If you are like me, you may have been avoiding adding Instagram into your marketing plan. I thought there is no way I need ANOTHER social media platform to keep up with. I already use so many! I recently had my eyes opened at an Instagram workshop. There is real value in using Instagram, even if it means giving up one of your other platforms.

What is Instagram

Instagram is a phone-based photo and video sharing service. The most distinctive feature is that the photos are square like a polaroid and you can add a variety of filters to suit your taste. Instagram was created in 2010 and bought by Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion. In 2013,, Instagram grew by 23% while Facebook grew by only 3%, so there are a lot more people using Instagram than you might expect.

Why Use Instagram

The majority of Instagram users are millenials (age 20-33), and most weddings happen in this age group. So it is a great place to meet your ideal client.  You can tailor your content to draw in your dream client through the use of photos and let your images tell your story.

In addition to connecting with your current and potential clients, you can also connect with other wedding professionals. It is so easy to tag other professionals and to be tagged. So your business can be seen be an even larger audience.

Finally, there is a lot of opportunity for conversation in the comments under your posts. You can ask questions and engage with your audience. The can be invaluable if you are helping them with inspiration or answering a question that they have.

Keys to Success on Instagram

When you add any new social media platform to your marketing mix, you want to have a plan for success. Here are some tips to be successful on Instagram:

• Have a plan. Decide how often you will post and have an idea of what sort of content you want to put out. Some businesses combine a bit of personal and business content. Make sure whatever you are doing fits with your brand.

• Make sure to engage! One of the best parts of Instagram is the tags and conversations that can happen on an image. If someone comments on something make sure you are responding.

• Commit to giving Instagram a chance. You are not going to have 10,000 followers over night. Be consistent and put out great content for 6 months and see where it takes you.

Next week, we will speak more in depth about how to post, using hash tags, and tools that can make Instagram even easier to use for your wedding and event planning business!

Today’s post is a guest post from Amber Peterson. Amber is the owner of Cheers Wedding & Event Planning in western Washington. She has a Masters Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and previously worked as a marketing consultant for wedding industry professionals. Amber is also the co-founder of the Skagit Wedding Society.