Instagram is an online mobile photo, video, and social networking service that currently has over 130 million monthly users. This social media service draws a younger audience than many other forms of social media, with 90% of users being under the age of 35.
Instagram can be used in many ways to promote and market events. Instagram is very useful for event marketing because pictures posted will show up in the account followers regular news feed at a regular size, the same as a picture from a friend. Unique hashtags can also be created for events that allow people to tag photos that they take at the event so that other users can find these pictures by searching for the hashtags. It is also easy to link an Instagram account to other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook. Pictures will therefore reach a larger number of people and more will be driven to the Instagram page. If the event will have special guests or speakers who are active on instagram having them promote the event on their own account is also an effective way to reach more people.
To effectively promote an event it is also very important to have the account be active leading up to the event. This can include posting announcements, ticket and promotional information, behind the scene planning, and other pictures that will get people excited about the event. At this point it is also important to have as many other accounts (such as guest speakers, venues, attendees) post pictures so as to reach as many people as possible. During the event the account should be posting many pictures of what is happening at the event in real time, as well as encouraging others to post pictures using the appropriate hashtags. After the event the account can remain active with follow up, flashback, and thank you pictures, but will not be as active as leading up to and during the actual event.
Lavina Cocchio
I think it is a great idea to encourage your speakers, attendees, volunteers and other organizers to promote the event on their own accounts. It definitely could attract more people for your next event.
ReplyDeleteI love Instagram, it's a great tool for any business. Pictures draw people in more than words do and as future event planners we should take advantage of this. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture you've used for this post, it's great because it captured my attention to come and read this. As I begin my own business all these facts are a great way to advertise my business and get myself known without having to pay for marketing at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit it can be hard using such a personal thing such as Instagram to promote an event, you have to get followers to allow the information to get out. Great way for annual events to promote and have attendees tag the page.