As a Content Creator at a digital marketing agency, clients ask me whether they should use Instagram Reels. For the answer, we need to look no further than our own experience on social media. When you open Instagram, where do you see most of your content? Do you scroll through your feed or do you tap the Reels tab? These days, most users browse the feed quickly and then spend most of their time consuming Reels content. Instagram Reels can be a great way to reach a wider audience – but your Reels should have a purpose and be created with your target audience in mind. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the biggest advantages businesses see when they use Instagram Reels.
The latest research shows that Instagram users spend an average of 30 minutes per day watching content in the Reels tab, making it a valuable platform for businesses looking to reach their target audience.
Why Your Business Should Use Reels
Over the past year, I have shifted the content I create for my clients to focus more heavily on video content, which includes vertical video, Reels, and TikToks. Interestingly, 87% of GenZ users perceive Reels and TikToks as being “essentially the same.” Although some business owners may think that Instagram Reels are only suited for certain industries or niches, the truth is that any business can benefit from using this feature. Here are the reasons why your business should consider using Instagram Reels.
Reach A Wider Audience
Instagram Reels have a dedicated section within Instagram which makes it easier for users to discover new content. And, the algorithm prioritizes videos based on what it believes a viewer will be most likely to interact with. Reels also appear on the “Explore” page of Instagram which is tailored to a user’s interests based on their activity. This means that businesses have the potential to reach a much larger audience than just their existing followers, and their content can be discovered by users who are interested in their industry.
I recently posted an educational Reel for a non-profit client that reached 386 users, and 24 hours later I posted a single graphic that reached 92 users. Both pieces of content were high quality and targeted to a specific audience. From the graphic below you can see that the Reel reached more users who did not follow my client compared to the graphic.
Increase Engagement
If you’re a business owner looking to boost engagement with your audience, consider using Instagram Reels. Reels provide a fantastic way to showcase your products, services, or experiences in a visually appealing way.
This type of content is highly engaging and can help businesses grab their audience’s attention. Additionally, Instagram’s algorithm continues to reward content that generates engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares, making Reels an excellent tool to increase your brand’s visibility and reach. Create fun and informative Reels to capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged with your content.
Content tip: Keep it short and sweet. Reels are designed to be short and snappy, so it’s important to keep your content brief and engaging.
Expresses Your Brand’s Personality
As a business owner, it can be hard to drop the sales pitch, but when it comes to creating an engaging Reel, stay away from self-promotion. Social media is full of ads these days and users are aware of this; they don’t want to hear another sales pitch. Instead, focus on creating content that is relatable, entertaining, and informative. You can also use humor, music, and trending challenges to engage with your audience and create a sense of community around your brand.
Using Instagram Reels is a great way for businesses to connect with your audience and differentiate yourself from the competition. By creating engaging content that feels less like an advertisement and more like a conversation, you can build a loyal following of customers who feel connected to your brand and its values.
Content tip: Start your reel with a hook! Instead of saying “ This is Niamh from KWSM…”, begin with something like “Here are 4 reasons why you need to use Reels!” This will immediately catch the attention of the intended audience.
Stay Up-To-Date With The Latest Trends
As a content creator, I understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends and technology to remain relevant. Reels are a great tool that businesses can use to demonstrate your ability to stay current. This doesn’t mean you have to rally your team and create a dance routine, you can put your own twist on it and maybe just use a trendy sound.
Keeping up to date with trends can be time-consuming. If this is an area you struggle with, contact us to learn more about creating an effective content marketing strategy.
Crown Your Content – Make Video King
In this digital era, video is king. Instagram Reels can be a powerful tool for businesses to reach a wider audience, increase engagement, express their brand’s personality, and stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends. With the rise in popularity of short-form video content, it’s essential for businesses to incorporate Reels into their social media strategy to remain competitive in their industry. Remember to create content that resonates with your target audience and showcases your brand’s unique personality, while also staying current with the latest trends. By following these tips, your business can see significant growth and engagement on Instagram.
81% of people who use Instagram use it to look for a company, a product, or a service
KWSM has an in-house video team that will give your brand a human face and help you generate Reels content that engages your audience. Fill out the contact form to schedule a brainstorming session today.
