How to Make the Most of Reels in Your Instagram Growth Strategy

Did you know that creating Instagram Reels is a fun and creative way to get more followers and boost engagement on your Instagram account? I think that watching Reels has recently become a morning routine, a lunch break relaxing activity and an evening pastime for many of us. Let me show you how to make the most of Reels in your Instagram growth strategy! 

Whether you are new to Reels or have some experience, you already know that posting Reels can get you more Instagram engagement and more followers fast. Your engagement stats can go really high if you are consistent with posting fun and engaging Reels. 

Instagram Reels are probably well-known for those of you who have used Instagram or TikTok, but if you want to create high-quality Reels that will perform effectively, it’s essential to have a strong understanding of what Reels can and can’t do. In this article, I’ll share valuable tips and tricks based on my experience on how to create Reels on Instagram meant to perform well and attract more followers for your page. 

I’ll also share a few Instagram Reels tips for small businesses looking to grow their following base, and advice on how to use Reels to leverage your existing Instagram audience. Let’s start with a quick overview of Instagram Reels. 

What are Instagram Reels? 

Instagram Reels is an Instagram feature that allows you to create and share short-form video content with others. You can record and edit your 15-second Reels, add music and effects, and then share the videos with your existing followers and the entire Instagram community – if your account is public.

Since this short-video content format debuted on Instagram last year, brands and creators alike have been using this feature to generate more than just views – new followers, a stronger community, and a memorable online presence for their brand.

Audio is a great way Reels can be discovered on Instagram

After watching a Reel, Instagram viewers can click on that track and explore more videos that feature the same audio. While browsing through Instagram’s audio library to find songs and sounds to use in your Reels, make sure to use trending tracks and audio effects. If you choose to use your own original audio, make sure you make it memorable! 

Instagram wants quality Reels to be seen

A sure-fire way of getting more views and engagement with your Reels is to ensure that you deliver quality Reels that people will gladly share with their friends. Instagram redesigned its home screen to place Reels at the forefront, so high Reels view counts will come as no surprise if you are delivering quality through your Reels. 

Reels have become a key asset for organic reach on Instagram so the more people you reach with your Reels, the higher are your chances of enhancing your follower count and engagement rate. So if you are thinking about reposting TikTok videos as Reels, you should know that Instagram may penalize you for doing that.

Using low-quality reels (videos that are blurry due to low resolution) or content that is visibly recycled from other apps (videos that contain logos or watermarks) makes the Reels experience less satisfying for Instagram users.

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes Reels that check certain boxes

Even though Instagram Reels can generate more traffic than other formats on the platform, Instagram’s algorithm will still prioritize Reels that check certain boxes. If your Reel is low quality or presents a subject that’s not of general interest, Instagram will make your content less discoverable in the Reels tab. 

So do some market research, see what type of Reels perform better on Instagram, and strive to achieve that kind of performance with your own short-video content. Instagram users will want to see entertaining, funny, and interesting content in places like the Reels tab, and Instagram has gotten better at recommending that.

Reels that feature people perform better

While you can share Reels containing beautiful landscapes or tasty recipes, make sure you also share Reels featuring yourself. If you take a quick look at your Reels feed, you’ll notice that most videos have one thing in common: people! Instagram users are looking for inspiration on their feed and, guess what, a lot of people find their inspiration in personal connections with other people (especially now). 

Keep Your Instagram Reels Looking Native

Instagram reels don’t really work as expected if they don’t look native. Try to record your Reels in portrait orientation using your phone’s full screen, rather than encased in a frame, squared off, or set horizontally. 

Pull Viewers in Immediately

Exactly as with other types of video content, the first few seconds of your Instagram Reels are crucial. You would not want to share a Reel that people skips in less than three seconds (not the Instagram Reels Strategy you would want). 

You would want to share Reels that immediately catches the eye of the users and gets them to watch more of your Reels. And don’t forget about engaging tracks! 

Use Creative Edits and Transitions in Your Reels to Keep Viewers Engaged

You might be tempted to think that 15 seconds is not a long time to invest in watching a video all the way through the end but sometimes, a 15-second long but boring video can be too much for certain users. 

To keep viewers watching longer, add some personalized edits and creative and eye-catching transitions to keep them interested in your Reel and leave them wanting to see more.

Tell a Story with your Reels

Fifteen seconds may not seem like a lot of time but you’d be surprised to find out just how much you can share in such a brief time span. Storytelling is one of the most important aspects of social media no matter what platform you’re posting to, and Instagram Reels is no exception. So make sure that your Instagram Reels are telling a complete story.

Create a Custom Thumbnail for your Reels to Attract more Views on your Feed

Once you’ve finally created a new Instagram Reel, it would be a shame not to decorate it with a beautiful thumbnail preview. Whether you select a frame from within your video or upload a custom image, a thumbnail will be the perfect final touch for your Reels. 

By doing so, you can also create a cohesive, branded look to the Instagram reels on your profile. So when people visit your profile to check more, they will be pleased to see your feed looking so fresh and neat.  

How To Use Instagram Reels To Grow Your Business

Instagram Reels can be a very powerful asset if you have just started your business and want to promote it. Instagram Reels are a great way to engage with the current Instagram community and even reach a wider audience. You could be missing out on a huge opportunity for your brand or business if you are not sharing Instagram Reels.

Here are some ways to use Reels for growing your business: 

• Showcase your products, personality and community. 

Make sure you highlight the best features of your products and services and share the benefits of using them. Do this in a personal manner and share the advantages that your audience would have when belonging to your community. 

• Give Followers A Peek Behind The Scenes

Your followers will always love to see the face behind the business. People will have more trust in your business if you tell them about what really drives the business and about what keeps it up and running day after day. 

• Educate Potential Customers

You can certainly use Instagram Reels to your advantage here. Share valuable and insightful information that can help potential customers make a buying decision in your brand’s favor. 

• Make It Fun And Personal

While you are promoting your business, no one said that you cannot make this process fun and personal. It doesn’t have to be all about your next sales or current promotions, it can also be about the audience that feels a personal connection to you too.

• Share tips and tricks

There’s nothing that screams “Hey, look at this” more than useful tips & tricks. People absolutely adore learning about new trends, hacks and tips that can make their lives easier. Carve some of the time you invest in Reels to share tips and tricks, fun facts and helpful information with your audience. 

• Leverage Q&As in Your Instagram Reels.

When it comes to thinking up content ideas, nothing beats the brainpower of your own community. Entertain your audience with daily or weekly Q&A sessions and don’t be afraid to add some humor or interesting visuals.

If you feel like you want to start creating more Instagram Reels but have no ideas, I’ve got you covered. Check my Instagram Reels Content Ideas. You’ve got this. Let’s start creating, and don’t forget to mention @wherewindstakeme so that I can see your Reels.

Also, if you need more help, remember you can work with me on your Instagram strategy and content.

Or simply just let me know what Instagram Reels Strategies are you using to grow on the platform.

x

Claudia

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