Instagram has been throwing a LOT of new things at us recently, and honestly, even as a marketing pro, it’s hard to keep up! Some trends and updates are worth jumping on board with…while others seem like temporary distractions. One feature that has been around the block for way more than a #hotminute is stories, and they clearly are here to stay! But how do you create a constant flow of Instagram stories ideas without burning out or becoming stale?

Luckily, that’s exactly what we’re diving into today! 

Unlike static posts or reels, many people create multiple stories a day…Every. Single. Day. And that adds up to a LOT of content!

That’s why I’m sharing with you:

10 Simple (but Effective!) Instagram Stories Ideas for Coaches

Before we dig into the ideas, I want to share with you some compelling stories statistics (just in case you aren’t quite convinced of the necessity of stories for your social media strategy yet!).

• There are over 500 million people actively viewing Instagram stories every day. (Source: Backlinko)
• 70% of Gen Zers and 59% of millennials watch stories on Instagram. (Source: Business Insider)
• Over 50% of businesses on Instagram use Instagram Stories. (Source: Instagram)
• 86.6% of Instagram users post Stories. (Source: TechJury) 
• Instagram Stories are used by 36% of businesses to promote their products. (Source: TechJury) 
• 96% of US marketers will continue to use Instagram stories in the six months to come. (Source: Embed Social)

Honestly, the convincing statistics on Instagram stories are endless. Google it for yourself, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the evidence!

Now that we know stories can be hugely instrumental for your business, let’s get with the Instagram stories ideas for your content.

#1 Show people the behind-the-scenes of your business.

What are you working on? What does your office space look like? Are you working from a coffee shop today instead? Giving people a glimpse into what you do in your business and where you do it allows them to connect with you in a way that can be challenging in the digital space.

#2 Show people the behind-the-scenes in your life!

In addition to people seeing the behind-the-scenes in your business, they also love knowing what’s going on in your personal life. Heading to the pumpkin patch or Christmas tree farm with the family? Repainting your guest bathroom? Trying a new recipe for dinner? Anything you want to share is great! Although, I will note here that it’s important to know what boundaries you have and stick to them! You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable sharing. Do what works for YOU!

#3 Engage your audience by asking them questions. (BONUS: This leads to even more Instagram stories ideas!)

People love answering questions on stories — especially when they come in the form of polls or simple “yes or no” options that only require a single tap of their finger to participate. And the Instagram stories ideas that contain (or can be created as a result of) questions answered by your audience are almost endless. These questions can be directly related to your business or simply be for fun and engagement. 

#4 Content to lighten the mood.

The world is, well, a lot to handle at the moment, so throwing a funny GIF or meme into your stories can bring a smile or a laugh to someone when they need it most. Plus, that’s content you don’t have to create yourself. You simply reshare!

#5 Share the love (and the posts) from others you admire and follow.

Speaking of resharing, stories are a fantastic place to repost content you love from other people. Also, be sure to tag those people in the story because this gets their eyes on you, too! It’s honestly a win-win.

#6 Celebrate holidays (big and small!).

Maybe National Avocado Day or Silly Sock Day don’t warrant creating a post on your feed, but you sure as heck can celebrate anything you want in your stories! It keeps things fun and may just allow you to connect on a different level with someone else who eats avocado toast for breakfast each morning, too.

#7 Post impromptu videos.

Again, if you’re comfortable letting people behind the scenes of your life, showing your face in a video and talking with your audience as you go through the day is almost always a good idea! Also, if you’re a little uneasy about the permanence of reels and IGTV on your profile, stories are a much shorter-term commitment for people to see your videos.

#8 Host a takeover by a friend, team member, or fellow business owner.

Allow someone else to take the reins on your stories for the day and give them a glimpse into their role on your team or their business that partners with yours! This can be a great way to increase your audience and to shine a light on what others are doing.

#9 Share your post from the day.

Did you upload a new carousel, static post, or video to Instagram today? Share that in your stories as well, and if people want to learn more, they can click the post to check it out! This is the perfect way to grab the attention of those in your audience who only look at their stories and tend to ignore their feeds.

#10 Promote your offers.

Don’t be afraid to promote opportunities to work with you in stories, too! Your business is solving problems for your clients day in and day out, and your stories’ audience needs to know how they can benefit from that, too. 

If you need help with your Instagram content or any other part of your marketing, I would love to connect. You can start by scheduling a FREE 30-minute consultation. I am happy to chat, offer you some valuable tips, and determine if we are a good fit for one another in future endeavors!