Using Instagram Stories as an Interior Designer

Ask anyone in the industry, and they’ll tell you that managing an Instagram account often feels like a whole job within itself—so much so that we created an entire online course on it. It’s a platform that takes a huge amount of strategy, but it’s also one of the most important marketing tools to reach potential clients where they’re spending time online. 

Maybe you’ve already perfected a cohesive photo grid, but the art of Instagram stories for designers is another skill entirely. While using Stories effectively can come with a steep learning curve, we’re here to set the record straight. If you’re looking to up your game on IG Stories, consider this your foolproof guide to fresh and branded content every time you post. 

 

 

Instagram Stories For Designers 101

 

 

Here at the IDCO Studio, we’re big fans of using Instagram to level up your business. In fact, we’re pretty convinced it’s a key platform interior designers should be investing in from day one. Instagram is the place users turn to for inspiration and artistry, and it can be one of the most effective ways to market your services. That being said, posting original or regrammed content while utilizing targeted hashtags is only one part of the equation — and Instagram Stories is the other.

We like to think of IG Stories as a less edited, more off the cuff version of a traditional image post. But just because it’s more casual in nature, Stories content should still be treated as an extension of your brand. While developing Stories content can be intimidating to some, we believe it’s an opportunity to engage with your followers in a fresh way. For those of you struggling with your content strategy, we want to pair our advice with actionable steps. Scroll on for 12 design-related ideas to test drive in your IG Stories lineup.

 

Photography: Madeline Harper Photography

 

12 Instagram Stories Content Ideas

 

Live Q&As

Q&As develop the essential Know/Like/Trust factor with followers who may be considering hiring your services. 

 

Styling Videos

These videos are informational and give some eye candy/inspiration.

 

 

Team Intros

If you’re a larger firm, introducing your team is great content on Instagram Stories for designers.

 

Product Voting

Present options for certain products and let your followers choose which they like best. 

 

Ask Questions

Asking product sourcing questions really boosts engagement. 

 

Walkthroughs

Take your followers with you as you check in on your latest projects.

 

Photography: Madeline Harper Photography

 

Weekly Favorites

Try sharing a sampling of your favorite products. 

 

Timelapse Video

Record a timelapse video for followers to see your work in action.

 

Industry Events

Followers love seeing a new side of the interior design world.

 

A Day in the Life

Create videos doing even mundane things like receiving furniture deliveries or sourcing trips. 

 

Wallpaper Installs

Capture the installation process of wallpaper, shiplap, or other fun wall treatments. 

 

Follower Polling

Post two design boards and allow followers to choose which one they like best.

 

Photography: Madeline Harper Photography

 

Honing Your Engagement Style

 

As you move forward in developing an IG Stories game plan, keep in mind that the best strategy isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. What works really well for one designer might not work for you, and that’s ok. Consider your ideal clients and business goals to help shape your IG stories with content that best suits those needs. Once you’ve given a few of these strategies a try, leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought! We can’t wait to hear how it goes.

To learn more using IG to level up your business, check out our Studio Sessions Instagram for Designers course.

 

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Looking to browse around the blog? Here are a few more posts you might love:

 

• Systems and Processes for Interior Designers
• Why Instagram is the Platform Interior Designers Should Be Investing In
• The Best Hashtags for Interior Designers
• Optimizing your Interior Design Portfolio for Pinterest
• How to Get Your Work Published
• Branding Your Portfolio

 

IDCO Studio is a full-service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Our recently launched limited-release website templates are the perfect way for interior designers to get a luxury website on a budget. These templates allow designers to maintain control of their content. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.