7 Tips to Improve Your Instagram Reels
Graphic courtesy of J. Roballo – stock.adobe.com
Businesses and brands can and should leverage Instagram Reels, originally introduced in August 2020, to reach their target audience in larger numbers than they may otherwise with regular picture posts. The New York Times explains why:
“At the end of 2021, Instagram’s parent company, Meta, changed the platform’s algorithm to prioritize videos, called Reels. Accounts that don’t regularly post the short-form videos appear below those that have embraced the format in users’ Instagram feeds, resulting in a notable drop in engagement on posts — and, in turn, sales — for many small businesses.”
Our Advice:
Here are seven tips for business owners to consider in developing their Instagram reel strategy and improving exposure:
Be authentic, but remember to keep it professional. (Read our recent blog, which recommends ditching your authentic Friday night self upon office arrival. You don't want your reel to go viral for the wrong reasons that end up tarnishing your brand.)
Focus on content quality. What are you trying to communicate - and why? Does your message add value, generate laughter, or relate to your audience? Is your story compelling?
Be timely and relevant with your content. Capitalize on current social media trends or recent news that impacts you and your audience. You can also utilize reels as a reporting tool for current events or as a promotional tool to generate interest in an upcoming event or non-profit fundraiser, for example.
When in doubt, shorter is better. The more high-quality content you can pack into a condensed video, the better. You have a greater chance of capturing your audience's attention with succinct messaging.
Post Instagram reels and photos at a frequency that makes sense for your brand and business - and most importantly, your target audience. Remember, more is not always better. Quality and consistency will generate more leads for your business and greater engagement with your content.
Utilize hashtags that are related to your brand (i.e., business name), relevant to the content/messaging in your reel, and specific to your target geography, if applicable.
Invite collaborators and tag relevant accounts on your reels to increase the exposure and probability of shares.
Do you have questions or stories to share about your experience using reels? Comment below! You can also contact us for a complimentary consultation to determine the best strategy for your business or comment below!
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