How to Use Instagram Stories for Schools
Instagram stories are a feature within the social media platform, that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Instagram stories have quickly become one of the most popular features on the app, with over 500 million daily active users. Stories offer a unique way for users to share more casual, real-time, and behind-the-scenes moments with their audience, without worrying about the permanence of a traditional Instagram post.
With a variety of creative tools, filters, and stickers, Instagram stories have become an important part of social media marketing for schools . Instagram stories can be used for schools to communicate and connect with students, parents, teachers, and their communities. Schools can use stories to showcase events, student achievements, and important announcements. Keep reading for tips to get started creating stories and more information about the benefits of Instagram stories for schools.
How to Post an Instagram Story for Schools
Posting an Instagram story for your school is a straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. First, open the Instagram app and tap the “+” sign near the bottom. This will take you to the Instagram camera where you can choose to take a photo or video or select one from your camera roll. Toggle the options in the bottom right corner so that “story” is highlighted.
Once you have captured or selected your content, you can add text, stickers, music, or other creative tools to customize your story. You can even include hyperlinks to direct your audience to important links on your website like registration forms or school calendars.
After you have finished editing your story, you can choose to post it immediately, save it as a draft, or share it with your audience. To post your story, tap the arrow in the bottom right corner. Select the options of who you want to share your story with, and click “share”.
Your story will now be visible for 24 hours and it will disappear afterward. You can also simultaneously post your Instagram story to Facebook if your profiles are connected. Using Instagram stories for schools can help to get your content in front of more viewers.
By utilizing a real-time marketing tactic like this, you can maintain a constant presence each time your students, teachers, and families open the app.
Using Instagram Highlights to Strengthen your School’s Brand
Using Instagram stories is an excellent way for your school to communicate your brand, mission, and values. Many prospective students and their families turn to social media for research when looking for a product or service, and the same is true for education. 62% of users report being more interested in a brand after seeing an Instagram story.
While creating content for a 24-hour window might seem like a waste of time, this is where Instagram Highlights come in. You can save your stories to organized highlights based on your audience, no matter when they were created.
School Events, Enrollment Information, and A Day in the Life categories might be useful for your school. Instagram highlights appear towards the top of your profile, giving your audience a direct access point to the content they’re looking for, without having to scroll back through your school’s Instagram feed.
Improve with Instagram Insights
While your Instagram story is live, you can swipe up to see viewers, interactions, engagement, and more. With a business profile , your school will have access to even more metrics and data that you can use to assess your social media marketing strategy.
Look for patterns with content that performs well. Does your audience like a certain type of content? Are they more likely to engage when you share school events, student or teacher spotlights, or campus tours? Maybe your audience is information-driven and likes when you include actionable links with more information. Also keep an eye on what isn’t working, so that you can spend your time creating content that your audience actually wants to see.
Since Instagram stories are only active for 24 hours, resharing content in your stories is a great way to repurpose and get more life out of what you create. Don’t be afraid to reshare a post, a reel, or other items several times throughout the month to reach more members of your school’s target audience.
8 Instagram Story Ideas for Schools
Now that you understand more about using Instagram stories for schools, how to create and publish your stories, and how to improve your school’s social media marketing performance, let’s talk about ideas for Instagram stories. Use your school’s marketing plan or social media calendar to identify the content topics that support your marketing goals.
Consider timing your Instagram stories to be relevant to other marketing initiatives like email newsletters or other social media posts. Here are 8 content ideas to spark your Instagram story creativity.
1. Share School Events
From sporting games, to school dances, family events or field days, sharing school events is a great way to highlight athletic accomplishments and share more about the different types of fun activities your school offers.
2. Post Important Updates.
Updates like schedule changes, enrollment deadlines, permission slip due dates and more can be used in Instagram stories as reminders. Make sure this information is also communicated elsewhere (on your website, in a newsletter, etc.) in case someone from your community misses your Instagram story, or doesn’t follow you on Instagram.
3. Teacher Takeovers
Teacher takeovers can be used to give parents or prospective families an inside look into your staff and the student’s classroom experience, while also getting to know your teachers more personally. Encourage your staff to share parts of their day including lesson plans, student activities, and more.
4. A Day in the Life of A Student
A Day in the Life stories can be another important recruiting tool for your school. Parents and students can get a first-hand view of school interactions, responsibilities, and learning opportunities. Students can also learn more about extra-curricular offerings through A Day in the Life posts, by using these posts on important days when games, practices, concerts, or performances are scheduled.
5. School Tours
Keeping with the theme of recruitment, school tours are a great way to give members of your community and prospective families a sneak peek into your facilities. This is convenient for out-of-state families who may be moving to your area and can’t immediately schedule an in-person tour.
6. Blog Posts and Other Social Media Posts
As we mentioned above, repurposing content is a great way to get more results without more work with the marketing materials you create. If your school has an active blog include your latest post or one that is time-relevant (think summer reading, sports tryout tips, etc.) in your stories with a direct link to the original post on your website.
7. Student Projects
From book reports to science projects, showing off student projects helps to celebrate your student’s accomplishments while also giving a behind-the-scenes look into the student experience and expectations. Showcase your dynamic learning opportunities by sharing the fun activities and projects your students create!
8. Highlights of the School Day
Sometimes the everyday events in your school’s day can make for the best content! Think of real-time, real-life moments that you can share, like recess, a visit to the library, or a simple class change in the hallway when the bell rings. These types of posts show your school’s personality and strengthen your community.
Benefits of Instagram stories for schools
Instagram stories have become an essential tool for schools to communicate with their students, parents, and community. With their fun, interactive, and informal nature, Instagram stories offer a unique and engaging way to showcase school life, share important information, and involve your students and teachers with your social media marketing efforts.
SOLVED Consulting helps modern schools and districts with marketing strategy, technology development, and consistent family communication and engagement. Learn more about our services on our website.
