Instagram has evolved into more than just a photo-sharing platform. For businesses, it’s a space to communicate clearly with potential customers. One of the most useful but often underused features is Instagram story highlights for businesses. These highlights help keep key content available beyond the usual 24-hour story limit. In this guide, we’ll explore what story highlights are, how to use them effectively, and how they tie into other strategies such as Twitter marketing services.
What Are Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses?
Basic Definition and Purpose
Instagram story highlights are collections of past Instagram stories that you choose to keep on your profile. Instead of disappearing after a day, they remain visible as long as you want. For businesses, this feature is helpful in keeping valuable content in front of users.
Difference Between Stories and Highlights
Stories are temporary and disappear within 24 hours. Highlights, on the other hand, stay visible on your profile in a dedicated area beneath your bio. This makes Instagram story highlights for businesses a way to present evergreen content without constant reposting.
Why They Matter for Brand Presence
By organizing your top stories into categories, you help viewers quickly understand what your business offers. Story highlights act as mini navigation buttons that guide users through your content.
Setting Up Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
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Post a story you want to highlight
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View the story and tap the “Highlight” button
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Add it to an existing highlight or create a new one
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Choose a name and cover image
This process only takes a few moments, but its value grows over time.
Choosing the Right Cover and Title
Choose visuals that align with your branding. Titles should be simple, such as “About Us,” “Services,” or “FAQ.” When done right, Instagram story highlights for businesses become both functional and visually appealing.
Organizing Highlights for Easy Navigation
Group content based on relevance. For example:
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Customer reviews
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Product features
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Events
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Tutorials
Doing this reduces friction for viewers seeking information.
Content Ideas for Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Product or Service Showcases
Use highlights to display what you offer. Whether you’re selling physical products or digital services, stories can serve as quick demonstrations or introductions.
Customer Testimonials and Case Studies
Positive feedback can boost credibility. Use real testimonials or short case studies in highlight reels.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories
People enjoy seeing the faces and processes behind a brand. These add authenticity to your profile.
Limited-Time Offers and Announcements
Story highlights can hold details of special offers or recent announcements, even after they expire in your regular feed.
Highlighting Twitter Marketing Services
If your business offers Twitter marketing services, create a dedicated highlight for it. Use that space to explain what you offer and how it benefits clients.
Design Tips to Enhance Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Brand Color Consistency
Stick with your brand’s color palette when designing highlight covers. This creates a neat and polished profile.
Using Icons and Fonts Strategically
Simple icons can make navigation easier. Fonts should be easy to read and consistent with your brand identity.
Keeping It Minimal and Clear
Avoid clutter. Each highlight should serve a specific purpose and not overlap too much with others.
How Instagram Story Highlights Support Business Goals
Increasing Engagement and Session Time
When viewers tap on multiple highlights, they stay longer on your profile. This behavior tells the algorithm your content is valuable.
Driving Traffic to Other Channels like Twitter
Use highlights to link users to your Twitter. Show snippets of your tweets, explain what you do, or promote your Twitter marketing services in a clear, direct way.
Building Trust with New Visitors
The right mix of content can answer common questions and build credibility for new visitors landing on your profile.
Examples of Effective Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Local Business Examples
A local bakery might have highlights like “Menu,” “Location,” and “Daily Specials.” These allow quick access to what matters most to their audience.
Service-Based Business Layouts
A design studio can highlight “Portfolio,” “Reviews,” and “Pricing.” This makes it easy for clients to assess offerings at a glance.
Using Highlights to Promote Twitter Marketing Services
Agencies offering Twitter marketing services can create a dedicated highlight showing results, client feedback, and service details.
Measuring the Impact of Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
What Metrics to Track
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Views per highlight
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Replies or DMs generated
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Profile visits or link clicks from highlights
These can help you evaluate which stories perform best.
Instagram Insights Basics
Use Instagram Insights to track performance. Look at how long users watch stories and where they exit.
Analyzing Traffic from Highlights to Twitter Profiles
Link stickers in your stories can guide viewers to your Twitter profile. Use tracking URLs to see how well your Instagram story highlights for businesses are supporting this channel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Inconsistent Branding
Mixed styles and fonts can confuse viewers. Stick to your visual guidelines.
Unorganized Content Flow
Scattered or unrelated highlights make it hard for viewers to find what they need. Create a flow that feels intentional.
Ignoring Analytics
You might think a highlight is working, but the data could suggest otherwise. Regularly review metrics and update or replace underperforming content.
Integrating Instagram Story Highlights with Twitter Marketing Services
Cross-Promoting Campaigns
If you run a campaign on Twitter, use story highlights to introduce it. Share snippets or client success stories to spark interest.
Linking Strategies Between Instagram and Twitter
Place your Twitter handle in highlight covers or stories. Let people know where they can find more content.
Maintaining Consistency in Content
Align your messaging across platforms. If you’re offering a special promotion on Twitter, ensure it’s represented clearly in your highlights.
Best Practices to Maintain Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Updating Regularly
As your business evolves, your highlights should too. Refresh them with new content when necessary.
Replacing Outdated Content
Remove expired offers, old product versions, or time-sensitive updates.
Using Highlights as an Extension of Business Strategy
Treat your highlights like mini landing pages. They should reflect your goals, whether that’s brand awareness, engagement, or promoting services like Twitter marketing services.
FAQs about Instagram Story Highlights for Businesses
Q1: How can businesses benefit from Instagram story highlights for businesses?
They keep key content visible, improve profile structure, and guide visitors to important information, including Twitter or website links.
Q2: How often should businesses update their Instagram story highlights for businesses?
It’s best to review and update highlights monthly or during major business changes.
Q3: Can Instagram story highlights for businesses help drive traffic to Twitter profiles?
Yes, especially when used to promote Twitter content or services. It builds cross-platform visibility.
Q4: What types of content work best in Instagram story highlights for businesses?
Customer reviews, service demos, FAQs, updates, and promotions are all suitable types.
Q5: Do Instagram story highlights for businesses affect engagement rates for business accounts?
They can improve session time and story views, which may indirectly boost engagement metrics.
Conclusion
Using Instagram story highlights for businesses is an easy yet effective way to improve how your content is organized and delivered. Whether you’re promoting products, telling your brand story, or showcasing services like Twitter marketing services, highlights provide a consistent and strategic way to connect with your audience.