You open Instagram, ready to share something with your audience, and you’re faced with the same question: What should I post on my Stories? Should I share a new Reel? Should I ask a question? Should I just post a bunch of random photos and hope for the best? It can feel like a game of chance, and you’re not sure which strategy will help you build a loyal community.
But what if you didn’t have to guess?
The truth is, Stories are one of the most powerful tools on Instagram for building a loyal following, but only if you use them correctly. The secret to a powerful Stories strategy isn’t about knowing a hundred different hacks; it’s about following a few key rules that tell the algorithm and your audience what you’re all about.
This guide is your new rulebook. We’re going to break down the definitive Do’s and Don’ts for Instagram Stories, so you can cut through the noise, avoid common mistakes, and turn your Stories into a powerful tool for your brand.
Ready to get focused and start growing with purpose? Let’s dive in.
The Golden Rules of Consistency and Engagement
Your Stories are a key part of your Instagram strategy, but only if you use them correctly. These rules will help you build a consistent and engaging presence that keeps your audience coming back for more.
- DO Post Consistently: You don’t have to post every hour, but you do have to show up consistently. A regular posting schedule tells your audience and the algorithm that you’re an active and engaged creator.
- DON’T Post 3+ Stories at the Same Time: Avoid dropping all your Stories at once. When you post a bunch of Stories at the same time, you risk overwhelming your audience and losing their attention. Instead, space them out throughout the day to ensure you’re always at the top of your followers’ feeds.
- DO Use Stickers Often: Instagram loves it when you use its features. Stickers, sliders, and polls are an easy way to boost engagement and get your audience to interact with your content. It’s a simple way to get a quick engagement signal to the algorithm.
- DO Avoid Posting for 24 Hours Before a Big Story: This is a powerful hack that will ensure your big announcement gets the attention it deserves. Avoid posting anything on your Stories for 24 hours before a major announcement to ensure your “big story” is the first thing people see.
- DON’T Spam Stories with 10+ Active Stories: It’s a common mistake that most creators make. Avoid posting a large number of stories at once. When you post too many Stories, you risk overwhelming your audience, and they’re more likely to skip them altogether.
The Truth About Content and Analytics
Stories are meant to be an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at your brand, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be strategic with your content and analytics. A powerful Stories strategy is built on a solid foundation of data and a clear understanding of what your audience wants.
- DO Repost Best Viral Stories Every 3 Months: If a Story goes viral, it’s worth a second look. The pin recommends reposting your best viral stories every three months. This is a powerful hack that will allow you to get more mileage out of your best content and get it in front of a new audience that might have missed it the first time around.
- DO Check Your Story Insights Monthly: Your data is your secret weapon. The pin recommends checking your Story Insights monthly. This tells you which of your Stories have the most engagement, which you can use to inform your content strategy.
- DON’T Post Videos Without Subtitles or Context: The majority of people watch Stories with the sound off. If you post a video without subtitles or context, you’re missing a huge opportunity to connect with your audience. Avoid this mistake by always adding subtitles or a clear caption to your videos.
- DON’T Share Posts in Stories: This is one of the most common mistakes creators make. Avoid sharing your feed posts in your Stories, as it can confuse the algorithm and your audience. Your Stories should be a separate, more authentic look at your brand.
- DO Write Longer Text and Use Nice Photos: Stories are not just for quick hits of information. You can use your Stories to provide more value by writing longer text and using nice photos. This is a great way to tell a story, share a tip, or provide a sneak peek at a new product.
The Secret Weapons and What to Avoid
You’ve got the basics down, but these two final tips are what will truly set your Stories strategy apart. One is a game-changer for engagement, and the other is a common mistake that could be hurting your reach.
- DO Use DM Automations: DM automations are a game-changer for your Stories strategy. This is because they allow you to set up automatic responses to certain keywords in your Stories. For example, you can create a Story that says, “Comment ‘Guide’ to get a free guide,” and a DM automation will automatically send them a link to the guide. This is a powerful way to get more engagement and turn your viewers into leads.
- DON’T Use Link Stickers: This might be a controversial tip, but the pin explicitly advises against using link stickers. Instead of a link, you can use a clear call to action and a keyword that will trigger a DM automation. This is a powerful way to get more engagement and build a deeper connection with your audience.
Your New Stories Strategy
You’ve made it to the end, and you’ve gotten past the biggest barrier to a powerful Stories strategy: the assumption that a good Story is a matter of guesswork. You now have a clear, simple, and repeatable strategy that will turn your Stories into a powerful tool for your brand.
This isn’t about magical hacks; it’s about a complete mindset shift. You now know that a consistent presence and strategic content are the keys to a thriving community.
You’ve learned how to avoid common mistakes like posting a ton of Stories at once and sharing feed posts in your Stories. You’ve also learned the power of using interactive stickers, repurposing your best content, and using DM automations to drive engagement and get leads.
This is the key to building a thriving, engaged community. It’s the difference between a fleeting moment and a powerful, lasting connection. When you follow these simple rules, your Instagram Stories will no longer be a source of frustration; they will become a key part of your brand’s growth strategy.
Now that you have the playbook, your challenge is to put it to work. Don’t let your next Story be a missed opportunity. Use this guide, and watch your engagement grow. What’s the one “Don’t” you’re going to stop doing today?