You’re no event-planning newbie. You already have a presence on all of the most happening social media platforms, including Instagram. You’re an old pro when it comes to posting snapshots of your swank New York events for your legion of Instagram followers to ogle over.
Wait—what’s that? You don’t have a gazillion followers on Instagram? Well, then, worry not, young freshman. In this article, we have the tips you need to grow your event planning business’ Instagram following to big-league status.
Why NYC Event Planners Need a Big Following on Instagram
Yeah, yeah, we know. You already focus so much on social media marketing. Posting, scrolling, commenting, more posting, and planning New York events. Is Instagram that important to your event planning business success? You bet it is, and here’s why.
- Instagram gets you noticed. Half of users are more interested in a brand after they see it on Instagram (Sprout Social).
- Instagram converts. Brands with 10,000 followers saw a conversion rate of about 2.6% (Sprout Social).
- Brand reach is high. About 62% of users use Instagram to research and follow brands (Sprout Social).
Using Instagram, you can search out and connect with potential clients. You can use strategies that get you in front of users who aren’t following you—yet. You can cement your reputation as New York’s leading event-planning guru so that users will seek you out when they’re looking for entertaining tips. Then, when they’re ready to hire a pro for a larger shindig, you’ll be at the top of their minds.
Increase Your Instagram Following for Your Event Planning Business
Of course, to unlock the magic of using Instagram to promote your event planning business, you need to up your follower count. Use these best practices, and followers will flock to your Instagram account like bees on honey.
Master the Basics
You can use every trick in the book, but if you’re not doing the basics when it comes to Instagram, your following will remain underwhelming.
- Post Daily. Most businesses post about four times a week. However, studies show that posting every day will help increase your following.
- Completely fill out your profile. Make sure your website is included in your profile.
- Engage with your followers. Check Instagram frequently throughout the day and respond to questions and comments. If followers share your post, give them some love and a thank you.
- Use hashtags. Hashtags are more than just keywords, though they do help your posts get found in user searches. Hashtags also help Instagram’s algorithm place your posts in front of relevant users.
Instagram Best Practices for Event Planners
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to share your event planning flair on Instagram. This is all about making your social media presence interesting and entertaining. That way, when you make a deliberate push for more followers, you’re offering up posts that add value to users.
- Share photos and videos from your events. Highlight the fun. Consider hiring a professional photographer to take the shots and send them to you to share while the event is live.
- Create Instagram-worthy photo ops at your events. Set up an appealing backdrop where event goers can take photos. Consider the vantage from a selfie viewpoint. Include your Instagram handle and branded hashtags on a sign nearby.
- Share entertainment tips. Post pictures of your favorite party themes and offer tips on how users can recreate the look on their own. Or post ideas for budget-friendly party menus.
- Share your favorite vendors. Do you have a go-to bakery for birthday cakes? Give them a shoutout and feature pics of their work. You’re adding value to your followers by letting them know about the best places in New York.
- Give your followers special access. Share photos and videos of your events behind the scenes. Or showcase a day in the office with your team.
Gather Followers for Your NYC Event Planning Business
You know that “if you build it, they will come.” But why not give them a nudge with these tips aimed at growing your follower count?
- Sweeten the deal with contests. Host a variety of giveaways. The prizes don’t necessarily need to be big-ticket items as long as they’re fun and useful. Ask followers to share your post, tag your friends, or post their photos with your branded hashtag. Any of these actions will get your Instagram account in front of more people.
- Run a promotion. Offer discounts for a limited time to new followers. For example, when new followers tag you in a post, they get a percentage off or some other perk when they book your services. Make the promotion specific. Make new followers perform an action that will alert you to file away their names. And post a time limit for both the promotion and the time frame in which new customers can use it.
- Make it easy to follow you. Post Instagram buttons on your website. Include your handle in your email signatures. Send a link via text. In short, share your Instagram information anywhere and everywhere.
Become an Event Planning Authority on Instagram
If you’re going to make your mark as a top New York event planner, social media is where it’s at. Marketing your business on Instagram doesn’t take as much time as you may think. It does take consistency and creativity. However, if you put in the time and effort, you’ll reach new social media heights and rake in the followers at the same time.
Get more industry insights at The Event Planner Expo 2024. And elevate your business growth opportunities even more by securing your booth and becoming a high-profile exhibitor! Join the 150+ top brands taking their place on the coveted trade show floor this October!
