Instagram Reels aren’t the latest feature to hit the platform but they’re definitely the greatest… according to “user data”. IG Reels have created a formula that’s proven to be highly addictive to the average consumer thus giving those who use the feature the ability to go viral in minutes. Just look at @somethingwhitty (she went viral from a Reel about botched Botox).
How IG Reels started
Reels were introduced in the summer of 2020, aka the thick of the COVID-19 lockdown, to directly challenge Instagram’s top competitor, TikTok. TikTok gained enormous popularity in quarantine when there wasn’t anything else to do except make these catchy and creative 15-second videos. Celebrities, influencers, and entrepreneurs alike were taking on the trending dances.
So, to give TikTok a run for their money, Instagram created a similar highly addictive format to attract and engage its users: Reels. Instagram created this feature in an effort to become a one-stop social media shop. Remember, Instagram already has IGTV which mimics YouTube, Stories that mimic Snapchat, IG Live that mimics Periscope, and Live Rooms that mimic Clubhouse… which isn’t super encouraging for new platforms.
… but, this isn’t about how IG is taking over the digital world, this is about how you can leverage the fact that IG is taking over the digital world! Right now, there are over 1 billion users either creating or watching Reels on Instagram which means there are 1 billion chances for your Reel to be seen. If you’ve read any of my other Instagram blog posts, more views = more engagement, more engagement = more followers, and more followers = more customers. And more customers is really the goal of using social media for business in the first place, right?
How to use IG Reels for business
If you’re a long-time reader/follower/supporter of NAB, you know I always say the key to success on social media is to add value. And there are 3 ways to add value: inspiration, education, or entertainment. Depending on your actual brand, the type of value you’ll want to add will be different.
For example, a YouTuber’s value add is typically entertainment, a coach’s value add is education, and a personal trainer’s value add is inspiration. You can choose any value you want, but again, depending on your brand, some types of value are more effective than others.
At some point or another, your brand will absolutely want to educate your audience using Reels. You’ll want to share who you are, what you do, what problems you or your products solve, etc. This will help your audience learn about your brand and make informed decisions about whether your product or service is right for them. And people love to be informed – even if your brand isn’t right for them, they’ll be more likely to refer you to a potential customer who is. If you can teach your audience something new about your product, service, or industry in a quick and digestible way through a Reel, they’ll remember you the next time they need what you’re selling.
Reels are also a great opportunity for your audience to get to know your brand’s core values and personality. IG Reels are supposed to be fun so don’t overthink things or take yourself too seriously. It’s not about a hard sell, it’s about building your “know, like, and trust factor” that fosters community which in turn will lead to sales.
IG Reels tips & tricks
Research
Before you create your own Reel, look at Reels of other people in your industry and/or Reels that are popular among your ideal demographic. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here, especially if you’re not the most creative. There is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from others and creating your own version by putting your own spin on things. Doing the exact same dances as everyone else is actually what made TikTok so popular!
Practice
You don’t have to do a lot, but you should practice making Reels before you publish them. You need a basic understanding of how to find music, trim videos, add text, include voiceovers, upload a cover photo, etc. I personally try to time my video clips with the beat of the music so everything flows. If that technique is something you’d be interested in, you’ll definitely need some practice. After all, practice makes perfect, right?
Plan your topic/goal
Reels don’t require a ton of planning but you don’t want to go in blindly without a goal or objective. Just like planning a content calendar with topic pillars, you want every Reel to have a purpose just like any other Instagram post. Here are a few that I’ve done in the past: Amazon Fashion Must-Haves, Mini Tour of Laguna Beach, Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas, and 4 Ways to Style Chunky Boots. Just from the titles you know what the Reel is going to be about and the type of value it’s going to add.
If you have random bits of video mashed together as your first Reel with no goal in mind, that’s going to devalue your brand and make you look unprofessional and inexperienced… even if that’s not the case. Instagram is a follow-after-the-first-impression platform so you want to put your best foot forward at all times. If you’re not the most technically savvy person, then hire someone who is… like NAB Media Group!
Use what you have
Reels don’t have to be created out of thin air. A lot of influencers, brands, and creatives repurpose Stories they’ve already filmed and compile them into a Reel. That’s exactly what I did with my Reels Mini Tour of Laguna Beach and Road Trip from Ventura to Malibu.
There is so much you’re expected to do as a brand/content creator so don’t make more work for yourself. Recycle what you already have to give the illusion it’s totally new. Gary Vee does this all the time and he’s able to create 100 pieces of content a day!
The point is, don’t sleep on IG Reels. Because it’s still a pretty new feature, the algorithm favors the accounts that use them. So what are you waiting for?!
Do you use Reels? Share your experience below!
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