Instagram Stories can be so much more than behind-the-scenes footage and morning coffee shots. For savvy event marketers, they’re a high-converting funnel disguised as a social scroll. Stories capitalize on urgency, FOMO, and bite-sized content, the exact trifecta that moves viewers from casual followers to confirmed attendees. Here’s how you can build incredible IG story funnels that drive serious event ROI and RSVPs.
Think Like a Funnel, Not Just a Feed
Posting random clips won’t cut it. You need a story strategy that mirrors the buyer’s (your event attendee’s) journey: Awareness, Interest, Decision, and Action. Your funnel should:
- Tease curiosity with hints and visuals
- Tempt viewers with value and social proof
- Trigger action with swipe-ups or link stickers
- Tell them exactly what to do next.
Each phase can happen across a few slides or an entire week, but together, they push people toward RSVPing.
Tease: Build Curiosity First
Start with mystery. Show a behind-the-scenes clip of setting up a booth. Post a blurry sneak peek of a keynote speaker. Use Instagram’s countdown sticker to hint at an announcement.
This isn’t the time for a hard sell. The goal is curiosity. Questions like “Can you guess who our surprise guest is?” create micro-engagement and get people watching.
Tempt: Add the Social Proof
Now that they’re intrigued, give them the “why.” This is where you showcase past events: highlight reels, photo carousels, and testimonials. If someone influential attended last year, share a clip or quote.
Use text overlays to emphasize benefits: “Sold out in 48 hours last year” or “Attendees say it changed their business.” Add a “Only X VIP passes left!” message to introduce scarcity.
Trigger: Push for the Click
Your viewer is interested. Now, guide them to act. Use a link sticker or swipe-up with phrases like:
- “Claim Your Spot Now”
- “Last Chance to RSVP”
- “VIP Access Ends Tonight”
Pair this with a clear CTA and a mobile-optimized landing page. Bonus tip: Create a landing page specifically designed for Instagram traffic, with short copy and tappable buttons.
Tell Them What to Expect
People hesitate when things feel unclear. Reduce friction by explaining the next steps: “Tap to register,” “You’ll get a confirmation email,” or “Early bird pricing ends Friday.”
Include a brief FAQ Story: “Is this event virtual?” “Are group tickets available?” or “Do I need to be in the event industry to attend?” Direct answers build trust and eliminate decision fatigue.
Tools to Streamline Your Story Funnel
You don’t have to do it all manually. Platforms like Later and Planoly allow you to storyboard and schedule your content. Use Instagram’s built-in analytics to track taps, exits, and link clicks. Over time, you’ll learn which messages and formats perform best.
Also, experiment. A/B test your CTA’s. Try a minimalist design vs. a high-energy template. Let the data guide your next campaign.
Avoid These Common Story Mistakes
- Too salesy, too soon: Lead with value, not pressure.
- Low-quality visuals: Grainy video or bad lighting can hurt your brand image.
- No clear link: Every funnel must have a link to act. Don’t rely on “DM us to learn more.”
- One-and-done: You need repetition. Story Funnels work best over time with a mix of new content and saved Highlights.
Reuse What Works
Turn your best-performing Story sets into Highlights. Pin them to your profile as mini-funnels for new followers. After the event, share attendee Stories to keep the buzz going. Highlight thank-yous, recaps, and sneak peeks of what’s next.
Instagram Funnels aren’t just content-they’re conversions in motion.
Ready to Turn Story Views Into RSVPs?
If you want to turn viewers into guests and followers into ticket holders, now’s the time to build Story Funnels that work. Reserve your booth at The Event Planner Expo 2025.
The post Swipe Up, Show Up: Build Instagram Story Funnels That Drive RSVP’s appeared first on The Event Planner Expo.
