How to Use Instagram Highlights

Instagram Highlights are super useful, but people often forget about them. They let you show off your best Instagram Stories. Think of them as a quick look at your brand for new and old followers. You'll see how to use them like a pro!

What are Instagram Highlights?

Highlights are like little albums of your Stories that stay on your profile forever, right under your bio. Normal Stories disappear after a day, but Highlights stick around until you delete them. This makes them great for showing important info, selling stuff, and getting people interested in your brand.

Why Use Instagram Highlights for Social Media Marketing?

Using Highlights for your social media? Good idea! Here's why:

• Stories Last Longer: Your important stuff stays visible for more than 24 hours.
• Tell Your Brand's Story: Show what you believe in and what makes you, you.
• Get More Leads: Send people to your website or contact forms.
• Get People Talking: Encourage people to check out your content and learn more.
• Keep Your Profile Neat: Make it easy for people to find what they need.
• Make Your Brand Known: Help people remember your brand.
• Show Off Your Products: Let people see what you're selling.
• Get More Website Visitors: Links in your Stories can send people to your site.

How to Create Instagram Highlights: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Highlights is easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Make a Story: Do this like you always do. Photos, videos, text – go wild!
2. Save to Archive (If Needed): Make sure your Stories save automatically. Go to your profile settings > Privacy > Story > Save to Archive.
3. Pick Your Story: After posting, tap "Highlight" at the bottom. Or, go to your profile, tap the "+" under your bio, and choose from your Archive.
4. Choose an Album: Add to an old Highlight, or make a new one.
5. Make a New Highlight: Give it a good name. Short and sweet (under 15 letters!).
6. Pick a Cover: Choose a cool image for your Highlight. Use an existing Story or upload your own.
7. Save It: Tap "Add" (or "Done" if you're changing one). Done!

Choosing the Right Highlight Cover

The cover image is the first thing people see. So, make it good! Here are some tips:

• Keep it Consistent: Use the same look for all your covers.
• Use Icons: Pictures help people understand what's inside.
• Use Your Brand's Colors: This helps people recognize you.
• Keep it Simple: Don't make it too busy.
• Make it High Quality: No blurry images!

Strategically Naming Your Instagram Highlights

Your Highlight's name should be clear and easy to understand. Some ideas:

• Use Keywords: Use words people search for.
• Keep it Short: Under 15 letters is best.
• Be Specific: Tell people what's inside.

Instagram Highlights Ideas for Different Industries

What you put in your Highlights depends on what you do. Here are some ideas:

• E-commerce: Show off your products, reviews, behind-the-scenes, sales, and FAQs.
• Restaurants: Show the menu, specials, customer comments, your chef, and events.
• Travel Agencies: Share destination guides, travel tips, customer trips, and offers.
• Fitness Professionals: Share workouts, nutrition tips, client wins, and class times.

Advanced Strategies for Using Instagram Highlights

Ready for more? Try these tips:

• Mini-Website: Use Highlights to give info about your brand and what you sell.
• Interactive Highlights: Use polls and quizzes to get people involved.
• Promote Your Highlights: Tell people about them in your posts and Stories.
• Customer Service: Answer common questions in a Highlight.
• User-Generated Content: Share stuff your customers made to build trust.
• Update Regularly: Keep your Highlights fresh.
• Track Your Analytics: See what works and what doesn't.

Utilizing Links in Instagram Highlights

Got the swipe-up feature? (Usually for big accounts). Add links to your Stories! Send people to your website to buy stuff or learn more. Tell them to "swipe up!"

Measuring the Success of Your Instagram Highlights

See how well your Highlights are doing! Instagram shows you how many people viewed them and clicked on them. See what's popular and what's not.

What to look for:

• Impressions: How many times people saw it.
• Reach: How many different people saw it.
• Exits: How many people left.
• Taps Forward/Backward: See if people are skipping ahead or going back.
• Replies: How many messages you got.

Use this info to make your Highlights even better!

Branding Your Instagram Highlights

Branding is key! Make your Highlights look like your brand. Tips:

• Use Brand Colors: Use your colors in covers and Stories.
• Use Brand Fonts: Keep the same font.
• Use Consistent Imagery: Use the same style for all your images.
• Tell Your Brand Story: Show your values!

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Instagram Highlights

Don't make these mistakes!

• Bad Covers: Make them look good!
• Bad Names: Make them clear.
• Old Stuff: Keep them updated.
• Ignoring Numbers: Check your analytics.
• Too Many: Don't overwhelm people.

The Future of Instagram Highlights

Instagram changes all the time. Highlights will probably get even better! Keep learning and stay updated.

Conclusion: Mastering Instagram Highlights for Success

Now you know how to use Instagram Highlights! Use these tips to build your brand, talk to your audience, and get results. Try new things, check your stats, and keep learning. Good luck!