9 OF THE MOST CREATIVE WAYS TO USE POLLS IN INSTAGRAM STORIES
Have you tried out the latest feature to come to Instagram Stories?
Get ready, because you’re definitely going to like it!
At the beginning of October, Instagram announced they were adding a new sticker method to collect polls. You can ask a question within your Instagram Story and see the results from your followers as they participate.
It’s SO simple. Seriously. Create something to add to your story. Tap the smiley sticky note in the top right and add the poll sticker. You can customise your question and the answers too.
There you go! You just created a poll.
But there’s something that makes this new feature super valuable - you can see the results.
When you watch your story back, you’ll be able to see which answer got the most votes. And when you swipe up to see your analytics on Instagram Stories, you’ll be able to see which of your followers respond to the poll as well as which answer they chose.
One thing’s for sure - you can totally use polls to your advantage. If you’re strategic and careful about how you use them, you can get some really valuable insights into your audience to help you grow your online presence.
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Discover 8 of the most creative ways to use polls in Instagram Stories
#1 | ASK YES/NO QUESTIONS
These are simple, but really effective. Plus, they’re likely to get the most amount of people participating, because they’re quick and easy to answer.
Some yes/no question ideas:
- Do you like…?
- Would you buy…?
- Would you prefer…?
- Have you seen…?
#2 | USE "THIS" OR "THAT" QUESTIONS
Struggle to make decisions sometimes? Want some feedback on a new graphic or title for something? Ask a this or that questions.
Whether you’re wondering what to do, buy, see, choose - whatever it is, this really works.
Let’s take the graphic example. Make a collage of the two pictures, upload to your Story and ask the questions, "which do you prefer?" By showing your followers both things in your Story, it will allow them to make a more informed decision (which makes it even more valuable!)
#3 | GET AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
This is such a creative way to use polls in Instagram Stories. Why not learn more about the people in your audience? You could ask them things like where they’re located, what they like, their feelings about certain things and more.
This is a great way to get more insight into who your audience actually is.
My favourite way to get audience feedback in Instagram polls to get my followers involved in my blog post. So next time you’re creating a blog post, ask your audience a question about the topic. Then in your post, you can say “X% of you said…”.
This works really well because you’ve got data in your blog posts AND you’re getting your audience involved.
#4 | IDENTIFY HOW MANY OF YOUR FOLLOWERS ARE ENGAGED
You want to know how many of your followers are truly engaged, right? The people that answer your polls in Instagram Stories will fall under this category.
If you average about 100 people watching your story, but you only get 20 answers to your poll, you know that those people are truly invested in you and your brand. They’re engaged with you, they want to know what you have to offer. Use their feedback to keep your most loyal people engaged.
#5 | ASK YOUR AUDIENCE WHAT THEY NEED HELP WITH
This is another valuable way to find out more about your audience and grow your online presence at the same time. All you need to do is ask, “do you need more help with ___ or ___?”
Whichever one gets the most votes, you can turn it into a blog post or even a series!
#6 | GROW YOUR MAILING LIST
If you’ve got an engaged Instagram Stories audience, this could really work in your favour.
You can ask questions such as “Can I email you with a free ______?” or “Can I email to help you with _____?” The people that answer YES, you can send them a message and ask for their email address. Add them to your list, send them the freebie and hey presto - you’re growing your mailing list.
#7 | ASK IF THEY'D LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR CONTENT
Got something coming up? Going to an event? Got an idea for a behind-the-scenes process you could show your audience? Simple - ask, “would you like to see?”
If YES gets the most votes, go for it. If NO gets the most votes, move on and try another idea.
#8 | GET THEIR OPINIONS
When you use polls it doesn’t all have to be about your blog or business. Use it for fun too!
Not sure what to wear when you go on your date night? Not sure whether to wear your hair up or down in your next video? Stuck between two things to do at the weekend? Get opinions from your audience! Plus, it helps you make decisions (which if you’re anything like me, you’ll be super thankful for!)
#9 | ADD AN INTERACTIVE ELEMENT AND BRING MORE EXPOSURE
Going live is the new big thing on social media. Live tweeting throughout your day and vlogging are two of my favourite ways to boost a brand’s exposure. Now, Instagram polls can provide another element of interaction.
When you create a poll, you can combine it with a location sticker or a hashtag, both of which can drive even more engagement.
One of the main reasons I love polls (and Instagram Stories in general) is because they encourage your audience to get involved. They get to know more about your brand and they get to come more engaged, with very little effort from them.
We’re all looking for easier ways to do this and polls is definitely an easy way to gather valuable opinions, whilst making it fun for your audience to get involved too.
Have you used polls on Instagram Stories yet? Which of these ideas is your favourite?
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