You may have noticed in the last few weeks that Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to add polls to their Instagram stories. The new ‘interactive poll sticker’ enables users to upload a photo to Instagram stories and create a simple two option poll which they then place on top of the photo. The poll collates the results in real time and then like a normal Instagram story, it disappears after 24 hours.
As the creator of the poll you’ll be able to see how many votes each option receives, along with the choices that each voter makes. It provides direct interaction with your followers and has proven very popular since its launch at the beginning of the month.
Simply create an Instagram story, swipe up and choose the poll function, customise the options and then the app collates the results for you.
There are a number ways that this new fun feature can be used to boost your Instagram game. Below are just a few suggestions to get you started…
1) Ask for feedback
There’s no better way to find out what your audience wants than to come straight out and ask them. The new poll tool is a quick and effective way to do this. Questions could include:
· Do you like our new packaging design?
· Would you like to see our product in a bigger size?
· Would you like to see more blog posts with tips? Or fun personal blog posts?
· What flavour do you prefer?
2) Jump on the back of trending topics
If there’s a trending topic or current event, then join in the discussion and engage with your audience. Pose questions around the topic in a way that will relate to the majority of your audience, whether that be through playful questions or questions of a more serious nature. It shows that you’re aware of the events that are important to your consumer and that you relate to your target demographic.
Remember the trending photo of the trainer that recently divided the nation? Some people were adamant that the shoe was grey and aqua, others convinced that it was pink and white. This would’ve been a brilliant time to harness the new Instagram poll feature in a fun and engaging way.
3) Market Research
The new poll tool can be used as a free way to collect data from your audience. If you’re sourcing responses from other social media platforms then including your Instagram stories audience will boost the volume of data collected.
There are many creative ways to incorporate the new polls feature into your social media strategy. It’s a useful and fun feature that can easily be used to engage with your audience. Give it a go today!