By Kelly Potts
Sponsored Provider
After years of feeling like the Instagram algorithm is working against us as businesses, Reels are like a shining light at the end of the tunnel.
With the major emphasis that Instagram is putting on this new type of content, accounts have been reporting significantly higher views and engagements on Reels compared to other post types (and even Stories!).
Reels can help you gain organic traction to grow your following AND your business. When it comes to using Reels for business purposes, I like to think of them in three overarching categories:
Authority: Educational and high-value Reels that will help you build authority and trust while establishing yourself as the go-to industry expert
Community: Entertaining Reels that will build rapport with your viewers and establish that “we’ve got inside jokes with each other” level of community
Promotion: Sell those offers! When done right, Reels are an engaging and natural way to promote your services, offers, freebies, and more
Wondering where to get started? Grab my free Reels Planning Template and use these 20 prompts as your starting point for inspiration! Don’t worry, no TikTok Dancing required.
AUTHORITY
Hey! I’m [name] and my mission is [fill in the blank as related to your business]
Let us get to know you on a deeper level by sharing your mission or why you started your business!
How I became an expert in [industry/business topic]
Build trust with your viewers by sharing a quick overview of your qualifications and experience.
How I overcame [audience pain point]
It’s always assuring to know that we’re not the only one struggling with our particular pain points. Let us know that you’ve been there, too!
3 [industry] secrets you should know
What insider secrets do you wish everyone knew to make your industry/product seem less intimidating?
[Industry] myths to stop believing
Are there any common myths in your industry that you’re tired of? Set the record straight!
How to…
Give your viewers a tutorial in 30 seconds or less! Keep your clips short and sweet, and expand on the topic in your caption.
2 steps to solve [pain point] today
Give us two quick action steps that’ll help us overcome something we’re struggling with right now. Make it actionable and specific so viewers are compelled to take action and have a quick win!
COMMUNITY
3 things you should know about me
Touch on trending topics here like horoscopes or enneagrams and encourage viewers to share theirs in the comments!
My morning routine for a productive day
We love getting an inside look at people’s lives and what their day-to-day entails. Share a behind-the-scenes of your morning routine to let your viewers into your life!
Unpopular opinion
It sounds like a contradiction but the unpopular opinions we typically see on social media are often quite popular! Share your unpopular industry opinions or what you do/think differently than others in your position.
My favorite motivational quote
What quotes motivate you or raise you up so you can stand on mountains (who else is singing Josh Grobin right now?) Share yours, and ask viewers to drop their favorite quote in the comments.
A few of my favorite things at the moment…
Share a few things you just can’t get enough of, whether it’s educational resources like books or podcasts, or just for fun like shows, movies or playlists.
An inside joke
What unique, quirky thing are you known for? Give your followers a laugh with an “inside joke” type of Reel — think along the lines of Shannon and the #BungalowBabes not being able to start our day without multiple beverages!
PROMOTION
Sneak peek/behind-the-scenes of your offer
Working on an exciting new launch or a client project? Give your viewers an exclusive look!
Screenshot reviews and testimonials
Reels are a great place to share social proof! Highlight some of your favorite testimonials as a slideshow of screenshots.
Answering your FAQs about [product/service]
Do you find yourself getting the same questions on your offer? Answer them all in one go in a quick, informative Reel.
[Product/Service] is on sale for 24 hours only!
Slap that time-driven offer right at the beginning of your Reel so it’s the first thing viewers will see!
How to never struggle with [audience pain point] again
Walk us through your client process or how your product will help your audience get past a common pain point.
[Product/Service] was made for you if…
Speak to your audience’s pain points and list out a few struggles your offer will help them overcome.
Customer video or soundwave
Have a die-hard customer who’d be ready to take a quick video or audio recording raving about your product or service? This is a memorable way to share social proof that’s sure to stand out!
Which prompt will you try first?
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