Whether you spend hours glued to your social media platforms, or check-in sparingly to kill time, you will have undoubtedly recognised the greater shift towards video content. This has all been driven by user data showing a clear preference for video, especially when consumed in short, easy, direct formats.
Instagram Reels are a great example of this. Released back in 2020, Reels have consistently grown to dominate the real estate on our feeds. They are full-screen clips that can include a range of visual effects, audio clips, directed links, and much more, acting as a hybrid of both Stories and Posts. The platform’s algorithm loves to push Reels as it hooks & holds users’ attention, and content creators – whether they be influences, individuals, or brands – love them because they can release a range of content at low cost, with a reward of high engagement.
It is also a terrific way to compete with other growing platforms like TikTok, where Instagram can still balance the stream of videos with a more refined profile, proving especially beneficial for businesses trying to attract new & repeat customers.
In this article, the Clearwater team explore further on how to best integrate Reels into your wider Instagram marketing strategy to build brand awareness, product/service interest, and the number of conversions.
Why are Instagram Reels So Effective?
We all know IGTV, yes? In a natural evolution for the platform, this fell away in popularity to a whole new video section for users to explore on profiles – Reels. As mentioned above, Reels take the best of Stories and Posts to create a separate medium that can hold the same ‘vibe’ as Stories, but also hold captions and interactive features like Posts, such as allowing viewers to like, share, comment, and even directly ‘Follow’ the page itself. Accounts can also include product tags, and when their Reels appear in feeds, there will be a handy call-to-action at the bottom called ‘Watch Reels’ that redirects viewers to more of their content.
How to Make a Reel on Instagram
Before we get into the tips and tricks of the trade, let us first explore how to make an Instagram Reel for your business:
- Begin by selecting the same ‘+’ icon on your profile page you would to start a new Post or Story.
- Review the options that appear and select ‘Reel’.
- Instagram provides you with the option to use the native camera feature to create fresh content, but you can also select certain media files from your camera roll.
- Instagram then has a selection of editing tools that you can use to introduce some pizazz to your video. These are incredibly straightforward and with some practice, you will find your skills only grow.
- You will also find a musical note icon that will give you the ability to add audio clips to your video, as well as control the playback speed. Further experiment with filters, text, stickers, GIFs, voiceovers and much more.
- Once completed, you will need to add a caption similar to when you are creating a post, with a maximum of 2,200 characters.
- After you have reviewed everything is how you would like it, you can then publish your Reel by selecting ‘Share’.
Tips to Increase the Performance of Your Instagram Reels
Make sure your reel is high quality
Nothing turns people off faster than a poorly made video. Invest in a good camera and make sure to light your shots well.
Keep it short and sweet
People don’t have a lot of time, so keep your reel to around 60 seconds or less.
Use music wisely
Music can be a great way to add emotion to your video, but make sure you choose the right track. Avoid anything too jarring or distracting. You will often notice that there are trends featuring certain songs, mash-ups, or effects that you can leverage for familiarity.
Show off your products and services
Your Reel should tell a story that engages your audience and inspires them to take action. Products & services don’t have to do the ‘hard sell’, but they can show the benefits of the purchase. Just make sure to highlight your most popular products or services and explain what makes them special.
Add a call to action
Your reel should include a clear call to action that tells viewers what you want them to do next. Whether you want them to visit your website, follow a link in your bio, sign up for your or purchase a product, make sure it’s clear.
To learn more on how you can find greater success with your Instagram advertising, contact the team at Clearwater today for a free consultation.
