Information for this blog was obtained from Neil Patel, Sprout Social, Social Media Examiner, and HubSpot.

This post was originally published on April 27, 2022.

It seems like everyone wants to go viral these days, but that is not a bad thing when it comes to business. When you reach more people through marketing strategies like quality Reels, you will increase your chances of conversion. Instagram Reels are up to 90 second-long videos that give Instagram users a chance to "participate in cultural trends, collaborate with the community, and discover new ideas" (Instagram, 2022). Since these videos are made to be more accessible and discoverable, users can reach a broader audience outside of their following. It would be to any business owner's advantage to learn a few Instagram reel tips and how to make an Instagram Reel content strategy. Lucky for you, that is exactly what you can expect to learn here!

1. Use a Hook

"If you really want to stand out, focus on creating unique content for Reels that work within the scope of your brand voice and style" (Herman, 2020). Using a hook is one of the easiest and most effective Reel visibility tips. They can be a great way to keep people engaged with your videos and draw them in. Attention spans are shortening and it is important to capture them as soon as your Reel pops up.

6 Hooks for Your Future Reels

• "Stay Till The End"

• "Stop Scrolling"

• "WAIT WAIT WAIT"

• "Did You Know..."

• "Don't Swipe Away"

• "I Have Good/Bad News"

2. Create Simple, Shareable Content

Simple, shareable content might just be the easiest viral Reel strategy. Recognizing that the majority of individuals prefer not to invest a lot of time and effort in acquiring knowledge, keeping your Reels short can be beneficial in keeping your audience engaged. Ensuring that your content is something that resonates with your audience and is something they would want to share with their followers is crucial to success. One way to make sure your Reel is shareable is by telling a story through your content that is captivating and authentic. "Telling that story is a great way to connect with your customer base meaningfully" (Patel, 2022). Another tip is to make your content as concise as possible and to further your point in the caption.

3. Do Not Try to Make Your Reel Viral

Yes, you read that right! Take the pressure off and try not to worry about your post going viral. Instead, focus on how you can make it more engaging for your target audience. Just educate and spread your powerful message! "Instagram Reels is a great place to put 15-30 second educational snippets that explain a concept to your audience that’s relevant to your business or industry" (West, 2021). It's all about creating quality, informational content. The engagement will come!

4. Learn the Algorithm

Understanding the intricacies of the Instagram Reels algorithm is essential for maximizing your content's visibility and engagement. Similar to other Instagram posts, Reels are ranked based on factors such as engagement, length, and content relevance. It's important to note that there's no shortcut to ranking higher in users' feeds, and tactics like contests and giveaways may not guarantee sustained success. However, there are strategies to optimize your Reel content for the algorithm. First and foremost, create concise and timely content that resonates with current social trends. Consistent posting signals to Instagram that you're a reliable content creator, potentially boosting your visibility. Additionally, prioritize creativity and originality to stand out and even lead trends within your niche. Utilize Instagram's editing tools to enhance the quality of your videos and incorporate niche hashtags relevant to your brand. By implementing these tactics, you can navigate the Reels algorithm effectively and establish yourself as a prominent creator in no time.

Disclaimer: No AI was injured in the production of this content. AI (ChatGPT) was used as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions in writing this blog post.

To dive deeper into mastering Instagram Reels for your business and unlocking its full potential, explore even more insights and expert tips at The SMMU. Specifically, elevate your Reel game, increase engagement, and drive conversions by reading my colleague Joseph's post here!

Resources

Dennis, F. (2022, December 9). How to Use Instagram Reels to Boost Your Business. HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/instagram-reels

Herman, J. (2020, November 24). Instagram Reels: What Marketers Need to Know. Social Media Examiner | Social Media Marketing. https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/instagram-reels-what-marketers-need-to-know/

OpenAI (2024, April 30). TikTok Tactics: Insider Secrets for Business Success. OpenAI Blog. [https://chatgpt.com/c/e2e49ab4-abf4-495f-8b14-add38fa1c2c9]

Patel, N. (2021, August 28). 10 Actionable Tips to Use Instagram Reels For Your Brand. Neil Patel. https://neilpatel.com/blog/instagram-reels/

West, C. (2022, February 22). The marketer’s guide to Instagram Reels. Sprout Social. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/instagram-reels/