Instagram is a leading platform that facilitates social connections and creative content that can reach a global audience and businesses searching for potential clients. Instagram has over 2.35 billion users, disseminating information primarily through images and videos, making it a social media giant.
Amidst promoting clips of a recent trip to Bali or publicizing a food joint via a reel or post, you can also use Instagram effectively for a noble cause.
If you’re running an NGO or a small group of friends trying to arrange a charity marathon event, Instagram can be a handy promotional medium. With the several useful features Instagram offers, you can promote a charity marathon event to a large audience.
The best part about promoting via Instagram is that you don’t need a trained or highly experienced marketing team. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to work with it.
If you need guidance on promoting your charity event on Instagram, look no further because we have you covered! Following are some effective Instagram marketing strategies that you can use for your event’s promotion.
Content Compass
Upload regular stories
Instagram stories are a great feature to promote your charity event as the stories appear at the top of the user’s feed, making them easily noticeable. You can give them a professional touch using Instagram story templates available online.
The platform has many built-in templates which help you create conveniently shareable and visually appealing content. One such template is the Event Details template that you can use to share the marathon’s time, date, and venue. You can also use the Countdown template, creating a countdown leading to the charity event to build excitement and anticipation.
Furthermore, Instagram stories are an effective way to connect with the audience. To emotionally hook your viewers, you can share the cause and information about the charity, the impact you plan to make, and how people can get involved through their donations.
You can even share stories of participants who have registered for the event. Such stories can encourage others to participate and help to create a sense of community.
Your viewers would love an insight into the hard work you put into your event, so let them see by sharing behind-the-scenes footage of event preparations. You can showcase the setting up of the course or prepare race packets. Using the poll sticker, you can also ask your audience for their input on improving the event. Such practices can help build excitement and give participants a sneak peek of what to expect.
Post frequently
Instagram users scroll and see loads of content in a matter of seconds. Your viewers aren’t going to remember your event if you aren’t active on Instagram. You must post regularly, reminding your followers about the marathon’s time, date, and venue.
An essential part of posting on Instagram is the diverse content type you can post. You can share images, videos, reels, stories and go LIVE too! You can even repost stories of people promoting your cause. Make your content as engaging as possible so that followers comment or tag their friends and family willingly.
Regular posting like this will increase the chances of your posts popping up on user’s feed, eventually attracting them to your cause.
Include hashtags
Hashtags are a simple yet productive way to reach a wider audience. Use hashtags that are relevant to your charity marathon event.
Using general hashtags such as #charityrun, #runforacause, and #marathon with more specific hashtags such as #breastcancerawareness or #endhunger can attract a targeted audience to your cause.
You can also create branded hashtags to promote your event. Make sure to include your event’s name or slogan in the hashtag.
Location-based hashtags are among the most effective to reach people near your area. For instance, #ChicagoRun or #NewYorkCharityEvent hashtags can help reach people present in the nearby areas of the event.
If you’re wondering where and how you can add hashtags on Instagram, we’ve got the answer to your queries. You can add hashtags to posts, stories, and reels. To implement hashtags in your stories, you can use the hashtag sticker or simply add them directly.
Once you’ve added the relevant hashtags, monitor them to see how they perform. You can use Instagram Insights to see how many impressions your posts are getting from them.
Use a professional account
Creating a professional account on Instagram makes content promotion easier because it offers useful additional features. Firstly, you can create Instagram ads via a professional account. Running catchy and attractive ads will beckon potential donors to your account.
It’s also important to add a clear call-to-action with your ads to drive traffic to your website and increase participation in the marathon.
Another handy feature of a professional account is Instagram insights. The addition of this feature lets you get access to quantitative data on your follower’s interaction with your content. You can use this data to identify trends and adjust your content to engage better with the public.
Run sponsored ads
Instagram ads are a productive way to promote your event, ensuring rapid responses. Set a budget for your ads based on your marketing objectives and the size of your target audience. Instagram offers various budget options, including daily budget and lifetime budget.
Before creating an ad, you must identify your target audience based on their location, interests, and behavior. That will help you create ads targeted to the right people and increase the chances of conversion.
Moreover, your ad’s content should be visually appealing and engaging. You can use high-quality images or videos promoting your charity marathon and its objectives. Don’t forget to include a clear call to action that encourages people to register or donate.
It’s important to mention that Instagram offers different ad formats, such as images, videos, carousels, and story ads. Choose the format that best suits your goals, message, and budget.
Partner with influencers
Influencers rule Instagram! Partnering with influencers is an effective way to reach a wider audience. Look for relevant influencers for your charity marathon event. Search for influencers with a large following in the fitness or health industry or those passionate about your cause.
To encourage influencers to become part of your cause, offer incentives such as free entry to the event, merchandise, or a donation to their favorite charity. Make sure to tailor the incentives to the influencer’s interests and needs. In return, the influencers can add sponsored posts, stories, or videos promoting your charity run.
Remember to monitor the performance of your collaboration posts to see how they are performing using Instagram insights.
Instagram is not just a socializing platform but is also an effective marketing tool for promotions. Here’s hoping the mentioned strategies will help you make your charity event a roaring success!
Written by: Raahim Jamshed