How to Use Instagram Reels for your Small Businesses in 2021

Did you know that Instagram Reels started as 15 seconds and increased their time to 60 seconds? They are eye-catching pieces of content that you can add music to, share to your story, explore feed, and the reels tab. And no, you don’t have to personally be in every single Reel and sing and dance!

Instagram reels can be a great marketing tool to connect with your followers. BUT, they can take a lot of time, so it’s best to learn the in’s and out’s before you sink a lot of time and effort! Keep reading as we walk you through how to use Instagram Reels.

Instagram Reels vs TikTok

Instagram Reels competes with TikTok as both are forms of short video clips that you can share on your social media platforms. 

The benefit of Instagram Reels is that you can share directly to your business profile and do everything in one place.

If you want to create a social media marketing strategy, you can use Instagram for multiple parts. You can use it for posting stories and pictures, you can do live questionnaire sessions, post reels, and interact with your followers on your posts.

Instagram has become a powerhouse, with one billion+ people using the app every month. You can get significant reach on Instagram. 

Find the Film Clapper

To learn how to create Instagram Reels, you need to start by opening your Instagram app. It would help if you found the film clapper button with the play button in the middle. It’s located in between the search and shopping bag buttons.

Once you get to reels, you can browse and see your recommended channels or see what your competitors are putting out there. To make your own, you go to the camera button on the top right.

You can also start to create one by going to your home page and clicking on the plus button in the top right corner. You hold the round button in the centre to record.

Before you record your first reel, establish the goal of your reel. For example, if you want to display your latest collection of clothes, you can create a reel with someone trying on multiple of your featured clothing items.

Extra Tools

There are SO many ways you can enhance your Instagram Reels. On the left sidebar, you will find tools you can use to make your video stand out:

  • Add audio using the voiceover tool or a song (switch to the Entrepreneur account type if you can’t find any songs!)

  • You can make your reel 15, 30, or 60 seconds

  • Adjust the speed of your video

  • You can add filters or special effects - for example, you make the video black and white or add a brightening filter

  • Touch up tool

  • There is a countdown setting that allows you to have a countdown before the reel starts recording

You want to make sure your video is short and to the point with flare. You don't want to add too many special effects that overwhelm the video.

When you set a goal for the video, it will help you build a foundation, and you can find other videos you like to test out effects.

Use a Hook and encourage people to Listen, Laugh and Lean-in

Give people a reason to keep watching your Reel, and do this in the first few seconds. Pose a question and include text over the top, to catch the attention of silent watchers (who have their volume turned down). Here is a link to some of my favourite Reels that have been created in-house, by the business owner herself!

How to Use Instagram Reels

Now that you know how to use Instagram Reels, you can promote your business and use them to interact with your followers.

You want to make sure you have a plan for your reels and make them short but with eye-catching elements to encourage your future customers to listen, laugh and lean-in.

Start testing out different special effects or learn more about establishing your social media strategy.

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