How to Use Instagram Reels For Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

Have you noticed it yet?! 

If Instagram’s a part of your marketing strategy (if it isn’t, we need to chat ASAP), chances are you’ve started to experience the impact its newest feature is having on your feed. 

That’s right. I’m talking about Instagram Reels—AKA, your new go-to content creation tool. Or at least it will be after today. 

I know what you’re thinking. You already have a never-ending to-do list, and adding one more thing to it seems overwhelming. But I promise you won’t want to miss out on all the benefits Reels can provide your business. 

Hear me out. 

Instagram’s algorithm is now prioritizing Reels over *every* other piece of content. Which means if you roll with the punches and start utilizing it now, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your brand awareness, increase your audience, and sign new clients. 

That’s why I’m spilling the tea on everything you need to know about Reels, including what they are, how to create one, and a few ideas you can implement right away. 

What Exactly Is Instagram Reels? 

Similar to Tik-Tok, Reels is the newest way to create 15- or 30-second videos you can share with your community. 

Think micro-content meant to educate, entertain, and inspire. 

Instagram is one of the best ways to establish yourself as an authority in your industry, and this is another tool that allows you to add value to your audience. 

But unlike other Instagram features, Reels gives you the ability to share a single piece of video content in four different places: your feed, Stories, Explorer, and the brand new Reels tab. 

That means more opportunity for people—ahem, your dream clients—to watch and connect with your content. 

And with 50% of Instagram users scrolling through the Explorer page each month, you’ll reach an untapped audience you may never get in front of otherwise. 

Can you imagine what a few more thousand people watching your content can do for your business?! 

Six Steps to Creating Your First Reel

If you’ve never created a Tik-Tok, making your first Reel may be unchartered territory. But today’s the day to step outside your comfort zone!

Step 1: Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app—this will ensure you have all the available features to create a viral-worthy video. 

Step 2: To access the feature, simply open up the IG Story camera and find the Reels icon at the bottom of your screen. 

Step 3: Decide which video option you want to use: live footage or pre-recorded content from your camera roll. No matter which one you go with, you combine a series of clips to create your finished video.  

Step 4: Use the editing tools to add all the bells and whistles to your video: length, audio, speed, effects, and timer. 

• Length allows you to choose between creating a 15-second or 30-second video. 
• Audio allows you to choose music from its library and add it to your video. Side note: Most business accounts can’t access the audio tool, so you may need to use another app to add music. 
• Speed allows you to slow down or speed up all or parts of your video.
• Effects allow you to add filters and AR features. 
• Timer gives you the ability to set a countdown before the video begins.

Step 5: When you’re ready to create your Reel, tap and press the record button. This is your moment to showcase your expertise in your industry, but don’t be afraid to have fun with it. 

Ensure you’re showing your authentic self because, like any piece of content, that’s the best way to connect with your target audience. 

Step 6: Once you’re done recording, you can add text, stickers, or drawings to your reel. 

Congrats, you made your first video! Now all you need to do is choose your cover photo and click publish. 

Three Types Of Reels You Can Post Today

Introduce yourself and share your story

Since Reels lands on the Explorer page, this is the perfect opportunity to share who you are with thousands of new followers. Repurpose the introduction posts you’ve already shared in your feed. 

Take your audience behind the scenes 

Pull back the curtain and show your followers some behind the scenes action. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in—creating BTS content can be an effective way to establish trust with your audience.

Offer tips and tricks

The key to building genuine relationships is providing your community with quick tips they can apply right away, such as “3 ways to save 10k this year” or “4 tips to create a cohesive Instagram feed.”

There you have it, my friend! Everything you need to know about Reels. 

While Instagram Reels may be overwhelming at first, it’s proven to be a quick and effective way to grow your brand presence, increase your followers, and ultimately, sign more clients.

So, are you excited to create your first Reel?! Get out your phone and do it right now. I can’t wait to see all your videos pop up on my feed! 

Ready to take your Instagram strategy one step further and learn how to make passive income right from your app? Snag my Done-For-You Sales Plan for Selling Passive Offers on Instagram, where I walk you through my 4-step framework for prepping your launch and my signature 3-step framework for launching a passive offer on Instagram. (P.S. It’s currently on sale, so you’ll want to grab it fast!)