# How to Create Instagram Stories for Business
Instagram Stories are no longer just an optional extra for Australian small businesses; they are a vital tool for building trust and staying top-of-mind. Unlike the permanent grid, Stories disappear after 24 hours, giving you the freedom to show the authentic, behind-the-scenes side of your business that Brisbane locals love to see.
Whether you’re a cafe in Fortitude Valley showcasing your morning brew or a tradie in Chermside documenting a project, Stories allow you to engage with your audience in real-time and drive measurable results.
Why Instagram Stories Matter
With over 500 million daily active users globally, Stories offer a prime location at the very top of the Instagram app. For local businesses, this is the best way to bypass the algorithm and land directly in front of your followers. It’s about building a relationship, not just making a sale.---
Prerequisites
Before you start, ensure you have the following:- An Instagram Business or Creator account (this gives you access to analytics).
- The latest version of the Instagram app installed on your smartphone.
- High-quality photos or videos (or a willingness to film them live).
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) if you plan to run paid Story ads later.
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Step 1: Open the Stories Camera
Open your Instagram app. From your home feed, you can access the Story camera in three ways:- Swipe right from anywhere in your main feed.
- Tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom centre of the screen and select 'Story'.
- Tap your profile picture (with the blue '+' icon) in the top left corner.
Step 2: Capture or Upload Your Content
You have two choices: capture something live or upload from your camera roll.- To capture live: Tap the white shutter button for a photo, or hold it down to record a video (up to 60 seconds).
- To upload: Swipe up or tap the small square gallery icon in the bottom left corner. This allows you to select photos or videos taken in the last 24 hours (or older).
Pro Tip: Vertical content is king. Always shoot in 9:16 aspect ratio (portrait) to ensure your content fills the entire screen of your customer's phone.
Step 3: Add Text to Tell Your Story
Once your image or video is selected, tap the 'Aa' icon in the top right to add text.- Type your message (e.g., "Fresh sourdough just out of the oven!").
- Use the colour wheel at the top to change text colour. Try to use colours that match your brand.
- Use the slider on the left to adjust text size.
- Local Context: Mention your suburb or city to attract local followers (e.g., "Serving the best coffee in South Brisbane").
Step 4: Use Stickers for Engagement
Stickers are the secret sauce of Instagram Stories. Tap the square smiley face icon at the top of the screen. This opens a tray of interactive elements:- Location: Add your specific business location. This helps your story appear in local searches.
- Polls/Quizzes: Ask your audience questions (e.g., "Which logo do you prefer?").
- Link: If you have a website, use the Link sticker to drive traffic directly to your booking page or shop.
- Countdown: Perfect for a sale or an event launch at your Brisbane store.
Step 5: Master the 'Mention' and 'Hashtag' Tools
To grow your reach, you need to connect with others.- Mentions: Use @mention to tag other local businesses or influencers you are collaborating with. They will be notified and can easily share your story to their own audience.
- Hashtags: Use one or two relevant hashtags like #BrisbaneSmallBusiness or #SupportLocal. You can shrink these down or hide them behind a sticker if they look too cluttered.
Step 6: Add Music for Atmosphere
Sound is a powerful emotional trigger. Tap the Music sticker in the sticker tray. You can search for trending songs or sounds that fit the mood of your post. Warning: If you have a Business Account, your music library may be limited to royalty-free tracks due to copyright laws. This is normal!Step 7: Apply Filters and Effects
Swipe left or right on your screen after capturing a photo to apply simple colour filters. For more advanced effects (like 'Green Screen' or 'Sparkles'), look at the icons next to the shutter button before you take the photo.Step 8: Review and Post
Before you hit share, do a final check:- Is the text easy to read? (Avoid placing text too close to the top or bottom where it might be covered by the UI).
- Are your links working?
- Is the 'vibe' consistent with your brand?
When ready, tap 'Your Story' in the bottom left corner to post immediately. Alternatively, tap 'Close Friends' if you only want a specific group to see it.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Posting too much at once: Don't post 20 stories in a row. Users will get overwhelmed and swipe away. Aim for 3–5 high-quality frames.
- Ignoring Analytics: If you have a business account, swipe up on your active story to see 'Insights'. This tells you how many people exited your story or clicked your links.
- No Call to Action (CTA): Always tell people what to do next. "DM us to book," "Click the link in bio," or "Visit us in West End today!"
- Over-editing: Stories are meant to be raw. Don't spend hours making them perfect; authenticity sells better than over-polished ads.
Troubleshooting
- The 'Link' sticker is missing: Ensure your app is updated. If it's still missing, try logging out and back in.
- Music isn't available: This often happens to Business accounts. Try switching to a 'Creator' account in settings, though this may affect some third-party scheduling tools.
- Story quality looks blurry: This usually happens when uploading over a poor Wi-Fi connection. Try uploading using 4G/5G or wait until you have a stable connection.
- Can't share someone else's story: You can only share a story to your own if you were specifically @mentioned in it.
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Next Steps
Now that you've mastered the basics, it's time to get consistent.- Create a Story Highlight: Save your best stories (like 'Reviews', 'Price List', or 'Location') to your profile so they don't disappear after 24 hours.
- Experiment with Video: Try talking directly to the camera to introduce yourself to your customers.
- Need a hand? If you're too busy running your business to manage your social media, the team at Local Marketing Group can help optimise your digital presence. Contact us today to discuss a tailored social media strategy for your Brisbane business.