What’s the key to a successful and growing business? It’s simple: an engaged customer base. But that’s easier said than done.
Luckily for your business, there are plenty of engaging marketing formats available to take your content to the next level, and one of those top formats is Instagram Reels.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short, engaging videos that you can shoot and edit directly in Instagram.
The difference between Reels and Instagram Stories is the multitude of editing tools available for Instagram Reels. You can set your video in slow motion, add voiceovers, set your video to music, use a green screen effect, and more.
Reels can be up to 60 seconds long and they appear in the Reels tab on your Instagram profile, but users can also find your Reels on their Explore page when they search up hashtags, songs, or content that appears in your Reel.
Additionally, you can post your Reel to your main feed or Instagram Story.
And the best part? Instagram Reels won’t disappear from your profile after 24 hours!
Why should I use Instagram Reels for my business?
This comes back to your audience. Reels, like other video formats, are reliable ways to build trust, engagement, and connection with your audience.
With Reels, you have the opportunity to grow your audience base and connect with people who enjoy quick, comprehensive content.
It isn’t enough just to be posting monthly photos to your Instagram feed. To keep up with your competition and expand your social media presence, it’s important to use features like Reels and Instagram Stories.
Because Reels can easily be featured on Instagram’s Explore page, a feature that 50% of Instagram users use every month, your brand can quickly expand its influence and reach through Reels.
And having your Reels featured on the Explore page means that people who don’t follow your account can also access your content. This is huge!
Need some help getting started? Our social media marketing experts at Creative Coco’Nuts can help you create Reels that your current audience will love and that will attract more customers to your brand.
Creating an Instagram Reel
There are four main steps to create an Instagram Reel for your business.
Create a Reel
Open the Instagram app and click the plus sign at the top right corner. Select Reels from the dropdown menu.
Settings
Now, choose the settings that you want to include in the Reel. This is where you add in special effects (stickers and filters), set a length for your video, choose the speed of your video, add in music, set a timer, or select touch up.
Once all your settings are in place, you can start recording. You’ll be prompted by a 3 second countdown.
Record
With Instagram Reels, you can record new content or use existing content in your camera role. Reels let you splice videos together, so you can include more than one clip.
While you record, a bar along the top of the screen will track your progress and help you stay within the time limit that you set in the last step.
When you’re done recording, you can preview your video before posting. Select the preview button at the bottom right corner.
Under the preview section, you can edit your clips (there are more editing options like voiceover, decorations including GIFs, emojis, and more, and a pen tool that lets you draw and write over your video).
Publish!
And that’s it! You’re ready to publish your Reel. Press the Share To button at the bottom right of the screen for the final touches: here you can select hashtags, write a caption, and choose a cover photo/design for your Reel.
You can choose to publish your Reel only under your Reels tab, or you can also post your Reel to your main feed.
Tips to get started
Showcase your products.
Reels are a great way to drive sales for your products because Instagram Reels are shoppable.
Feature your products in a Reel, and if it resonates with customers, they can click “View Products” to learn more about the product, save it for later, or buy it right away.
Customer/Client testimonials
Nothing is more appealing to a potential customer than an honest and positive review of a business from satisfied customers.
Ask a few of your loyal customers or clients to record a video of why they love your brand, products, or service. Then post away!
Tutorial
Feature a short tutorial of how to use your product in a Reel. This is educational, helpful, and engaging to your audience who are interested in your products.
