5 Instagram Mistakes Experiential Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)

Running an experiential business — whether it’s a farm park, café, festival or boutique hotel — means your Instagram needs to do more than look pretty. It has to turn scrollers into visitors. But too often, I see amazing businesses struggling because they’re making the same mistakes over and over.

Here are the 5 biggest Instagram mistakes experiential businesses make — and how to fix them.

1. Treating your business like a product

You’re not selling shoes or skincare. You’re selling atmosphere, memories, and moments. Flat-lay photos of your coffee or a static picture of your venue won’t cut it.
👉 Fix: Show the experience. Reels of kids running through the pumpkin patch, friends laughing over cocktails, families at your event. Let your content answer: What will it feel like to be here?

2. Posting only “we’re open” content

It’s safe, it’s quick… but it doesn’t inspire action. “We’re open today 9–5” is information, not marketing.
👉 Fix: Use hooks and storytelling. Try: “Your perfect Saturday starts here ⬇️” with a Reel that shows the highlights of a day at your venue.

3. Copying competitors

Scrolling your local area for inspo and reposting what you see? Your business will blend into the noise.
👉 Fix: Share your perspective. What’s unique about your space? What moments keep your guests coming back? That’s what cuts through.

4. Ignoring Reels

Love them or hate them, Reels are the fastest way to grow. Still posting only static images? You’re invisible.
👉 Fix: Don’t overthink production. Film short clips, use trending audio, and focus on storytelling. The Social Storyboard membership gives you plug-and-play Reel ideas every week.

5. Forgetting the follow-up

Even if you get views, if your captions are weak or your CTA is missing, people won’t act.
👉 Fix: Always include a clear next step: “Book your tickets,” “Reserve a table,” or “Follow us for ideas.”

Wrapping it up

Mistakes are normal — but they’re fixable. Start by shifting your mindset from product to experience, and your content will instantly feel different.

💡 Want a full framework to build from? The Content Guide gives you 30+ prompts, seasonal sparks, and caption starters designed specifically for experiential businesses.