If you've been on Instagram lately (and let’s, be honest, who hasn't?), you may have noticed a new addition to the app: Instagram Reels. Reels are short, fun videos allowing users to share creative content with followers.
And while they may seem like just another social media trend, Reels could be a powerful marketing tool for businesses.
What The Heck Are Instagram Reels?
Instagram reels offer a creative and interactive way to personally engage with your target audience. Put simply, Instagram Reels are short videos that can be up to 60 seconds long.Once a Reel is created, it can be shared with the user's followers or on Instagram's Explore page, where anyone can see it.
Think about it, when was the last time you watched a TV commercial andactually paid attention to it? Chances are, you can't even remember!
Now, think about the last time you saw a creative and funny Instagram reel. You probably stopped what you were doing and watched it until the end, right?
They're similar to TikTok videos or Stories but are specific to Instagram. You can create Reels using either the Instagram or standalone Reels app.
Reels can be a mix of images, videos, and audio, and you can use various editing tools to make them look their best. You can also add AR effects, GIFs, text, and other creative elements.
As we've established that Instagram reels are more engaging than traditional marketing methods, let's consider why you should use them for your business.
Here's Why Use Instagram Reels For Business!
In today's social media landscape, it's no secret that video is king. And with the recent launch of Instagram Reels, it's never been easier to get in on the action.1. Reach A Wider Audience:
With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. And with the launch of Instagram Reels, you can now reach even more people with your videos.When you post a Reel, it will appear in the main feed of users who follow you and in the Explore tab, where users can discover new content and stories to watch based on their interests.
2. The Explore Page Is Great For Business:
Most users find new content and accounts to follow on the Explore page. Average engagement rate on Instagram fall in the 1-3% range. However, on the Explore page, that number can jump as it brings you an opportunity to reach more audiences.Numbers don't lie, and the explore page statistics show 200M+ active accounts turn to Instagram explore page daily.
3. Opportunity To Stay In Top Trends And Increase Brand Awareness:
To stay ahead of the social media game, you need to be where the users are. And trends show that users increasingly turn to short-form videos for entertainment.As people see your Reels, they'll know more about your brand and get a sense of your Aesthetic and what your business is all about. And since each Reel can be up to 60 seconds long, you can pack a lot of information quickly!
4. Boost Engagement While Exploring The Creative Side:
Instagram Reels is a great way to show off your creative side. And when you post creative content, you're more likely to get likes, comments, and shares from your followers.Plus, the more engagement you get on your Reels, the more likely they will be seen by other users. And the more people who see your Reels, the more likely they will become customers or clients!
Not only do users have the ability to like, comment, and share your Reels, but they can also duet with you on them! When someone duets with you on a Reel, their video will be featured alongside yours in the feed—talk about getting double the exposure!
5. Generate Leads:
By sharing helpful or educational content on your Reels, you can generate leads for your business!If you include a call-to-action in your video (for example, "Swipe up to learn more!"), viewers will be able to click through to whatever link you include in your bio— making it easy for them to learn more about what you do and how you can help them.
6. Drive Traffic To Your Website:
Along with generating leads, another great way to use Instagram Reels is to drive traffic to your website. If you're promoting a new product or service on your website, include a link to it in your bio and mention it in your video so that viewers know where to learn more.7. ROI-Positive:
Perhaps one of the best things about using Instagram Reels for business is that it's highly ROI-positive—meaning that you're likely to see a return on investment from using it!Since Reels is still fairly new, there isn't much competition on the platform yet, so now is the perfect time to get started and reap all the benefits!
How Can Your Business Use Instagram Reels?
Now that you know what Instagram Reels are and why they're important for businesses, you might wonder how your business can use them. Here are a few ideas:
- Give customers a behind-the-scenes look at your business
- Showcase your products or services in a creative way
- Offer discounts or coupons
- Share customer testimonials
- Host a contest or giveaway
- Announce new products or services
- Share tips or helpful information related to your industry
Tips For Creating Great Content
Now you know why use Instagram reels for business so It's time to start creating, and here are some tips for creating engaging content that will stop scrollers in their tracks:- Keep It Short & Sweet: Remember that people's attention spans are short these days! Keep your Reels under 60 seconds whenever possible so people don't lose interest before getting started.
- Make It Visual: Use strong visuals throughout your Reel to be visually appealing from start to finish. This could include using colorful images/videos, interesting graphics/effects, or even just well-shot footage of whatever you're trying to promote.
- Think Outside The Box: Don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas and formats! The whole point of Reels is to be creative so that people will take notice. So think outside the box when brainstorming ideas for your next Reel.
Next Steps!
Instagram Reels offer businesses a fun and creative way to reach potential customers on one of the world's most popular social media platforms.By sharing behind-the-scenes, showcasing your offers, or sharing helpful advice, you can use them to engage with current and prospective customers in a new way.
Start brainstorming how your business can start using Reels today! And if you need help getting started, our team can assist you in creating high-quality content that will grab attention and get results.