INSIGHTS WITH VICKIE MITCHELL
MORE THAN PRETTY PICTURES
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ith almost a billion people worldwide tapping in each month, Instagram has become a social media starlet. It’s not as big as Facebook — which owns it, by the way — but among social media mobile apps, it is fourth, behind Facebook, What’s App and Facebook Messenger. But consider this: About a third of people in the U.S. use Instagram. And with its newer features, Instagram has become about much more than posting dreamy pictures. The social media platform can help publicize, promote and build attendance for conferences and conventions. Here are a few ways to put Instagram to work before, during and after your event.
Instagram is a natural event promoter
Spread the word with Stories
When Instagram added its Stories feature five years ago, usage shot up. Stories lets users share videos and strings of photos that disappear in 24 hours. Its ephemeral nature naturally encourages people to check in frequently with your conference’s Instagram. About half of Instagram users use Stories every day. The format works well for reporting on a convention in progress — you can put together a recap of the day or a Q&A with an attendee about the best information they gleaned from the sessions they attended. Stories can also promote deeper content, directing users to blogs or other social media channels like Facebook. Before the conference, Stories can announce big-name speakers, new products or services. After the conference, an association president can thank everyone for coming and talk about next year’s event in a video message.
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