Are you using Reels? If not, friend, you need to start! I was stuck on Instagram and just not seeing the growth I wanted, even though I was posting…all the time. I started making Reels and consistently showing up with short video content and I doubled my following in less than a year. So, I know it’s possible to see explosive growth, but you need to be using Reels to get there! Here’s a little guide I put together to help you get started and to teach you how to use IG Reels to grow on Instagram.

What are IG Reels?  

IG offers some impressive features: Stories, Carousels, IGTV….and Reels! While they’re all great formats to share your content, Reels offer one of my favorite ways to connect with my audience. And they’re one of the best things you can do if you want to grow. 

But, How Are They Different From Other Content Formats? 

Think of IG Reels like TikTok for Instagram. They’re short video clips you can use to connect with your audience & build their trust, so they’ll be more likely to buy from you.

If you’ve been a part of my tribe for a while now, you’ve probably heard me talk about the ‘know, like, trust’ factor and why it’s SO important when you’re trying to sell. Reels are an amazing way to let your audience get to know you, connect with your content so that they like you, and to build incredible trust. 

Why IG Reels Matter

Wondering why Reels are so important for growth on Instagram? Quick, simple content is important to grab your audience’s attention. And video is king! Seriously, look at TikTok. It’s the fastest-growing social media app of ALL TIME. And that’s because it’s designed with short video content in mind!

But, that’s not the only reason you should use Reels to help grow on Instagram. Instagram just officially announced that they are no longer a ‘photo sharing’ app. They are a ‘video’ app and will keep prioritizing video content. Here are some other reasons to consider: 

• Instagram is competitive. And they’re trying to keep users on their app. This means they’re prioritizing Reels and creators who make short video content.
  
• It’s a new feature. And Instagram wants you to use it. This means they’re more likely to push your Reels out to a broader audience than other types of content.
  
• Your audience loves them. Really! Reels are easy to consume, engaging, and so much fun. What’s not to love?

How To Get Started Making Reels

Ready to start making Reels? Then you should definitely check out the checklist below. I want it to be easy for you to make Reels that help you grow, inspire your followers and connect with your audience so they want to buy from you.

Follow the steps below for Reels that’ll give you the results you want to see! 

01. Use Clear Captioning To Grab Their Attention

Get your message across with clear captioning. It’s so important because it lets your audience know why they need to stop scrolling & watch your Reel all the way through. Plus, most people who are scrolling have their phones on mute. Captions are the perfect way to make sure they don’t miss out on your message! 

02. Choose A Popular Song to Take Advantage of Trends

Take advantage of already popular trends by using them in your Reels. Music is a great way to draw your audience in & get them excited about your content. Or, just choose songs that you love. It’ll help your audience get to know you better and connect with you based on your taste in music.

03. Showcase Your Personality To Build Connections

Your audience follows you, so show off that personality, girl! Bring your unique perspective to every Reel you create and your followers will feel so connected to you. Don’t be afraid to make bold claims and to share your opinions. If people don’t agree with you, it’s OK for them to unfollow you. Showing off your personality helps you build a seriously loyal tribe, instead of having an account that gets little to no engagement.

04. Keep Their Attention By Using Quick Transitions

Keep things mooooving in your IG Reels! Short, exciting transitions are so much more likely to perform well because your viewers want content that’s easy to digest. It’s part of the reason Reels are so popular in the first place, so make sure you’re using Reels to your advantage and keeping your audience entertained with quick transitions.

05. Hook Your Audience With An Attention-Grabbing Statement 

Hook new viewers with an eye-catching, scroll-stopping statement. You only get one chance to grab your audience’s attention, so make the most of it! If you’re stuck and don’t know how to hook your audience, think about some of the boldest statements you’ve seen lately and use the same format for your posts.

06. Keep Your Reels Short & To The Point

The average watch time is just 7 seconds, so you don’t have long to entertain your audience. Keep things concise! Challenge yourself to cut out as many unnecessary words as possible and to fit in as much content as you can into 7 seconds. Remember, part of the value you’re adding for your audience is saving them time with the tips & tricks you’re including in your Reels. You’re not going to save them time if your Reels are lengthy! 

07. Use Bright Lighting For Beautiful Reels

Your IG Reels should look inviting! Do that by using bright & beautiful lighting—the more natural, the better! Stand next to a big window in your home or film your Reel outside. Choose settings you know your audience will love and that show a glimpse into your life. 

Looking for more ways to show up on Instagram so you can grow, connect with your audience, & get people to buy from you? Subscribe to my email list. You’ll get early access to blog posts just like this, exclusive resources, and be the first to know about new classes designed to help you grow on Instagram. Subscribe to get my emails here.