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This resource provides a simple 3-step formula to help you craft scroll-stopping, high-converting Instagram Stories every single time. It provides a clear structure to grab your audience’s attention, deliver value, and drive them to take action.
The 3-Step Formula for High-Converting Instagram Stories
This Instagram Story Formula is a straightforward framework designed to make your Instagram Stories more effective. Its purpose is to give you a simple, repeatable 3-step process (Hook, Value, CTA) to follow when planning your content.
Step 1: The hook
The first step is to grab your audience’s attention within the first three seconds. You can do this by using attention-grabbing openers. Techniques include using bold text with a compelling phrase like “You won’t believe this…”, using your face to make eye contact and build trust, or asking a question such as “Struggling to grow your account?”. You can also use “pattern interrupts” like quick cuts, sound effects, or bold visuals to stop the scroll.
Step 2: The value
After hooking your audience, you need to deliver something worth watching. This content should educate, entertain, or emotionally resonate with your viewers. Examples of value-driven content include offering quick tips, showing behind-the-scenes footage of your process or workspace, or creating mini-tutorials. You can also build a connection through relatable rants or wins, or show a high-impact before/after transformation.
Step 3: The call to action
The final step is to tell your audience exactly what you want them to do next. A clear call to action (CTA) is essential. Examples of effective CTAs include asking viewers to “DM me the word ‘Story’ for the full guide,” vote in a poll, tap the link in your bio, or “Reply to this story and I’ll send it to you”.
Application with The Perfect Instagram Story Formula
This resource, provided as an editable Google Doc, helps you strategically plan your content. By checking every story sequence against the three steps—Hook, Value, CTA—you can ensure your content is not only engaging but also purposefully designed to achieve a specific outcome. You can even copy and paste the mini-scripts and prompts from the document into your own planning tools.
Who is this Instagram Story Formula perfect for?
This formula is perfect for anyone who wants to create more effective Instagram Stories, including coaches, creators, e-commerce brands, and realtors. It can be edited to match your specific voice, brand tone, and niche.
Concluding Thought
By consistently applying this 3-step formula, you can transform your Instagram Stories from simple updates into reliable tools for capturing attention and converting followers.
How to Use This
- Make Your Own Editable Copy:
- Open the link provided to access the master Google Doc.
- Once the Google Doc is open, navigate to the menu: File > Make a copy.
- A dialog box will appear. You can rename your copy if you wish and choose where to save it in your personal Google Drive.
- Click “Make a copy.” This action saves an editable version of the document to your Google Drive.
- Using Your Formula Document:
- Print or Bookmark It: You can print a physical copy to keep near your workstation or bookmark the document for quick access while planning your stories.
- Use It While Planning: Before posting each story sequence, check that you have included all three steps: Hook, Value, and CTA.
- Customize It for Your Niche: Edit the examples under each step to match your unique voice and brand tone. You can also expand the document into your own swipe file by adding new ideas over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3-step Instagram Story formula?
The formula is a simple process for crafting effective stories: start with a “Hook” to grab attention, follow with “Value” to educate or entertain, and end with a “Call to Action” (CTA) to tell your audience what to do next.
How can I create a good “Hook” for my stories?
You can create a hook by using bold text, GIFs, asking a question, or using “pattern interrupts” like quick cuts and sound effects to grab attention in the first three seconds.
What kind of “Value” should I provide in my stories?
Value can be anything that educates, entertains, or emotionally resonates. This includes quick tips, behind-the-scenes content, mini-tutorials, relatable stories, or before/after transformations.
What are some examples of a good Call to Action (CTA)?
Good CTAs include direct instructions like “DM me the word ‘Story’ for the full guide,” “Tap the link in bio to grab yours!,” “Vote below – YES or NO?,” or “Screenshot this & share it!”.
How can I customize this formula for my brand?
You can edit the examples under each step to match your specific voice, brand tone, and niche (e.g., coaches, creators, e-commerce). You can also add your own new ideas to the document over time.
How often should I use this formula?
The resource is designed to be used to craft high-converting Instagram Stories every single time you post.