Instagram is to photos what YouTube is to videos. Instagram is the place for sharing your latest selfie or whatever random pic you feel like uploading for the world to see. This social network also has enormous potential for event promotion.
As of 2016, Instagram has an estimated 89 million active users in the US alone. With such large numbers, it only makes sense to leverage the site for getting the word out about your event. Here’s a few tips to help you get started.
1.) Share the Location
Show people a sneak peak of the venue. Let them see what the interior and exterior looks like, so they have an inkling of the type of atmosphere to expect. Want to know how to find the perfect venue? Why not leave it up to an audience vote?
Upload photos of each potential venue on Instagram and let followers decide which one would make the best location. The event, after all, is for them, so why not let them have a voice over where it should be held?
Finally, remember that you can also upload brief videos. If you get the chance to walk through the facility, then film the place while you’re touring the area. Don’t forget to add a brief description of each venue, making a note of any highlights worth mentioning, such as a comment on the architecture or outdoor area.
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2.) Use Luster (formerly known as Instaprint)
is a wall-mounted photo booth that’s available for rent. When users upload a photo on Instagram using your event hashtag, Luster prints a physical copy of the photo, which the user can keep as a souvenir.
The vodka company Grey Goose is one company that used Luster with great success. During a launch party in 2013, the company used the event hashtag #CherryNoir to promote its latest flavor. By event’s end, a total of 365 photos were taken, and Grey Goose acquired over 131,000 social impressions for the hashtag.
Even in the digital age, people still appreciate physical photo copies, which means they’ll appreciate having a tangible photo as a keepsake. Guests walkaway with a physical memento while you get a much-valuable social impression to make your hashtag a top trend.
3.) Host an Instagram Contest
Social media contests are always a great way to drum up hype and create consumer engagement through friendly competition. Instagram contests are fairly simple.
Here’s an idea: have participants post selfies while holding up the event ticket, which should have your company’s logo. Be sure they also include the event hashtag. From there, select a winner at random and award that participant a prize, such as a free upgrade to a VIP pass. This is more publicity for you as your event and company will be seen by your participants’ followers.
The pic on the right is an excellent example from the beer company Flying Dog Brewery. The contest has contestants posing with the product in a creative way.
Here’s a full in-depth guide for hosting an Instagram contest and acquiring as many participants as possible. By promoting the contest, you are also subsequently promoting your company and event, so try to squeeze in at least one social media contest for every event.
4.) Timing is Everything
When you post is just as important as what you post. You have to be strategic about the timing. According to the latest algorithms, 5:00 pm Eastern is the best time for posting. This seems to make sense given that most people are getting off work and want to browse for updated photos as they unwind after clocking out. 2:00 am Eastern is also a very good time, though it’s not certain why this is. Perhaps browsing Instagram is what insomniacs do when their circadian rhythm is off. As far as the days go, Wednesday is the best day of the week for posting, but just by a narrow margin.
With this in mind, try to have at least two or three event-related photos to post during the listed times. Also keep in mind that 5:00 pm and 2:00 am are more or less the general average. The optimal time actually fluctuates depending on the day of the week. Refer to the link above for a breakdown of the best times for each day.
Perhaps browsing Instagram is what insomniacs do when their circadian rhythm is off.
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5.) Post Often During the Event
Inevitably, there will be followers that just won’t be able to attend. Don’t leave these people out. Use Instagram to provide an update of what’s going on. People often do this using Twitter, but images tell so much more than a 140-character tweet.
Don’t just upload a random clutter of meaningless images. Make each post count. Good event photos to upload include:
- The speaker making his way onto the stage
- Group photos of guests
- A close-up of the social media wall
- The registration line when the line is at its peak
- A workshop in session
- A tradeshow exhibit
Be sure to add a short description to explain what’s going on in each photo.
Social media promotion is absolutely necessary for maximum event engagement. With Instagram, you have a whole other way of telling your story and making your event known to the masses.
Guest Author: Dan McCarthy
Dan McCarthy is an Event Manager at JD Parties, an event management company based in the UK. Dan has 5 years of event project management under his belt. He has worked on many successful events, and currently he shares his knowledge by writing on the company blog. Follow him on Twitter @DanCarthy2.
The post 5 Ways to Master Instagram for Event Promotion appeared first on The Social Tables Blog.
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