Instagram is an extremely trendy social media platform that can be used in many ways. If you’re looking to amplify your college event marketing strategy and increase attendance, Instagram might just have you covered. Here, we share 10 ways you can turn those thumb-scrollers into attendees.
1. Create a Unique Hashtag
Instagram currently has over 1.4 billion users worldwide, and it’s estimated that this number will grow even further in the coming years. So, sharing information about your college event on this platform is a great way to reach countless people.
Start by crafting a catchy hashtag for your event. Once you’ve done it, use Instagram Stories to promote it, as it offers several benefits:
- Centralized Content: The hashtag collects all related posts and stories in one spot.
- Engagement: Stories provide a dynamic way to interact with attendees.
- Interest Generation: Use the visual and immediate nature of Stories to spark curiosity.
- Excitement Building: Create a buzz around your event, increasing anticipation and attendance.
2. Team Up
Collaboration is the key to success. You can team up with an essay writing service to buy coursework, allowing you to have ample free time to create effective posts that will attract the attention of more students. You can also identify student micro-influencers at your campus who have the reach and engagement rates that can position them to effectively amplify your message. Give away a ticket or some other exclusive task in exchange for their promotion. It just might lead to bigger returns on your investment.
3. Leverage Stories and Highlights
Instagram Stories are ideal for short-term promotions and creating a sense of urgency. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:
| Daily Countdown | Build anticipation with a countdown to the event date. |
| Sneak Peeks | Share behind-the-scenes glimpses to pique interest. |
| Quick Interviews | Feature brief chats with event organizers to provide insights. |
| Pin Highlights | Save the most engaging Stories as Highlights for new followers to view the buildup. |
4. Use Eye-Catching Visuals
Leo Burnett, an inspiring advertising expert, suggests this tip for creating visual content: “Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at.” Visuals are key to Instagram, so make your event memorable with compelling pictures or videos. Attention-grabbing poster graphics with details of the event or sizzling photos from last year’s event with your branding will help stop the social media scroll.
5. Engage with Interactive Content
Interactive content is any type of material that requires and responds to users’ actions, allowing them to participate and engage directly with the content. This kind of content enhances user experience by making the interaction more dynamic and personalized. Try making polls, quizzes, or QAs about your event in your Stories (these will also engage users and provide some ad-hoc feedback on what the interested are most excited/curious about).
6. Post at Optimal Times
Timing counts too. Post when your audience is likely to be scrolling through Instagram: you’re most likely to reach college students around mid-day and late evening. Use Instagram Insights and helpful tools to discover when your followers are online most, and plan around that time.
7. Create an Event Page
If you have a big enough event, consider a separate Instagram account just for the event. All updates, FAQs, and interactions can then be held there, avoiding a cluttered account.
8. Run a Contest or Giveaway
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Have a contest or giveaway that asks people to ‘share this post in your story to tag three friends and win free tickets!’ You get engagement and awareness at the same time.
9. Utilize Instagram Ads
If you have a budget, an Instagram ad is a great way to reach beyond your existing following. Use the ad’s ‘interest’, ‘location’, and ‘demographics’ targeting to catch people’s attention who already share a common interest and may not yet be following you.
10. Follow Up with Appreciation Posts
Don’t drop the ball once the event is over: post photos or videos of bits of your event, tag attendees, thank everyone for coming, and talk about the next event. You have a broader mission: to engage and inspire people beyond one event, and you need to start building a community of fans and attendees around your events.
Making Memories and Insta Moments
Creating these sorts of posts isn’t just about drawing more people to a college event but inducing them to participate in a lively, engaging campus community. With a few well-considered strategies, you’re not only telling an event, you’re actually creating an experience that students won’t want to miss. Take some Instagram pics and send those stories. Soon enough, your college event will be the hottest thing on the campus social calendar. Get posting!