A few years ago I signed up as an Usborne Books & More independent consultant. I honestly only signed up for the discount since I LOVE their books. While I’ve never hustled for parties, I love creating UBAM party templates. Canva has made this even easier with their one-click branding tools.
Relaunching With UBAM
Apparently, time really flew for me in Covid lockdown. I was shocked when my UBAM team leader reached out to me in June saying it had been over a year since I had submitted an order and I could relaunch. Of course, I didn’t want to lose my discount and I was ready to come out of hibernation so to say.
I was happy to snag the limited-time virtual kit promotion and started working on my relaunch. Back when I was active before, Facebook parties with Vizzlie were the norm. Then policies changed and most consultants moved over to Sqweee.
I’m sure Sqweee is fantastic for consultants who regularly host parties. Since I only plan to do one every season, I’m not into paying for a service. Also since most of my friends and customers don’t use Facebook, that’s not a great solution either.
Enter Instagram.
Almost everyone I know is on IG. Reels and stories seem to be where it’s at on social media these days anyway. So I wanted to explore relaunching with a party using Instagram Stories.
Since Instagram allows you to set up a “close friends” list, this is a great way to create closed group parties. All my guests have to do is follow my UBAM Instagram account. I will then add them to my list. I can use my main feed to list event dates and post reminders. All party posts go up as stories just for my close friends.
Using Canva to Make UBAM Party Templates
Usborne Books & More home office is amazing at giving us beautiful marketing graphics. Unfortunately, these aren’t formatted to fit IG stories as-is.
I wanted to create some eye-catching and engaging templates for my parties. Thanks to Canva I could do this while following UBAM’s brand guide.
For my relaunch party, I have planned 26 posts using unique but cohesive templates. Some have blank space to include product graphics or personal videos. Others are pre-loaded with text explaining how the party will work and the giveaway info I’m offering. I even have some cute games and polls included.
This was a labor of love that I’m excited to share with any other UBAM consultants out there. If you want access to the full collection just sign up for my resource library newsletter. You will have lifetime access to these and any other freebies I create just by signing up!
Tips for Hosting an Instagram Party
Hosting a party on Instagram is a different experience than other platforms. In the past, I ran parties in my main feed by making my account private for a while and deleting party posts before going public again.
With the Story feature and “close friends”, Instagram takes care of this for me. I can even add evergreen party posts to my highlights and only those in my list will ever be able to see them.
There are limitations to using Instagram however so here are some tips to address the biggest issues:
Use a Link List for Easy Linking
Many IG pros know that a link database service like Linktree, Later, or Campsite is invaluable. Since you only get one clickable public link on small accounts, these services allow you to put that one click to good use.
An even better solution if you run a blog or website is to make your own link list. This will help drive traffic to yourself and boost ranking online. This couldn’t be easier to do and you get full control over the look and metrics.
You can see an example of my UBAM link list here. I always keep my shopping list and updated host info live. Before a party, I will add links to any resources I want my Instagram guests to check out. This includes videos, specific site pages, and any digital freebies I’m offering. I recommend numbering these links to coincide with posts or giving them clear names to help guests know what to click.
Encourage Engagement via Messaging
Since small Instagram accounts don’t have access to the “Swipe Up” feature yet, include prompts for guests to react to. Examples are the poll, question, and quiz features.
When a guest clicks or responds to one of these, Instagram starts a conversation between the two of you in their messaging platform. This is a great way to slide into their DMs and build relationships. Also, links sent via messaging are clickable so you can make personalized wish lists and recommendations which are shoppable.
Treat Your Close Friends Like Your VIP Group
View your close friends list on Instagram is their version of a private VIP group. At the end of each party include a post asking guests if they want to be a VIP. I like to call mine BFFs or “Book Friends Forever”.
Using the poll buttons, they can just click “yes”. This opens the door to us chatting (see above ^^^) and means I’ll keep them on my list.
If they say “no” or don’t respond, then I’ll remove them after the party closes. This way I can continue to post exclusive content in my stories to nurture potential customers.
Run All Your Parties From the Same Space
Instead of hosting separate events, I like to run every party right in my closed stories. This works best for me because I don’t have to manage any other spaces or setups.
I don’t have to convince potential customers or guests to go to any other site. They just have to follow me on the same platform they are already on and I take care of everything else.
The same applies to those that agree to stay on my VIP list. They have to do nothing! From my years of self-employment, I have learned that the less you require of customers, the more likely they are to work with you.
Party hosts don’t have to send linked invites, request event RSVPs, or check in with guests about logging in to a specific website or joining a group. They just tell them to follow my IG account and I handle everything else.
Plus my hostesses might get a couple extra sales from my VIP list which is a win-win to me!
Nurture the One-on-One Experience
Stories don’t offer the group chat dynamic of other platforms. As an introvert entrepreneur that’s right up my alley. I don’t have to feel like I’m managing a crowd.
Instead, I get to chat with each guest one on one and get to know their needs and desires. I can always share responses from the question button or ask my host for some pre-recorded videos to share. But overall I find the Instagram experience to be way less stressful than a LIVE virtual event.
Instagram parties have been the perfect solution for my Usborne Books & More events. What works best for you?
