At first glance, the two seem to be living in the same bed. On the one hand, we have cool, sexy social networks where everything is about the visual experience. On the other hand, we have B2B executives and industries that have traditionally focused on expertise and professionalism. Historically, B2B companies have had three networks of choice — Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook — and Instagram has a solid foundation in the B2C space. no longer…. So what changes have made Instagram a viable option in the B2B space? This comes down to adding new tools like Instagram Stories. When it first launched in 2016, Instagram Stories was highly criticized as a knock-off of Snapchat — tech magazines like TechCrunch ranted for Instagram’s introduction of headlines like “Stories,” a Snapchatty feature for imperfect sharing. Since then, Instagram has added new features that differentiate it from Snapchat and turn it into a great tool for both B2B and B2C businesses. Before we delve further into the whys and hows of Instagram Stories for B2B lead generation, let's take a closer look at what it is and the basic features that make it worthwhile. What are Instagram Stories? Instagram Stories for B2B Lead Generation The premise of Instagram has always been to tell stories visually. Instagram Stories goes a step further. With Instagram Stories, you can showcase specific photos and videos, arrange and personalize them according to your branding needs. Photos and videos are placed in the Stories section and are available to your followers within 24 hours. If your photos or videos need a longer shelf life, add them to Instagram Story Highlights. This will extend the life of your story and appear on your profile until you decide to delete it. You can also add photos or videos to your feed after it reaches 24 hours. Marketers can use add-ons industry mailing list any photo or video in their stories. These include hashtags, mentions, and vote stickers, each designed to engage your audience and increase brand awareness. Why use Instagram for your B2B business B2B Lead Generation Instagram Stories Now that we've discussed what and how Instagram is, let's see why it's a favorite of many B2B marketers. The reason goes back to the premise of Instagram – telling visual stories. Its mission encapsulates a very important fact of human nature - we respond to stories. It doesn't matter whether it's a young adult staring at a new pair of headphones or a seasoned business professional giving a presentation - storytelling can help your audience focus more on your brand. It showcases your brand to your audience in a relaxed environment. The more people interact with your brand, the more comfortable they will feel with you. The more comfortable they are with you, the more likely they are to convert into B2B leads. 2. Make it a platform for thought leadership The ad-hoc nature of Instagram Stories makes it a great place for thought-leader content. why is it like this? Because it doesn't last forever, viewers feel like they're getting a unique experience -- and that unique feeling increases the more expert you are. What thought leadership content can you share on this platform? Share videos that showcase your insights and advice on industry trending issues. Showcase your products or services - explain how they work, give demonstrations, share experiences with your current customers. There are many opportunities for thought leadership on Instagram - some of which may be specific to your particular brand. The only limit to this platform is your own imagination. 3. Inject personality into your story The very nature of Instagram and its personalized stories make it imperative for businesses to show their individuality. Audiences want to see your human side. Forget about social media you think you know. Instagram's model contrasts with what you're probably used to -- namely LinkedIn and Twitter. Granted, LinkedIn and Twitter play an important role in your social media strategy. But remember, audiences on Instagram want experiences, not just informational content. Don't be afraid to use what Instagram has to offer. Put stickers on. Add music to your story. This isn't a platform for professionally shooting and editing videos - rather, it's a place to showcase short clips of your personality as a brand. Go behind the scenes of your company and let your audience know about your team and how you work. Get everyone involved — even C-level executives — so your followers feel like they know your brand. 4. Use links to direct interested people to where you want them to go Once your audience likes your content, you don't want them to move on and forget about it. Instagram understands this. That's why Instagram lets you guide your audience to the next step. Whether it's checking your website, downloading an ebook, or learning more about your product, you want to get people to take the next step