How to use IG reels to grow your business online
Last fall Instagram launched a new feature called Reels, that is the platform’s equivalent of the social media platform TikTok. The Reels feature allows users to upload a 15 to 30 second video and add effects such as text, music and filters. Reels are fun, entertaining and a great way to increase your social media followers and get more clients for your business.
To get started, select the reels feature located at the bottom of your Instagram camera when you open the app. The features for reels include:
Audio: Here you can search for a song from the music library or you can use your own original audio by recording a reel with it.
Effects: Browse filters that overlay your video and provide eye-catching designs and special effects for your videos.
Align: This feature allows you to line up videos from a previous clip for a seamless transition.
Timer: This allows you to record clips hands free.
Speed: Choose to slow down or speed up your videos based on your preferences.
Once you choose the features you need for creating your video, you can add text from the top right screen in the preview section. Text blocks will appear in the lower left hand corner that will allow you to edit the timing of the text so it will appear at different intervals to fit your video.
Once you are finished with edits, click the right arrow at the bottom of the screen and you will be able to write a caption, tag people and set a cover photo.
The next part of making scroll-stopping reels is to come up with ideas for content that connects with your audience. For creating catchy reels, it’s important to condense your message into a soundbite or message that can be understood by your audience within 30 seconds or less. Here are some ideas to get started:
Give your audience quick tips
What are easy and actionable tips you can quickly share with your audience? This should be easy to understand and brief. Create a video shaking your head “yes” or “no” and then match the answers to yes or no questions that customers commonly have about your product or service. For example, if you provide business coaching questions could include: “Should I wait to hire a business coach until my business is profitable?” or “Is coaching a measurable investment?”
Another way to give types is to dispel myths about your industry. Start with pop-up text: Three Myths about [your industry topic] and then add three common things that are misrepresented in your industry.
Share personal details
Reels are a great way to show a personal side of business or behind the scenes of what it is you do. Uploading videos or photos from the past when you started your business can help your audience identify with your audience. Reels also have the option of a “green screen” feature that’s accessible when you open your camera library. This feature allows you to choose an image for your background instead of the current one that’s behind you. You could also screenshot a news article related to your industry and use it as a background as you comment on it.
Jump on Trends
Similar to TikTok, there are a wave of trends and songs that circulate around and each person has the opportunity to add their own style or flair. To see what others are doing and what trending reels are popular, visit the explore feed on Instagram and tap the magnifying glass income. There you should see reels at the top. Tap on reels and swipe down to watch more videos.
When it comes to creating reels, a little effort goes a long way. If you have fun and experiment with what works for your audience, you’ll likely get more engagement and views than videos and photos you’ve posted in the past. Reels are a great way to grow your following and embrace the latest trends on social media.
Want to create content that converts for your audience? Check out our free social media campaign calculator to get started.
