5 Tips to Create Better Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are changing the way we use social media as business owners and consumers. The old way we used to use Instagram was by playing the photographer, model, graphic designer, copywriter, marketing expert… all to have a post that maybe 20 people saw.
It felt a lot like screaming into the void and hoping someone heart you. That doesn’t sound like the best use of our time as CEOs. Now, Instagram Reels are providing a new way to find our people - and early adopters are being rewarded!
As you learn any new skill, you’ll trip and fall. It’s important to keep trying. We’re sharing these common mistakes so that your Reels can be as powerful as possible! None of these are “written in stone”... they are simply best practices and suggestions. And hopefully, they help you feel a little bit less overwhelmed as you begin your Reels journey.
5 Tips to Create Better Reels from Expert Alyssa Davis:
Avoid cutting off your text. We’ve all seen Reels (or Tik Toks) where you can’t read the text. When this happens, the viewer will probably just keep scrolling like they never saw your video. Aim to keep the text on your Reels in the middle third so that it will be seen in the feed! On that note - don’t be afraid to push your Reels to your grid, either. If you don’t get that first spark from being in your feed, it’s unlikely it will show up on the “explore” page and get a larger reach.
Reuse your content but don’t use the watermark. If you’re creating video content for Pinterest or Tik Tok, feel free to reuse it on Instagram Reels. But, be mindful of removing the watermark from the other platforms.
Remember to include a call to action. A common mistake we see is forgetting to include a call to action with your Reels. Make sure you put the CTA in your Reel and your caption. If your viewers are just scrolling through and don’t stop to read the caption, they won’t know what you want them to do. Direct them to the next place in their journey with you. That might be your link in bio, asking them to leave a comment, or DM you.
4. Keep going! Reels are a long game - they aren’t a short term fix. It’s tempting to post a few and then just give up when they don’t take off or bring a lot of new followers. But remember, these pieces of video content are going to have a long shelf-life. Trust in that and keep going!
If you do create a video and it doesn’t go well, remember that you’re not alone. It’s not a reflection of you or your worth. It’s simply information you can use as you continue to create content.
5. Don’t waste your time. One of the top time wasters when it comes to creating video content is researching the trends. When Reels came out initially, a lot of business owners got worried they’d have to learn to dance and point around. But the reality is, you don’t have to.
Don’t get sucked into scrolling through trends and hoping you find something that fits your brand. Instead, think about what your audience wants and needs. That’s where your energy should go.
This is your permission slip to release the feeling that you need to make trendy videos. Create content that feels genuine to you - so it feels genuine to your ideal audience, too.
Stop shouting into the void (or dancing and pointing at your screen) and focus on what you know works for your audience. You and your message deserve to be seen. So if there's any shred of perfectionism that's coming up for you, and fear that's held you back so far, remember that it has no control over you. Let’s get to those videos!
If you’re interested in hearing more from this session with Alyssa, make sure to join the Upleveler Society! You can watch the entire session with her as well as the live Q & A… not to mention all of our previous marketing and business coaching sessions, too! Let’s uplevel together.
