By the end of 2023, Instagram is expected to reach 1.35 billion users. If you’re a business, using Instagram to promote your event can be smart. Besides being a great app to share photos and videos, it can be a place where you drum up hype for a convention, sale, live stream, or another event. How you promote your event, however, can be a challenge. Besides using the FollowersID platform to boost your numbers, here are some ways to hype your event on Instagram.
Create a Unique Hashtag
Hashtags can be an excellent tool for people not only to find your event but for you to create unique branding for it. One way you can drum up hype for your event is to create a unique hashtag that will give it its identity.
Creating a hashtag is not something you should rush. You want a hashtag that’s short yet snappy. Think of it like a slogan or word that will get stuck in your followers’ heads. In addition, you want to create a hashtag that does not have many followers. Do not use a generic hashtag, as your posts will be lost. You can use broader hashtags to promote your posts but have your branded hashtag take center stage.
If you need ideas, you can look to your competition to see what hashtags they use. It should be unique to you, but don’t be afraid to research and find inspiration.
Optimize Your Profile
Your profile should tell newcomers about your event and have links for more information. Use a profile picture that captures your branding and is easy for people to recognize. In addition, you should put a link to the event in your bio or where they can RSVP for it.
If your profile lacks information, a potential follower may not follow your event. Ensure it is filled out with as much relevant information as possible so you can entice people into following your event.
Consider Ads
We all know how satisfying it is for an event to grow in popularity because of word of mouth. However, for many occasions, spending some money on ads is a smart thing.
Instagram’s ad services can help you promote your event to the right audience. What we love about their ad services is that it’s flexible according to your budget and what type of ad you want to purchase.
If you have basic demographic information of the people likely to attend your event, Instagram can help you reach the right people.
Use Instagram’s Power of Imagery
Instagram is, first and foremost, a photo-sharing app. So use its power to promote your event. Here are some ideas.
The Flyer
With Instagram, you can post an advertisement for your event, sort of like a flyer. Like an average flyer, you want to use the right graphic design. A flyer that captures the spirit of your event while being easy to read and having all the relevant information is ideal. Using striking colors and font choices, spacing, and delivering your event’s message to the audience can give you more interest.
Behind the Scenes
Everyone loves a good peek under the curtain. Show your staff setting up your event or planning it to humanize the people bringing it to the audience. Use good lighting and interesting compositions to make your photo come to life.
Photos from the Last Event
If the event you’re promoting isn’t your first rodeo, show photos of your last event. Capturing live performances, people having a good time, a video of a compelling speech, and other pivotal moments can get people interested in attending your next event, especially if it creates FOMO (fear of missing out.)
Lineup Hype
Another way you can promote your event is to post on Instagram every time you book a VIP for your event. You can post a picture of them and what they’re best known for and give some information on when they will be at the event. Many attend events to meet famous people or network with essential people in the industry, so use that to your advantage.
Promote Deals
Your event probably costs some money to get into, and it can make some people not want to attend. By having deals such as early-bird specials, discount codes, group rates, and other deals, you can entice some people to attend. Plus, it once again gives people FOMO. If they don’t take advantage of the deal now, they may have to pay the total price at the door, and no one wants that.
Countdown Posts
Another way to promote your event is to post a countdown of how many months, weeks, or days there are until the event. Of course, you don’t just need to count down to the event. You can also count down to guest announcements or until early-bird deals end. Countdowns always create a sense of urgency, which is one great way to promote an event.
In addition, you may want to integrate a countdown timer widget on your website for any offers. This way, if someone visits your website and sees a limited-time offer, they are likely to take advantage of any deals happening at the time.
Engagement Farming Posts and Contests
Another way you can build hype for your event is if your posts are designed to gain engagement. Usually, you can do this through a contest, offering free tickets or other swag. For example, you can tell people to like, comment, and follow for a chance to win. You can hold contests where people can submit their talent to win.
On Instagram, the algorithm is king. When you have engagement posts, they are likely to receive promotion through Instagram’s Explore page. People who may be interested in your event will see your posts, and if they like what they see, they will RSVP.
Video is Important as Well
Photos are worth a thousand words, but video is ever-growing in popularity on Instagram. Instagram has many ways for you to share videos. Here are some ideas.
Videos of Your Event
First, if you have had previous events, posting videos from last year’s event can give people an insight into what to expect. A performance or speech from a key speaker can give people an idea of what guests will attend your event. Having a timelapse can show all the action in only a few seconds. And, of course, behind-the-scenes videos can give people a look into how the event comes to fruition. Be creative and have a powerful opening that invites people to watch to the end.
Reels
One video type that the algorithm favors are Reels. Reels are short-form vertical videos similar to TikTok. Reels can get your videos to a new audience and attract followers faster than posting regular videos alone.
Livestreaming
Instagram also has a live stream feature, which you can use to promote your event. A live stream from you or your volunteers can give potential attendees a personal connection to you. You can use this live stream to answer any questions about the event and even use this event to host contests, announce guests in real-time, and more.
Post on Your Instagram Story
Instagram Stories are disposable posts that can retain followers by offering behind-the-scenes looks into the making of your event or be used to promote new guests. Some event hosts will use Stories to showcase vendors and other people attending, offering updates and getting people attending your event an idea of what to do during their stay.
Engage With Your Audience
One way to get people excited to attend your event is to interact with them. We mentioned interacting during a live stream, but as an event holder, you want to go the extra mile.
Heart-reacting to positive comments shows that you are listening to feedback. If someone has a problem with your event, responding to it and working to make it right shows that you can listen to criticism and try to make it right for those who feel wronged.
Remember, the people are the ones who make your event possible. By interacting with them, you can ensure that you’ll have a happy crowd ready to attend your event this year and beyond.
Recapping the Event
Once the event is over, your Instagram marketing is nowhere done. You should now spend your time posting photos and videos and providing statistics about your event’s success. Post an appreciation message thanking everyone who made the event happen. Consider producing a highlight reel, which can showcase the most extraordinary moments for your event that you can use to promote next year’s. Highlight any media coverage as well.
Finally, be sure that you ask for feedback. As you plan next year’s event, feedback makes your event grow. Ask people what they loved about the event and what needs improvement, and offer suggestions.
Some people may post online surveys, which you can link to via your Instagram. Here, you can ask several questions that explore the attendees’ satisfaction and what they want to see for next year’s event.
In addition, asking people how they discovered the event can help you decide where your marketing for next year’s event should go. Hopefully, you discover that many people who joined your event found it from Instagram.
Once you’ve wrapped up this year’s event, you can rest as you plan next year’s.
Final Thoughts
Promoting an event can be challenging, but Instagram can make things easier. By learning to use everything Instagram offers, you can reach a new audience while keeping your old one engaged and ready to attend your next big event. Be sure to post engaging content and drum up hype whenever there’s a major update to your event. We hope that this article was helpful to you.
