In today’s digital world, Instagram Stories is a powerful tool that dental practices can use to expand their reach and attract potential patients. Given the rising popularity of short-form video content (thanks to platforms like TikTok) there’s never been a better time for dentists to dive into Instagram Stories. But, how can you increase your Instagram Stories views as a dentist? Below, you’ll find seven key strategies that can help you get started.
Your Voice Matters: Be Authentic and Unique
The internet is a crowded place with fierce competition. What sets successful content creators apart is their unique voice. Your “voice” isn’t about your speaking tone—it’s about your style, your vibe, and your approach to content. If your content feels uninspired or dull, you risk losing viewers (regardless of the quality of your information). It might take time and experimentation to discover your unique voice but remember—authenticity is key. People can recognize authenticity, so always aim to be yourself while keeping your content engaging and energetic.
Utilize Analytics to Improve Your Content
In the grand scheme of Instagram marketing success, analytics plays a vital role. It may seem tedious to dive deep into numbers and stats, but reviewing your analytics can significantly enhance your Stories’ performance. Your analytics can reveal trends and mistakes, providing critical insights that allow you to make adjustments for higher levels of success.
For example, if you see a decline in views on your fourth story, analyze that particular story to identify potential reasons. You can then apply these insights to future content, improving your viewership and engagement.
Show Your Face: Establish a Personal Connection
Understandably, it can be nerve-racking to appear on camera, especially if it’s not something you’re accustomed to. However, showing your face, particularly in the first story of the day, can significantly improve your Stories’ performance. This personal touch typically leads to better engagement and a deeper connection with your audience.
If you’re camera-shy, there are plenty of resources available (like our Instagram Masterclass), to help you gain confidence and overcome your fears. However, if you’re adamant about not appearing on camera, make sure your first story of the day is well-lit and high-quality to make a strong impression.
Maintain Consistency: Boost Your Visibility
Consistency is crucial in Instagram Stories. According to Instagram’s best practices, posting two stories in the morning, two in the afternoon, and two at night can increase your visibility among current and potential patients. This may seem overwhelming initially, but the strategy is designed to enhance your presence and train your followers to expect new content from you regularly. By beginning each day with a story, you’re establishing a pattern that encourages constant engagement—increasing your growth and reach over time.
Embrace Variety: Keep Your Stories Engaging
Don’t let monotony creep into your Stories. Variety truly is the spice of life, and this holds true for your Instagram Stories as well. While some of your Stories should feature you on camera, consider introducing different formats and styles. This could include educational videos about dental hygiene, behind-the-scenes glimpses into your practice, or even patient testimonials. The key is to keep your Stories interesting, engaging, and informative for your followers.
Include Captions: Enhance Accessibility
Adding captions to your Instagram Stories is a simple yet effective way to increase their accessibility. Remember, not all viewers will be able to listen to your Stories—perhaps they’re in a noisy environment or have hearing impairments. By incorporating captions using Instagram’s built-in tool, you make your Stories accessible to a wider audience— thereby improving your overall engagement.
Remember: It’s About Your Audience
While it’s important to establish and focus on your unique voice, it’s important to remember that the central focus of your Instagram Stories should always be your audience, not you.
As a dentist, your expertise and unique insights are critical. Moreover, your personality helps form a bond with your viewers, making your Stories not just educational, but also relatable and enjoyable. However, the real goal is to offer value to your audience, providing them with engaging, helpful content that resonates with their needs and interests.
This is where audience engagement and interaction come into play. It’s not just about broadcasting information; it’s about fostering a two-way conversation. Encourage discussions in the comments section to foster a sense of community. Ask your viewers about their oral health concerns or about topics they’d like to learn more about. Responding to comments not only stimulates further interaction but also shows your audience that you value their input.
Instagram’s features can be effectively leveraged to increase audience interaction. For instance, use the “poll” feature to ask your audience engaging, fun questions. These interactive elements not only engage your audience but also provide you with valuable insights into their preferences and opinions.
Moreover, ensure your content is helpful and informative, addressing your audience’s questions or concerns about dental health. Offer quick tips on maintaining oral hygiene, explain common dental procedures, and/or debunk widespread dental myths. Remember, the more valuable and relevant the content, the more likely viewers are to interact and engage with it.
Maintaining a viewer-centric approach signals to Instagram’s algorithm that your Stories are valuable, which enhances your visibility and reach. By placing your audience at the forefront, you not only attract more viewers but also foster a more engaged, loyal follower base.
Start Applying These Strategies Today
You don’t have to wait to begin implementing these strategies. Start by increasing your story frequency and appearing on camera more often. Stay consistent, add variety to your Stories, enable captions for better accessibility, and regularly review your analytics to spot opportunities for improvement.
Most importantly, have fun creating engaging and informative Instagram Stories. By applying these strategies, you’ll not only increase your visibility and reach but also connect more effectively with your audience, creating a large digital presence.
