group and showcase your Stories permanently on your profile.
By default, Stories disappear after 24 hours. Highlights let you save and categorize these Stories into different segments visible to your followers indefinitely.
Key Features of Instagram Highlights
- Permanent Display: Unlike regular Stories, Highlights remain on your profile until you decide to remove them.
- Customizable Covers: You can choose specific cover photos for each Highlight, making it easier for your audience to identify the content at a glance.
- Categorization: Organize your Stories into different categories, such as products, events, or customer testimonials.
Creating Highlights involves a few simple steps. First, ensure the "Save to Archive" option is enabled in your Story settings. Then, from your profile, tap the "+" sign found below your bio to start a new Highlight.
Example Uses of Instagram Highlights
- Showcase Collections: Group Stories showcasing different product collections or services.
- Event Recaps: Store Stories from past events like launches, webinars, or trade shows.
- Customer Testimonials: Highlight Stories featuring customer reviews and testimonials to build credibility.
Instagram Highlights can transform how your followers engage with your content. By strategically using this feature, you can reinforce your brand message and keep your most valuable content easily accessible.
How to create and add Instagram Highlights
Creating Instagram Highlights involves accessing settings, ensuring stories are saved, and selecting content to showcase. Follow these steps to engage your audience more effectively.
Navigate to the settings of your Instagram account
Start by opening your Instagram profile. Look for the three horizontal lines at the top right corner to access the menu. Tap on it, and then choose “Settings” from the list.
Settings help you manage everything from privacy controls to content preferences. Navigating here is essential since you'll need to adjust a few options to prepare for creating your Highlights. This area is also where you can access your Stories Archive.
Click on the “Story” button
In the settings menu, find and click on the “Story” button. This will take you to various options related to your Instagram Stories.
This button is the gateway to managing how your Stories are saved and shared. Clicking on it will allow you to customize your story settings, making it easier to create Highlights from your archived stories without losing any important content.
Enable the “Save to Archive” button
Once you're in the story settings, ensure the “Save to Archive” option is turned on. This feature automatically saves your Stories to an archive after the 24-hour visibility period ends.
Archiving is crucial because it ensures that none of your Stories gets lost. The archived content becomes the reservoir from which you can pull stories to create lasting Highlights on your profile. This setting must be enabled to create Highlights.
Create an Instagram Highlight
To create a Highlight, go to your profile and tap on the “+” icon below your bio, labeled as “Story Highlights”. This action will lead you to your archived stories.
Select the Stories you want to add to this Highlight and tap on “Next”. Grouping stories into Highlights keeps your best content accessible to your audience, allows you to categorize themes or topics, and encourages prolonged engagement with your profile.
Add cover and title
Once you have selected the Stories for your Highlight, the next steps involve adding a cover and title. Tap on “Edit Cover” to choose an eye-catching image that represents the content of the Highlight.
You can either select a frame from the Stories themselves or upload a custom image as your cover. Afterward, give your Highlight a title that clearly describes its theme or purpose. An appealing cover and a clear title help grab viewers' attention and make navigating your content easier.
7 Ways to Use Instagram Highlights to Grow Your Business
Engage your followers and expand your reach by utilizing Instagram Highlights in innovative ways. Leverage this feature to showcase products, promote events, share updates, and create interactions with your audience.
1. Showcase Your Products
Highlighting your products is an effective way to display what your business offers. Create Highlights that focus on different categories or new arrivals. Use high-quality images and videos to captivate the viewers. Regularly updating these Highlights keeps your content fresh and engaging.
An example:
- Use a Highlight titled "New Arrivals" to feature the latest products.
- Provide detailed descriptions and prices.
These actions can boost sales and customer interest.
2. Promote Events & Deals
Instagram Highlights are perfect for promoting upcoming events and special deals. Design Highlights for specific events like sales, webinars, or product launches. Utilize countdown stickers and reminder features to build anticipation.
Promoting limited-time offers:
- Share exclusive discount codes.
- Highlight flash sales.
This not only attracts customers but also encourages a sense of urgency.
3. Show Updates on What You’ve Been Up To
Keeping your followers informed about your business activities helps build a stronger connection. Use Highlights to share behind-the-scenes content, updates, and milestones.
Examples of content to include:
- Behind-the-scenes of product creation.
- Milestones reached, such as follower counts or awards.
These kinds of updates give a personal touch and make your brand more relatable.
4. Interact with Followers Using Interactive Polls
Engagement tools like polls and quizzes in your Stories can be saved to Highlights for ongoing interaction. Ask for feedback on new products or preferences. This helps in understanding your audience better and making them feel valued.
Ideas for polls and quizzes:
- Which product do you like better?
- What new features would you like to see?
Such interactions can drive higher engagement and foster community.
5. Answer Follower Questions
FAQs are a great way to provide your audience with valuable information. Create a Q&A Highlight where you answer common questions about your products or services.
To implement this:
- Encourage your followers to submit questions.
- Regularly update the Q&A Highlight with new answers.
This ensures your followers have easy access to crucial information, making your interaction more efficient.
6. Showcase Your Customer Testimonials
Featuring customer reviews and testimonials can significantly boost credibility. Use Highlights to share real customer experiences and feedback.
Structure for testimonial Highlights:
- Share screenshots of customer reviews.
- Include video testimonials for a personal touch.
Potential customers are more likely to trust your brand when they see positive feedback from others.
7. Start a Series
Creating a series of content around a specific theme can keep your audience interested and coming back. This could be anything from a weekly tutorial to a featured product of the month.
Series ideas:
- Weekly tips related to your industry.
- Monthly product spotlight.
By offering consistent and valuable content, you keep your audience engaged and positioned as an authority in your niche.
