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24 hours. 

Just 24 hours. And then it’s all gone.  

So what makes Instagram Stories so powerful when it comes to authentic, quality sales in your online service-based or coaching business? 

Perhaps it’s the tap-friendly, real-time function that replicates a one-on-one social experience. Or the interactive stickers, polls, question boxes, and reminders that encourage engagement. Then again, maybe it’s simply the authenticity of real-time content that makes Instagram Stories so addictive. 

Regardless, all of the above qualities in combination make Instagram Stories a dream marketing tactic and must-have in any online coach or service provider’s marketing strategy. (In fact, recent Instagram stats noted over one-third of the most-viewed Stories come from brands already using them for sales). So with that said, how can you use them to sell successfully?

The three best ways to sell on Instagram stories with ease:

1. Connect before you convert (because selling should be human-to-human, always).
2. Avoid the sleazy sell (the kind that makes you feel ‘ick’)
3. Embrace confidence as key (even if you have to fake it a little).

I’ll explain how you can practically apply all of the above, so you’ll be able to:

→ Show up confidently on Stories

→ Sell successfully (without feeling gross about it)

→ Make more money online

→ Nurture an engaged community

→ Build an authentic brand voice

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1. CONNECT BEFORE YOU CONVERT: LIFESTYLE CONTENT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT WHEN SELLING ON INSTAGRAM STORIES

You wouldn’t ask someone to give you their credit card on the first date, so why would you do the same to your clients in your first interaction? 

Before you jump into selling on your stories, connect with your audience through relatable, authentic, regular lifestyle and ‘behind the scenes’ content. 

What’s your coffee order? 

What’s your favorite part of business? 

What does a day in your life look like? 

Your audience should be so familiar with (and trusting of) you that they know the answer to all the above and more!

Here are some tips to ‘get real’ with your community on Instagram stories:

• Keep it raw and unedited – keep in the mistakes, the tripping over your words, the ‘blooper reel’ to humanize you.
• Avoid mentioning your services or offers all the time – try to bring them up sparingly in the context of client work or as a relevant solution.
• Film off the cuff and in the moment – if a cute anecdote or useful thought popped into your head, share it!
• Use stickers, polls, and voting – to encourage your audience to share their ‘behind the scenes’ as well.
• Remember user-generated content is king – bring your audience into the fold by sharing their content, too. 

2. AVOID THE SLEAZY SELL: DON’T GO IN COLD WHEN SELLING ON INSTAGRAM STORIES

Some marketers might say ‘blatantly ask for the sale’, but I’ve found far more success with a more subtle, soulful sales approach. 

Ever wondered why movie trailers exist? It’s to build excitement and anticipation well before tickets are on sale. Consider taking the same approach with your Instagram Stories sales strategy! Whether it’s a big launch, a new offer, or a free eBook – the secret is to selling anything on Instagram Stories is to warm your leads up like a mug of hot cocoa.

It could look a little like this:

• Storytelling to agitate your audience’s pain points, and encourage them to imagine a life without said problems.
• Teasing them with potential solutions (*cough* yours) to the above, building a ton of anticipation before you begin selling.
• Using fun polls, quizzes, and interactive visuals to engage your audience in your launch or sales strategy before bringing your offer to the table.
• Introducing your offer slowly, with sneak peeks and previews (at least) a few weeks after implementing the above strategies.

3. EMBRACE CONFIDENCE AS KEY: WHEN SELLING ON INSTAGRAM STORIES

You knew I had to mention it! 

My third and final tip for selling on Instagram Stories is embodying confidence. Yep – even when you don’t entirely feel it. Because let me tell you, in a generation where 84% of entrepreneurs admit to feeling even just a little ‘Imposter Syndrome’, I totally understand finding confidence is hard AF! 

But let me put it this way: when you don’t believe in yourself and what you sell, how will your audience? The truth is: Knowing the value of your offers, speaking authentically about why you created them and the transformation they can deliver is so powerful (especially for intangible online services and courses). 

Here’s my advice for showing up with unshakeable confidence on Instagram Stories: 

• Stand in your power

You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, so own your accomplishments and knowledge. Affirm yourself with a statement like: “I know my worth, and I know what I have to offer is valuable”. 

• Plan before you speak

If you’re terrified by the thought of jumping on Stories off the cuff, write an outline or loose script that hits the key points you want to cover so you can ensure you don’t fumble or miss a thing. 

• Pretend you’re speaking to a friend

Get casual! Simply turn the camera on and talk as though you’re catching up with a bestie. Use all the hand gestures, smile like you mean it, and laugh when it feels natural – your audience will instantly feel your warmth. 

BONUS:  TEMPLATES FOR INSTAGRAM THAT WILL SKYROCKET YOUR SALES STRATEGY

Try these on for size and watch your Instagram Stories success skyrocket!

Shop strategy-laden plug-and-play, uber-affordable business templates on the Soulful Social Shop. These customizable Canva business resources are designed for creative entrepreneurs ready to stand out with maximum impact. INCLUDING customizable Instagram resources like strategy templates, analytics reports, and post designs. 

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24 hours. 

Just 24 hours and then it’s all gone.  

But with these three tips under your belt, the sales you make on Instagram Stories can be enough to grow your business for a lifetime. 

Those Instagram Story selling tips once again:

1. Connect before you convert 
2. Avoid the sleazy sell 
3. Embrace confidence as key

So, now you can:

→ Show up confidently

→ Sell successfully

→ Make more money 

→ Nurture your community

Enjoyed this post? Why not practice showing up on Instagram Stories by sharing your key takeaways!