How to Maximise Event Bookings with Strategic Social Content
Social media shouldn’t just build buzz — it should bring in bookings.
Whether you’re promoting bottomless brunches, private hires, or seasonal events, your content needs to do more than look good. It needs to convert.
At Ninety8 Media, we work with hospitality businesses to make sure their social strategy drives real results — not just likes. Here’s how to turn your social content into a high-performing bookings engine.
1. Create Content with a Clear Conversion Goal
Not every post should sell — but the ones that do should sell well.
Before you post, ask:
What do I want people to do after seeing this?
Is it clear what the next step is?
Have I made it easy for them to take it?
If you're promoting a live music night or bottomless brunch, don’t just say “it’s back!” — give them a reason to book now:
Limited tables left
Early bird tickets available
Booking deadline approaching
Then pair it with a strong call to action (CTA) like:
Book your table now
Reserve before we sell out
Message us to enquire
2. Use Instagram Stories as Your Booking Funnel
Stories are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools for driving event bookings. Think of them like a mini sales funnel:
Step-by-step story sequence:
1. Hook (Attention-Grabbing)
This is where you want to create instant interest and curiosity.
“Weekend plans? We’ve got something special lined up 👀”
“Here’s what everyone’s booking this week ↓”
“You don’t want to miss this…”
2. Event Tease (Introduce the Offer)
Reveal the event or experience visually and clearly.
“🎶 Live DJ | 🍸 Cocktails | 🍕 Wood-fired pizza — this Friday”
“Our courtyard takeover returns this Saturday!”
(Use strong visuals or video of the setup/event vibes)
3. Why It’s Unmissable (Emotional/Experiential Appeal)
Show what makes it worth showing up for.
“Perfect for birthday drinks, date nights or just a long-overdue catch-up”
“Our most booked event last summer… now with an upgraded menu!”
“Sunshine, street food, and good vibes guaranteed ☀️”
4. Social Proof or Urgency
Add credibility or nudge action.
“Last event: 48hr sell-out ⚡️”
“Only a few tables left!”
“You’ve been asking… it’s finally back”
5. Make It Easy to Book (Direct CTA)
Use a clear, no-brainer next step.
“Tap here to book your table 🔗”
“DM us to reserve before it’s gone”
“Click below to get your spot 🎟️”
(Use a link sticker, countdown timer, or poll if relevant)
6. Bonus: Behind-the-Scenes / FAQ (Trust-Builder)
Optional follow-ups to build excitement and reduce hesitation.
“Swipe to see the menu”
“Setting up for this Friday 👇”
“Can I bring my dog? Yep! 🐶”
“Dress code? Come as you are.”
3. Repurpose, Don’t Repeat
Make every piece of content go further.
Promoting a summer courtyard takeover? Break it into:
A teaser reel with last year’s footage
A carousel with “5 reasons to book our courtyard this June”
A countdown in stories
A behind-the-scenes post setting up the space
A testimonial from someone who hired it last year
Repetition builds recognition. And recognition builds trust.
4. Show What It Feels Like to Attend
Great content doesn’t just describe, it transports.
Instead of only listing features ("Live DJ, cocktails, wood-fired pizza"), show people what it’s like to be there.
Use video to capture the atmosphere
Include sound (crowd, music, sizzling food)
Share user-generated content or guest reactions
Add overlay captions with phrases like “BOOKED OUT IN 2 DAYS” or “COULDN’T GET A TABLE? DON’T MISS THIS ONE”
You’re not just promoting an event. You’re selling a moment people want to be part of.
5. Build Trust Before You Ask for the Booking
People book when they trust the experience will match the promise.
In the lead-up to an event, create trust-building content like:
Staff introductions: “Meet the team behind the cocktails”
Walkthroughs: “Here’s what to expect on the night”
Behind-the-scenes prep: “Setting up for Saturday’s sold-out launch”
FAQs: “Do I need to book a table for this event?” “Can I bring my dog?”
This reduces friction and boosts confidence, especially for first-time customers.
The Takeaway
Good content builds interest. Great content drives action.
If you want to boost event bookings, your social strategy needs to:
Speak to the right people
Tell a compelling story
Make the next step clear, urgent, and easy
Want content that turns views into bookings?
We create high-performing social strategies for hospitality businesses across the UK.
Let’s chat about your next event and how to sell it out with content.
