Immediately Stop Doing this on Instagram

Today I want to talk to you about the number one mistake you must avoid if you are using Instagram stories.  This is the most recent update and at this point hasn’t been rolled out to everyone.  So your first step is to head over to the iTunes app store and make sure you have the most recent update installed.  I want to take a step back for a moment and give you a little background.  If you don’t know already, Instagram (IG) is owned by Facebook and recently Facebook allegedly approached Snapchat about a buyout.  Snapchat passed, and so in response, Facebook decided to roll out IG Stories for their users.  So for those of you that use IG, you’ve probably noticed that within the last week or so (depending upon when you’re reading this), things have changed on your Home Feed.  So talk around town is, what’s going to happen to Snapchat? And how will this change the course of Snapchat?

So my goal in this post is to share with you the #1 thing to avoid when creating and using IG stories, and we’ll also discuss the potential fate of Snapchat and Instagram.

Here’s what I want you to avoid… Do NOT treat Instagram stories like Snapchat.  The #1 mistake people are making is they are using it like Snapchat.  The problem is, people do NOT use Instagram the way people use Snapchat.  Therefore, when you decide to post a story about your kid throwing a temper tantrum and people follow you for your fitness tips, you’re going to potentially start to lose your following.  There is a lot more leeway on Snapchat because it is a very intimate platform.  Instagram tends not to be.  People follow you because you inspire, motivate, educate, or provide some level of entertainment.  They don’t want to see your cat playing with a cat toy.  Now, there ARE exceptions!  There are some people who use Instagram as a personal means of connecting with friends, family and others.  However, the MAJORITY of the people who are on Instagram, follow an account because that account provides them with value.  We almost treat Instagram like a magazine.

Were as on Snapchat, someone took it upon themselves to seek you out.  If they are following you it’s because they want to see you behind the scenes.  They want to see the goofy stuff you do day to day.  But this same approach doesn’t carry over to Instagram.  Well, at least not yet.  Maybe it will at some point.  But as of right now, those who have started treating Instagram stories like snapchat, are losing followers.

So listen up.  This is very important.  I really want you to take in what I’m about to say. Do not use Instagram stories…. Yet.  WHAT!!? Aren’t I gonna be late to the party???  Listen.. Allow the dust to settle.  Instagram isn’t ready for this yet.  I recommend easing into this relationship.  You aren’t going to lose anything by waiting!  You’ve got to trust me when I say that you are not going to lose followers by NOT using Instagram stories.

So here’s your game plan.  Sit back and be patient.  Observe.  Watch other people’s stories and take note of what you like and don’t like.  What stories do you look forward to?  Whatever it is you like in other people’s stories is probably what you should be doing yourself.

And of course… when another updates happens, I’ll be right here helping you through it!

Thanks for reading and for sharing!