Instagram Stories Vs. Facebook Stories: Which to Use and When?

A question marketers are often asked is what’s the difference between Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories, and when should you use either format.

While both Story ad formats share a number of similarities, there are some differences which may impact when, and if, you use either one. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you decide which platform is best for your pool and spa company.

When to Use Facebook Stories

You should use Facebook Stories when:

1. You Are Targeting “Older” Audiences

Statista revealed that the majority of Facebook users in 2018 were between the ages of 25 and 44. The majority of Instagram users, on the other hand, were between the ages of 18 and 34.

2. You Are Creating an Event

Whenever you create a Facebook event (such as a new showroom opening or the unveiling of a new luxury hot tub), Facebook automatically creates a story for any user who marks themselves as either “going” or “interested.” These people then have access to an exclusive community which only they can view and participate in.

3. You Have a Facebook Group

Much like Facebook events, Facebook will automatically create stories only group members can view and contribute to. This cultivates a strong sense of community and it can deepen brand loyalty.

When to Use Instagram Stories

You should use Instagram Stories if:

1. You’re Targeting Younger Users

As mentioned above, the majority of Instagram users are young adults between the ages of 18 to 34 years old. With that said, there are a growing number of users between the ages of 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 using the platform.

2. You Want to Expand Company Recognition

Instagram offers a variety of “bonus” tools that will help you grow your audience, like:

• Mentions
• Locations
• Hashtags

The platform makes it incredibly easy for your company to be found and for your Instagram Story to also be re-shared.

3. You Want to Increase Engagement

Unlike Facebook Stories, Instagram Stories encourages engagement through questions, polls and stickers. There is also a handy countdown feature that can help keep audiences in-the-loop about upcoming events.

Where to Start?

Ideally you would combine and use both Facebook and Instagram Stories together. If your pool and spa company is just starting out on social media, Instagram Stories may be the way to go.

Stories can be created on Instagram, and they can then be shared to your Facebook Stories. Facebook Stories, on the other hand, cannot be shared on Instagram.

Also, being a highly visual platform, pool and spa companies do well sharing their gorgeous poolscapes, landscapes and hardscapes on Instagram.

We know that each company has their own goals, budgets and needs. To consult with a digital marketer today, we welcome you to reach out to us here at Pool Marketing Site either online or by giving us a call at (281) 940-3798.

About Small Screen Producer

Small Screen Producer is dedicated to create and optimize your company’s total online presence. As a leading innovator of digital media marketing since 2008, we have the experience to capitalize on your unique strengths to help your business succeed. Our goal is to help you Position, Pursue, Promote, and Protect your business. We offer a complete line of digital marketing solutions to get this done. They include website design, Google Ad services, Facebook and Instagram Ad services ,website lead capture tools and automation, social media marketing, reputation management, technical services, , graphic design, video production and monthly service plans. We take your online marketing and advertising off your to-do list, so you can focus on your core business.

Contact us today to learn more about boosting your company’s revenue through our four pillars of success that will Position, Pursue, Promote, and Protect your business.