How to Use Instagram Reels to Impact Your Business

by Syrup | Dec 8, 2020

Back in August, Instagram launched Reels in over 50 different countries, rivaling the infamous TikTok app (throwback to 2016 when they did the same thing with stories to Snapchat). 

So, what are Instagram Reels? They’re a feature within the app where you can share short 15-30 second videos overlaid with music or audio and insert captions and stickers. The videos pop up on your Instagram feed, profile, and explore page, creating greater engagement and reach to users who may not be following your account initially. 

In fact, 20 out of the 30 NBA Teams are now using Instagram Reels, and the teams’ Reels are averaging 22% higher engagement than standard Instagram posts. (source: Influencer Marketing Hub) The reach is even higher.

Here are 3 reasons why Reels can impact your business and should be incorporated into your marketing strategy: 

1. Show Off the “Reel” Side of Your Business 😉

Reels are a great way to give your followers, customers, and prospects a deeper look into who you are as a company and your culture. You can think of it as almost a sneak peek behind the scenes. 

A few ideas for culture-centric Reels: 

• Showcase a day in the life of an employee
• Host a Q & A on your products and services 
• Highlight on your values, mission, and cause 

When your customers see the faces behind your business, it will help create stronger relationships and is a great way to connect with them in a more humanized way. 

2. Be a Source of Thought Leadership 

Reels is another great medium to share thought leadership and informational content. You can get creative by sharing videos on what’s going on in your industry, tips and tricks, how-tos, and blog summaries. 

Remember that your goal as a business should always be to provide value to your customers. One way to entice your audience with informational content is to use the question sticker in Instagram stories and create a Reel to answer your audience’s questions on an area of your expertise or one of your services or products. Another thought is if you create a how-to video and need it to be longer than just 30 seconds, keep your audience engaged and wanting more by saying something like, “Part 2 coming next week!” 

3. Increase Engagement and Drive Sales 

People love seeing people. Your audience will be more likely to engage with your content if your message is coming from you. And you will reach more people through the explore page.

“The longer the followers stay connected, the more profound your connectivity will be, which is a great way to convert to sales.” (source: Entrepreneur) 

Struggling to get started with your first Reel? Here are a few easy steps: 

1. Select/take your video 
2. Choose your music or audio, speed, stickers, captions, and filters. Don’t be afraid to get creative! 
3. Share with your audience 

TL;DR: It may be time for your business to hop on the Instagram Reels train. You don’t have to be a B2C company to be successful on Reels – all you need to do is highlight the human side of your business, share your expertise, and sit back and watch your reach and engagement rise.