With TikTok now being the most downloaded app on the planet, other social platforms felt the pressure to get back on top – Instagram included.
The social app best known for putting a spotlight on photos became surpassed by the Asian giant TikTok, which is all about video content. Therefore, the team on Instagram (also part of Facebook) figured that the best solution is to copy the pattern; this led to Instagram Reels.
What is Instagram Reels?
Reels is the latest feature released by Instagram which resembles the basic principles of TikTok. While the social platform already had Stories and IGTV, Reels is a bit different. Short videos, effects and filters, access to music and an endless feed are all features dedicated to Reels.
In a way, Instagram managed to bring what customers love about TikTok to its own platform – and many users love it. Now, people don’t have to switch between apps to follow videos shared by their favorite accounts as they can have it all on Instagram.
Which brings us, marketers, to our next question: how we can use this new feature to increase brand awareness and sales?
4 Tips to Increase Traffic with Instagram Reels
- Share useful information
People love getting useful information fast, so good educational content will stand out immediately. You can share short videos revealing tips and tricks about your brand activity, introduce viewers to your brand features or even WIPs (Work in Progress) footage if it fits.
For example, if you’re an artist, you can share glimpses of you painting your future work. If you’re a motivational speaker, you can offer quick tips on improving your mood. Fitness trainers can share short workout ideas and so on. The essence is to make sure that your content is valuable and engaging.
- Make product reviews
People love watching product reviews because it’s a quick way of knowing the truth about a certain item or service, but there’s a plus. When you review a product, viewers can see that you’re an expert in that particular field. You become more trustworthy – and trust is the most valuable thing you want to earn from your customers.
Therefore, simply unboxing an item is not enough. Make sure to truly study your product and share original thoughts, pros and cons about the products you present. It may take some filming, but it is all worth it in the end.
- Share behind-the-scenes content
Today’s online customers are looking for a real experience. They want to know the people behind a brand and how they make the magic happen every day. Not only this adds trust to your company, but it also builds a genuine relationship between your team and your clients.
For example, a furniture company can share short videos of them preparing the wood for a special table order or wrapping up the final product. Meanwhile, a web designer can record short tutorials on how they choose the color palette for a cooking website.
When it comes to behind-the-scenes content, it’s all up to your imagination (and video editing skills, of course).
- Share your story
Since Instagram created a feature designed only for people to tell their story (Stories), it’s obvious that this is what your customers want. Generally, people don’t look for the About page on a website to know what the brand is all about.
Today, people want to see others talking. They may not have 30 minutes to read your About page; they want a quick, entertaining way of learning about you. They want emotion, transparency and fun – and what better way than a short video to meet those requirements?
We’ve said it in older posts and we’ll say it again: video is the future. Thankfully, there are so many resources nowadays to learn how to create and edit great videos – and not with a professional camera, but with your smartphone at home. Make it happen!
