So, if you’re new to short form video… You may have seen the recent Instagram announcement about Reels importance and be wondering just how you can use it to your advantage in your business.

Many people think short form video, like Reels and TikTok is just for dance routines… Wrong!

There’s so much you can do in a short space of time, as I’ll get onto.

But let me just start by reminding you that you’ve been watching short form video commercials your entire life on TV… Still think there’ no place for them in your strategy?

Well what if I told you that Colormatics found that 72% of people prefer video vs text to learn about a new product or service (because they’re quicker to consume!)

We live in a fast paced world where content consumption needs to fit into people’s busy lives, but be engaging and fun enough to spark their interest.

Ok, so just how can you use Instagram Reels for your business?

1. Tutorials

If people like Joe Wicks and Gordon Ramsey can show how to make an hour long recipe in just 15 seconds, then you can demonstrate your ability in that time too. You just need to think creatively.

Reels are being rolled out up to 60 secs long and TikTok up to 3 mins. But think about a way you can demonstrate your offering that becomes synonymous with you, so you stop the scroll. In the same way Joe Wicks did with his 15 sec meals using Insta Stories back in the day! Mini trees anyone?!

• Q&A

Pop a commonly asked question up on the screen and answer it. Or indeed an actually comment from a previous Reel. It shows that you read the comments and are engaged with your audience. Relationships stand for A LOT on social media these days. It helps build authority.

• Quick win

Solve a problem for your audience…

Do they struggle with taking selfies? Show them complimentary photo poses, like Gerri Campbell.

Do they need motivation to focus? Give that motivation they need.

Do they struggle to create graphics for social media? Show them Canva basics.

• Bust a myth

Is there a common industry or niche myth that you just don’t get behind. Bust it!

i.e how to create 30 days of content in 30 minutes was big a few months ago. That’s something I called out, because quite frankly, where’s the value and intent behind those posts?!

Maybe it’s the icky sales strategies in your niche… call them out!

People will thank you for it, because people find these standards terrifying.

• Show a client success

You can actually go into detail, or simply keep it light and use lip sync to express how you feel when you get messages of clients success.

Rachel at Accountant_She is excellent at this.

There you have it… 5 way you can use Instagram Reels in your business.

There’s another 25 ideas waiting inside The Content Academy, alongside my Reels 101, a mini crash course with EVERYTHING you need to know about Instagram Reels, how to get started and 3 tutorials of Reels you can use in your business.