Instagram might just be an event planner’s best friend. With its brilliant audience reach and visual capabilities, it’s one of the most effective tools in the event marketing toolbox. But with new algorithms, new rules, and new audience preferences comes a slew of new “do’s and don’ts” to consider. Today, we’re sharing the Instagram do’s and don’ts you can take to the bank in 2024. And following these insights will ensure you make the most of your Instagram event marketing efforts.
Do: Know Your Audience Like You Know Yourself
Become one with your event’s audience. Know where they work, where they play, and what they stop scrolling for on social media. Be targeted with your Instagram posts and visual assets, speaking directly to those aligned with your specific event.
Do: Get Familiar and Creative With Instagram Stories
Dive head-first into using Instagram Stories as a method for sharing your event brand’s personality and YOU. Stories are great for interactive features, too, including polls and stickers. These are great for behind-the-scenes storytelling, as well.
Do: Plan Your Insta Post Ahead of Time
Be deliberate about what and when you post by creating an Instagram calendar. Develop your posting strategy for each week and prepare in advance so you’re not scrambling for content or inconsistently posting. Build momentum with your posts with proper planning.
Do: Become a Hashtag Master
Hashtags are essential for boosting awareness and reaching a broader audience. They’re how you tie your post to ongoing topics of conversation and can be great for attracting event guests. But become a master at choosing which hashtags to use without overloading your Instagram posts with too many. And be sure to tap into hashtags that make sense to your event marketing by clicking on them first to see what other posts yours will be associated with if tagged.
Do: Tap Into User-Generated Content
Use your event planning Instagram profile to inspire others and build a following that shares your posts for you. User-generated content, or content authored by others who tag or mention you, is like a megaphone for your brand. It’s also how you essentially create a fan club for your events.
Don’t: Ignore Your Event Audience
If your followers are chattering on Instagram, listen to them. Respond to them. And make sure every interaction counts. When their preferences change, your content should change with them. Ignoring them will only isolate your posts and, eventually, your brand altogether.
Don’t: Overpost on Instagram
More posts won’t equate to more business. Instead, build a content calendar with a post frequency you can stick to and commit to it. Overposting won’t help, and neither will underposting. Instead, look to find that Instagram posting sweet spot of three to five times weekly. Build consistency in regularity and always be relevant to your followers without overloading them.
Don’t: Buy Followers or Engagement
There are no shortcuts to Instagram success, and this includes buying followers or engagement. Don’t do it. Instead, build your audience organically and then enlighten, entertain, educate, and empower them with your posts to keep them engaged. Over time, you’ll build a following of authentic followers who can legitimately help grow your presence online.
Don’t: Fly By the Seat of Your Insta-Posting Pants
Even if you get a brilliant idea for an Instagram post, don’t just whip it up and post it. Doing so runs the risk of errors in your content. It could also potentially undermine your existing schedule and momentum. Instead, jot down those brilliant ideas and find ways to work them into your content schedule where they make the most sense to do so.
FAQs About Instagram Event Marketing
Explore some of these additional FAQs and quick answers regarding an effective method of Instagram marketing for your events business.
What are the 3 C’s of Instagram marketing success?
The three C’s of Instagram marketing success include content, creativity, and consistency.
How often should you post on Instagram?
Every business model and New York event is different. But ideally, you can expect results from a schedule that includes engaging Instagram posts three to five times a week.
What metrics do you measure with Instagram?
When measuring your event marketing success on Instagram, you’ll want to gauge the following results:
- Impressions
- Reach
- Engagements
- Follower Growth
- Referral Traffic
- Comments
- Instagram Stories Metrics
Boost Your Event Planning Marketing Game at The Expo
Take these event marketing Instagram do’s and don’ts with you into 2024 for the best results. Stay ahead of the trends by doing what matters most and not doing what derails your momentum. And start exploring ticket info now for next year’s Event Planner Expo! It’s the one conference of the year that event planners know they can go to and find all the best practices and strategies for social media, event planning inspiration, and business growth!
