Feeling like your content is getting unnoticed on Instagram? Like, tumbleweeds rolling through as you open the app? 

We’ve seen it before. 

When small business owners ask us how to get more eyeballs on their content and need a boost of engagement, one of our favorite pieces of advice is to encourage conversations through showing up on Instagram Stories. It feels attainable because it’s both creative and free!  

Did your eyes roll a bit when I mentioned showing up on stories? Maybe you feel self-conscious about “popping in” on stories? Before you throw your phone down with questions like: 

What do I even post on Stories?

If it will only be seen for 24 hours, does it even matter?

Do my followers want to look at my face while I talk to them? 

Hear me out… give it a chance!

If done well, I promise… your audience will enjoy engaging with you! The more interactions you get, the more likely your content will be shown to a wider audience, and the more your reach will grow—not just on the content in stories but also on your posts and reels. 

We promise you don’t even have to show your face all the time! Let the interactive elements do the work! They make your audience feel seen, heard, and part of the conversation, even on  “non-hair-wash days”

In fact, here are EASY interactive Story ideas you can try this week to spark engagement and start real conversations:

The Quick Quiz 🧠

Create a 2–3 question quiz about your niche, business, or industry.

• Example: A pet groomer might ask, “Which breed has the longest coat? A: Maltese B: Afghan Hound C: Shih Tzu”
  
  
• Bonus points if you mix in a personal one, like “Guess my go-to coffee order”
  
  

Why it works: Quizzes are irresistible! Even if someone doesn’t know the answer, they’ll take a guess, and that’s instant engagement.

The Re-Intro Slide 👋

People forget. New followers show up. And some have been lurking for months, but don’t really know you.

• Share a selfie or a behind-the-scenes photo. (This doesn’t have to be taken day-of.)
  
  
• Add 3–5 fun “about me” facts (mix business + personality).
  
  
• Use the question box: “Now your turn — tell me something about you!”
  
  

Why it works: It humanizes your brand and invites conversation. Plus, you can continue those convos in the DMs!

The “Vote on This” Poll 💬

Ask your audience to help you make a decision — big or small.

• Should I launch this in pink or teal?
  
  
• Which reel idea should I post first?
  
  
• Where should I go for Friday lunch?
  
  

Why it works: Everyone loves sharing opinions, and polls make it as easy as one tap.

The Local Love Tag 🏙️

Give a shout-out to a local business, creator, or peer in your industry.

• Share their post to your Story and tag them.
• Add a few words about why you love them.
• Use a reaction sticker to encourage viewers to tap.
  
  

Why it works: It’s generous, builds goodwill, and often gets reshared — putting your name in front of new eyes, something we all can appreciate!

The “Working On It” Update ✏️

Let people peek over your shoulder.

• Snap a quick photo or video of your current project.
• Use a text overlay to explain what you’re doing.
• Add a poll or slider: “Excited to see the final result?”
  
  

Why it works: It’s casual, authentic, and gives followers a reason to check back later.

The Hot Take 🔥

Share an opinion about your industry or a common myth you’d like to bust.

• Example: “You don’t have to 'DO THIS' to 'DO THAT’”
• Add a poll: “Agree or disagree?”
• Or a question box: “What’s your hot take?”
  
  

Why it works: Controversy (the kind without drama) sparks conversation — and saves your Story from getting scrolled past.

Pro Tip for All of These:

Don’t just post the sticker and leave. Stick around for 10 minutes to reply to answers, start DMs, and continue the conversation. The magic isn’t in the sticker; it’s in the follow-up.

📌 Your Homework

Pick one of these Story ideas and post it this week. Spend 10 minutes engaging with everyone who taps, answers, or votes.

Want a list of 20 ideas like this — plus daily mini-challenges that build your engagement muscle?

Join us for the Engagement 101: Back to Social Challenge, and let’s make your Stories the most clickable thing in your followers’ day.