Use Instagram Stories to Build Real Relationships In 5 Steps

Instagram Stories aren’t just for showing your lunch or reposting your latest grid photo.

When used right, Stories can be a powerful tool to:

• Connect with your audience

• Build trust

• Start conversations

• And gently guide people towards a purchase

But that only happens when you shift from broadcasting to engaging.

Let’s dig into how to do that — especially if you run a product-based brand.

Today’s Business Example: A Handmade Jewellery Business

You sell delicate, meaningful jewellery made from recycled metals. You post lovely product shots on your feed… but your Stories? Mostly reposts or announcements.

Here’s how to use Stories to go deeper and build real connection.

✅ 1. Show the Real, Messy, Beautiful Process

People love seeing how things are made — and the humans behind the brand.

Try:

• Quick clips of your hands shaping a new piece

• A timelapse of packing a customer order

• A “here’s what I’m working on today” update

• A behind-the-scenes blooper or win

Add context in text or voiceover — talk to them like a friend.

✅ 2. Use Polls, Sliders and Questions (Often!)

Interactive stickers aren’t just fun — they train your audience to engage.

Examples:

• “Should this new necklace come in silver too?” (poll)

• “Rate this combo 👇” (emoji slider)

• “Which word should I engrave next?” (question box)

Bonus: Use replies and results as content for your next post.

✅ 3. Use Story Highlights to Guide New Followers

Treat your highlights like a mini website.

For a jewellery brand, that could look like:

• 🌿 Behind the Brand

• 💎 Bestsellers

• 📦 Packaging & Delivery

• ✨ Customer Love

• 📆 Drop Dates

Cover photos should match your branding — use Canva for this!

✅ 4. Use “Talk to the Camera” Clips (Even Just 5 Seconds)

You don’t have to film full talking-head videos. A simple clip like:

“Hey, just popped in to say this new design is launching tomorrow — I’m so proud of it!”

That 5-second glimpse builds trust way more than 5 product tags.

✅ 5. Share Real Messages and Customer Stories

• Screenshot happy DMs or reviews

• Re-share UGC (user-generated content)

• Post testimonials as mini stories or videos

When your audience sees other people loving your work, their trust goes up fast.