4 minute read
Reeling them in!
Alicia Humphreys explains why you should be using Instagram Reels to promote your business.
In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram Reels has emerged as a powerhouse for engaging and entertaining content.
These short video clips, often set to music, have become a favourite among users and creators alike. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just getting started, this article will guide you through the art of creating captivating Instagram Reels that will leave your audience wanting more!
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits of creating Reels for your business.
Why create Instagram Reels?
Instagram is still heavily promoting video right now, and reels are still getting all the attention. There are currently more than 2 billion users on Instagram, all with access to reels. This means there’s a huge opportunity for visibility and growth. Unlike grid posts and Stories, which are only seen by people who follow your account, Reels are shown to everyone - whether they follow you or not!
Reels generate lots of engagement and have a longer shelf life than grid posts and can still gain likes and comments weeks after being posted.
This means your business has the opportunity to be discovered by a much larger audience without you having to pay for ads (winner!).
Top tips for creating scroll stopping reels: Know your audience: Before you hit record, it’s essential to understand your target audience. What do they enjoy? What problems can you help them solve? Your Reels should resonate with your followers’ interests and needs.
Plan your content: While spontaneity has its charm, planning your content can help you stay organised and ensure your Reels convey your intended message effectively. Brainstorm ideas, create storyboards, and jot down any necessary props or locations.
Keep it short and sweet: Instagram Reels have a maximum duration of 90 seconds. Use this time wisely. Get to the point quickly and maintain a fast-paced, engaging tempo throughout the video.
Catchy captions: Pair your Reel with an attention-grabbing caption. This is your chance to provide context, humour or further engage with your audience. Clever captions can make your Reels even more memorable.
Edit like a Pro: Editing is where the magic happens. Use Instagram’s ever-growing built-in editing tools or third-party apps to add effects, transitions, text overlays and stickers. Keep it visually engaging but not overwhelming.
Engage with trends: Staying up to date with trending challenges and hashtags can boost your reach. Taking in popular challenges can also make your content more discoverable, just make sure these are appropriate and relevant to your business.
Interact with your audience: Respond to comments, engage with your followers and ask for their input. Building a sense of community can lead to a more loyal following.
Analyse and adapt: Pay attention to your Reels’ performance. Instagram Insights provides valuable data on reach, engagement and demographics. Use this information to refine your content strategy (this also works for your grid posts!).
And finally, here’s 3 reel ideas to get you started:
1. Show off your space! Record a short video of where you work and your favourite parts of your work space.
2. Showcase your favourite product or service.
3. Create a mini tutorial, for example this could be a walk-through of how to use a product.
But the most important tip of all is to have fun! Authenticity and enthusiasm shine through in your content, making it more relatable and enjoyable for your audience. After all, people buy from people. Don’t overthink your reels too much, just hit record and see what happens!
Alicia Humphreys is Owner of Pink Fox Salon Socials, who help salons grow their social media presence and attract new customers.
