Everybody has an Instagram account, even your cat can have one! In fact, cat and dog videos are perhaps the most consumed content on the platform, and TBH, they might even have more followers than you!
People have become so visual that, if you wish to get a message across, it has to be a catchy post or an engaging Instagram Reel. Reels allow you to create and share short engaging videos which do not disappear after 24 hours as your IG stories do.
In addition to being entertaining and engaging, these Reels can also be used to help your small business grow or get people to consume your authentic content by making it go viral. Reels became immensely popular after TikTok met with an unfortunate fate in India, as it gained positive responses from influencers, brands and users.
If you are new to the whole Reels thing, you might need some help to understand how it works, and you can learn this and all more with Kool Kanya’s program on Instagram Reels.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Instagram Reels?
- Ways to use IG reels for business
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are basically videos that can be up to 60 seconds long, and they can be about anything. It can be about your homegrown brand, your pets, or even a 60-second travel vlog!
Instagram Reels have editing tools that will let you create engaging and fun video footage, where you can include multiple video clips, filters, captions, interactive backgrounds, stickers and a lot more.
There’s a scrollable tab full of trending Reels that you can access through the Reels icon at the bottom of your Instagram app’s home page. You might get some inspiration from here.
Moving on, if you have a small business or are a content creator, you can leverage IG reels to grow followers and get your message across. And, we’ll tell you how.
Why use IG reels for your business?
- Better shareability
Unlike IG stories, Reels do not vanish after 24 hours. Your audience can still view and share your Reel. - Better visibility
Though you can always rely on IGTV, Live, and stories, Reels offer an extra way of reaching your target audience. - Better discoverability
If your profile is public, the Reels video appears in the Explore tab and can be accessed by users that are not in your follower list. In fact, these videos also appear on the pages dedicated to the songs, the hashtags or the effects added in the video.
Additionally, Reels being a relatively new feature, Instagram will want more people to create content on it, and this would be a great opportunity for you to start building a loyal tribe.
How to use IG reels to grow your business
- Keep up with the trends
You. Have. To. Follow. Trends. Even if you don’t like all of them. With Reels, you can use trending hashtags, popular audio clips or AR effects and draw your audience’s attention and pop up on the explore options for others as well. So, keep an eye out on the Discover tab to find a content format that’s trending and don’t hesitate to hop on. However, ensure that you are creating relevant content that your followers can relate to. So, find a format that will resonate with your audience. This is perhaps the best way to grow your business with Instagram Reels. - Display new products
There are so many things you can do with Reels. For instance, you can promote your products and services by writing catchy captions and using AR overlays. Whether you’re selling preloved clothes or skincare products, you can create Reels. Try using a combination of photos and video snippets, that can help your followers get detailed insights into the products and services. - Engage with your audience
The best part of using IG is that you can interact with your followers without any interruption. You can tell them about the new products you’re offering, check the comments, and create a reel addressing their common queries. This shows that you care about what your followers have to say. For instance, during the lockdown, people relied heavily on short videos to experiment with their cuisine, and a lot of reels catering to that got really popular. Find out what your followers like, and create content around it. - Post BTS videos
Not the South-Korean band (excuse us for the lame joke), but your behind-the-scenes content. It adds a human element to your business and gives your followers a glimpse into how you and your team function, or how you get things done. Basically, this convinces your audience of your authenticity and might prompt them to consider your products more seriously. - Share exclusive contests or giveaways
Your Instagram Reels will get more attention if you use them to post about discounted products or contest giveaways. You can even consider partnering with other small businesses and offering lucrative deals. It’s a win-win situation for both.
Reels are here to stay and hopping on trends, making it your own, and ensuring that you create relatable content can help keep your audience hooked. You might be a small business that’s starting out, but using this tool creatively will help you build a loyal community of buyers as well.
