Instagram Stories are one of the engaging ways for fashion events to share event news or engage with followers. Sharing stories tends to gain audience attention and increase event reach. Stories can change how a brand connects with the audience and keeps them engaged. The stories can provide a glimpse of behind-the-scenes or runway shows.
In this article, we are going to talk about how fashion events can leverage Insta stories to boost engagement with their audience.
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Importance of Instagram Stories For Fashion Events
Much of the visual element of a fashion show overlaps with an Instagram story. One simply cannot ignore the nature in which fashion as an industry relies heavily on visual and storytelling elements. That is not to say using Instagram stories isn’t helpful for visuals and storytelling for promoting an event.
The short-lived nature of fashion shows requires something that can quickly gain the eyes of the audience. That’s why Instagram stories are considered a must for fashion events to not only gain eyes but also create a sense of urgency.
Also, live updates through Stories give brands the opportunity to deliver real-time event coverage. This makes it a great opportunity that make your followers feel like they’re a part of the experience. Instagram Stories have a variety of versatile content forms, including videos, photos, GIFs, and stickers. So, the various formats make showcasing the collections and the event highlights a little easier. Other ways fashion events can engage the audience would be through interactive features like polls, quizzes, and Q&As.
Instagram for Fashion Shows: Engaging Audience Before the Event
Building pre-event engagement is crucial. Instagram stories work best for audiences to increase their chances of attending fashion shows. It creates excitement among followers and keeps them informed. Here are a few creative Instagram story ideas to build pre-event engagement:
Share Sneak Previews and Teasers
You can show off some sneak previews prior to the show such as models rehearsing on the runway, close-ups of fabric, and accessories from the collection. These bring curiosity and a sense of exclusivity to the followers.
Instagram Story with Countdown Stickers
An Instagram countdown sticker in a story may seem simple, but it does its job of creating anticipation. This way, followers can set reminders so they won’t miss the event. Make sure to match this sticker up with eye-popping images or videos and put the date and time of the event down big on it.
Generate Hype With Influencer Collaboration
Fashion shows could create hype before the event through influencer collaboration. By sharing their experiences or allowing them a sneak peek of their favorite looks, they are able to tap into their follower base and thereby push your reach to a greater extent.
Add Exclusivity to Invitations
Nothing creates more anticipation than exclusivity. You could invite followers to participate in a special activity related to the event. For example, one might announce a contest wherein winners receive virtual backstage passes, or ask fans to guess new collections through Instagram stories for fashion events.
Instagram Story Tips for Engagement During the Fashion Event
Follow these tips to engage audience during the fashion event using Instagram stories:
Live Stream Quality Moments
Instagram Stories could include significant activities at fashion events such as opening walks, celebrity appearances, or designers’ speeches. Giving live streams a huge potential option with stable shots of high-quality videos. The use of text overlays or captions can highlight key points. Let the audience know in advance when something is going live so that they can get the maximum possible views.
Use Interactive Elements
Using interactive features increases engagement. For example, you can poll your audience to find their favorite looks or trends. Another way to encourage interaction is by using quizzes and sharing trivia questions about designers or brand history, or enabling a Q&A feature for followers to ask their questions about the event.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
People like having peeks behind the curtain. Whether it is candid moments of models, wardrobe fixes, or final preparations under the catwalk spotlight, behind-the-scenes content provides personality to your stories. It makes your brand more human and relatable which strengthens the connection with the audience.
Use Hashtags For User-Generated Content
The use of branded fashion event hashtags for the attendees to share their Stories allows a variety of perspectives to come forward. The re-posting of the best content by the attendees promotes community building and increases engagement.
Highlight Major Personalities
Preferably, include interviews or casual shots with designers, models, or celebrity guests to spice up your working coverage of the event. Their thoughts on the event, favorite looks, or upcoming trends will provide your followers with a great experience.
Boosting Post-Event Engagement of a Fashion Show
Since the event has ended doesn’t mean you have to stop sharing Instagram stories. Learn how to use Instagram Stories to boost post-event engagement with these unique ideas.
Save Your Best Stories as Highlights
Instagram Stories could include significant activities at fashion events such as opening walks, celebrity appearances, or designers’ speeches. Giving live streams a huge potential option with stable shots of high-quality videos. The use of text overlays or captions can highlight key points. Let the audience know in advance when something is going live so that they can get the maximum possible views.
Giving people the opportunity to relive the events of the day at any time, you can save your best Stories to Instagram Highlights. Label them so your audience can navigate through them clearly. Some suggested labels are “Runway Moments,” “Designer Insights,” or “Behind the Scenes.”
Make Recap Videos
Make an event recap video documenting the best moments. Use fun captions, embellish with transitions, and add music for a Story summarizing the experience. This is one of the best ways to visually engage an audience reliving the experience.
Request Feedback
Inquire about the feedback from your audience by means of your question stickers. You could ask questions like, “What was your favorite look from the show?” or “What would you like to see in our next collection?” Such questions help maintain a flow of conversation and provide meaningful insights into the next event.
Show Appreciation
After the event, take a little time to express your appreciation. You might thank your audience, your collaborators, or your attendees in Instagram stories. Mention or tag key contributors, as this can help set an upbeat atmosphere post-event.
Use Instagram Features To Boost the Impact of Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories for Fashion Events come with powerful tools that can make the content even more engaging and suitable for memories.
Make use of effects and filters
Participation would rise with personalized event-specific filters, like event color filters or brand logo filters. Things are kept fresh by additional animated effects that were made based on themes found in the collection.
Include Music in Stories
Another interactive component that you can use to enhance your storytelling and set the mood for your event is music. The stories become even more memorable when they are accompanied by instrumental soundtracks or popular music.
Swip-ups and animations
Important details can be highlighted with stickers and animations. Countdown stickers are a great way to show what’s approaching. Innovative strategies to guarantee that everyone sees your event on time include using swipe-up links or making language bold and strong.
Measure the Performance of Instagram Stories and Content
Be sure to measure the success of your Instagram stories so you know what is going wrong and what is going right. You can access Instagram Insights to gain insights into your metric views, reach, engagement rate, and retention rate. Hence, find out what worked best with your audience and apply those learning experiences in future campaigns.
Tips for Long-Term Success on Instagram
Here are few tips to get success with Instagram stories for fashion shows:
Consistency is key if you want to ensure long-term success with Instagram Stories. Post regularly to maintain visibility and engagement.
Share genuine moments to build trust and relatability.
Don’t stick to one format to make your stories successful. Instead, test different formats to see what resonates best with your audience, and collaborate with influencers to diversify your content.
Final Thoughts
Instagram Stories is a game-changer that can boost engagement at fashion events. The fashion shows are best promoted with stories and reels on Instagram since they make use of storytelling and engaging visuals. With the interactive features of Instagram and its creative tools, events can be turned into a digital experience that resonates long after the event. Make the best use of Instagram content in order to increase your event’s impact.
