Get More Clicks with These Reels Ideas
Refresh Your Strategy Today
Reels have become one of the most effective ways to engage audiences on platforms like Instagram. In fact, recent studies have shown that video content generates 49% more engagement than static content, and Reels, with their short, digestible format, are especially powerful for reaching new audiences. With Reels being prioritised in algorithms, there’s never been a better time to optimise your strategy.
In this post, we’ll share actionable ideas to help you create Reels that resonate, boost your performance, and ultimately drive more clicks to your profile or website.
1. Put a Face to Your Business
Adding a human element to your Reels can significantly increase audience engagement. In a world saturated with digital content, humanising your brand by showcasing the people behind it builds emotional connections, which is critical for nurturing trust and loyalty. People are more likely to engage with content that feels personal and relatable.
According to research, Instagram posts with human faces get up to 38% more likes than those without. Using this insight, you can:
Introduce Your Team: Have your team members appear in Reels to explain what they do, share their favourite aspects of working with your brand, or simply introduce themselves. This makes your business appear more approachable.
Personal Stories: Share personal stories of how the business was founded, the inspiration behind certain products, or how you’ve overcome challenges. Storytelling is a key part of building a brand that resonates emotionally with customers.
Pro Tip: Consider framing your Reels with a casual, behind-the-scenes feel rather than making them overly polished. Authenticity tends to drive more engagement than high production values, especially on Reels.
2. Show Your Process
Showing the behind-the-scenes process of how your products are made or how your services are delivered gives your audience a sense of involvement and builds trust in your brand’s authenticity. In fact, behind-the-scenes content is a proven method to drive higher engagement, with 87% of audiences saying they would rather see a process video than a product demonstration alone.
For example:
Manufacturing or Crafting Process: If you sell physical products, create Reels that show the journey from raw material to finished product. This not only showcases the effort and craftsmanship behind what you do but also emphasises transparency, which is something modern consumers value highly.
Before and After: Service-based businesses can benefit from showing transformation stories. For instance, a hairstylist can show a before-and-after reel of a customer’s hairstyle, or a consultant can highlight a client’s progress in a visual format over time.
This kind of content lets your audience understand the amount of work that goes into your offering and gives them a deeper appreciation for your business.
3. Show Your Product or Service in Action
When it comes to selling products or services, it’s crucial to not just describe them but show them in action. Research suggests that 73% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase after watching a video that explains how a product works. This means Reels are a fantastic way to highlight key features or demonstrate the benefits of your offerings.
Live Demonstrations: Reels allow you to showcase your products in real-world settings. For example, if you sell beauty products, you can create tutorials on how to use them effectively. This helps potential customers visualise how the product fits into their daily lives.
User-Generated Content (UGC): Ask customers to share Reels featuring your product in action and then repost those on your business profile. UGC is particularly powerful because it acts as social proof, which can increase trust and influence buying decisions.
For service-based businesses, you can create time-lapse videos of your team working on a project or helping clients. This visual storytelling keeps your audience engaged and gives them a better understanding of what you offer.
4. Research on Reels Performance
Instagram Reels has rapidly become a preferred content format for brands and influencers alike, not only because of its short-form video appeal but also due to its high visibility in Instagram’s algorithm. According to recent data, Instagram Reels get 22% more engagement than traditional video posts on the platform. This rise in engagement is due in part to Instagram’s decision to prioritise Reels in the Explore page and feed.
Some key findings on Reels performance:
Increased Discovery: Reels are currently favored by Instagram's algorithm, leading to increased organic reach. Even small accounts with fewer followers can experience a viral boost if their Reel resonates with audiences. Brands have reported up to a 100% increase in reach from Reels compared to other post types.
User Preferences: A study by Facebook shows that 74% of people consider video content more engaging than text or images. This means that video, especially short-form formats like Reels, is more likely to be shared and interacted with, further boosting visibility.
Conversion Rates: Reels that include a clear call-to-action (CTA) see a 41% higher conversion rate, according to data from social media marketers. Encouraging viewers to take a specific action (like visiting your website, following your account, or purchasing a product) is key to translating engagement into tangible business outcomes.
By focusing on these data-backed insights, you can craft Reels that not only entertain but also drive real results for your brand.
5. Experiment with Trends in Reels
Staying on top of trends is one of the best ways to keep your Reels fresh and engaging. Social media thrives on what's current, and Reels are no exception. Jumping on trending sounds, hashtags, or challenges can dramatically increase your reach and visibility. According to Instagram insights, Reels that leverage trending audio or popular hashtags tend to receive 67% more engagement compared to standard content.
Here’s how you can effectively experiment with trends:
Use Trending Sounds: Instagram Reels provides a vast library of popular sounds and music that can help you join ongoing trends. When you use trending audio, Instagram’s algorithm is more likely to boost your content to users who are engaging with that sound. You can find trending sounds by exploring the Reels tab and noticing the songs that keep popping up.
Participate in Challenges: Social media challenges can go viral in no time. Whether it's a dance challenge or a theme around humour or creativity, participating in challenges gives your brand a fun, approachable vibe. Consider adapting a challenge to fit your business or product, such as showcasing your products or services in a playful, creative way.
Hashtags and Themes: Follow and use trending hashtags relevant to your niche. For example, during seasonal events (like Halloween or New Year), you can create Reels around trending seasonal hashtags such as #HalloweenMakeup or #NewYearGoals. This helps you connect with a larger audience that’s actively engaging with these themes.
Recreate Viral Content: Keep an eye on viral Reels and see how you can put your unique spin on them. The key here is to make sure that your version of the trend is still aligned with your brand's message and tone. Even simple recreations with a brand twist can go a long way in boosting engagement.
Pro Tip: Timing is everything with trends. Jumping in early or while the trend is still hot can help you ride the momentum of virality. Late adoption might not be as effective, so it’s important to stay alert and agile in monitoring what's popular.
Why It Works: Social media platforms, including Instagram, reward creators who engage with trends by pushing their content to a broader audience. When users see your Reels using familiar trending elements, they are more likely to engage with your brand, potentially leading to higher follower growth, click-throughs, and conversions.
Reels offer a dynamic way to engage with your audience, especially when incorporating current trends into your strategy. From participating in viral challenges to using trending sounds and hashtags, experimenting with trends keeps your content relevant, engaging, and more likely to go viral.
Mixing these trending elements with personalized content that highlights your business, products, or services creates a well-rounded Reels strategy optimized for growth. Remember, the best strategies balance creativity, consistency, and relevance.
If you haven’t incorporated Reels into your social media marketing strategy yet, now is the time. The platform's algorithm heavily favours this format, and the right approach can lead to exponential growth in clicks, engagement, and, ultimately, sales.
