PHOTOGRAPHERS! Want to know my secrets behind “instastorying” a wedding to boost engagement and book MORE referrals? Taking advantage of insta stories has catapulted my business to reach more ideal clients than I have ever imagined!

When insta stories were first introduced to instagram nobody really knew how to “play” with it and quickly they reached even MORE views than the regular scroll through our feeds. With an instant engagement boost from the get-go it’s clearly an untapped tool that you should be taking advantage of for every single wedding and shoot!

But how? What are some of the tips and tricks to strategically boost engagement and book even more referrals?

KEY TIPS

First of all, it’s important to understand why these insta stories are so important. It may feel like ANOTHER thing to worry about on a busy wedding day or another “chore” to add to your list of business tasks… but I promise, if they’re done right you can share your heart and attract MORE clients that will value you and your services.

I get it. Your work is improving everyday and looks similar to our industry leaders, but maybe your calendar isn’t filling up as quickly as you wish!

How do you bottle up your in person experience and share it for others to see online? Insta stories can help radiate your passion for others to see and want to get to know you. Think about it… Once you lock down a couple DREAM clients, they most likely have friends and family in their circle that are just like them! Their network is watching!!! Show up for your couples so they’ll instantly want to share their experience with more friends like them!

ONE | Never Post LIVE

Capture behind the scenes photos, videos and boomerangs, but NEVER share LIVE! Your couples, wedding parties and vendors are busy working and won’t be able to fully engage with your posts. Simply save them to post the next day! I promise, your engagement will quadruple compared to posting them LIVE. Plus, you want to gain trust with your clients, knowing that they’ll never have to worry about you posting too soon or giving away any surprises of the day. These memories are sacred to share with their family and friends, just wait, mmk!

TWO | Always Ask For Permission

I suggest adding a social media clause in your contract with your couples to initial. Discuss your workflow and share all the fun things they get to look forward to! You may run into a client that prefers nothing to be shared online and that’s okay! I always put people over profits, but it’s important for them to be aware about how you plan to share their day. Being upfront with your process will have them feeling excited to see all the little behind the scenes moments for their day!

THREE | Check Points To Capture

There are over eight checkpoints of the day to capture on your phone! Although every wedding is uniquely different, many of them share the same structure and similar timelines. Here’s a quick list of must grab behind the scenes snaps!

Getting Ready

Details

Wedding Party

First Look

Ceremony

Reception

Sunset Portraits

Dancing

KEY TIP: Don’t forget to include your personality within these snaps! Add your face, show yourself in action and showcase your passion for the day!

FOUR | Be Resourceful

I get it. You’re overwhelmed with actually photographing the day, now I’m encouraging you to add another thing to your plate for the day!?? Don’t stress. Ask your second shooter, wedding vendors or even ask bridesmaids to text you pics from the day! They’ll be happy to share!

FIVE | Tagging Vendors, Your Couples and Wedding Party

I encourage you to include a tag for your couples and as many people as possible into every single post! This give them the opportunity to easily “Add To Story” from their instagram, too! You may have to be a little sneaky and search your brides page to find bridesmaids handles, but it’ll be SO worth it!

Good Luck! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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