Simple Instagram Reels Ideas for small businesses

October 1, 2024 4 min read

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Step aside static posts – did you know consumers find short-form videos more engaging? That’s right, from before-and-after videos to home-improvement tutorials, Instagram Reels is a perfect video marketing tool for small businesses in any industry. And for businesses like yours moving a mile a minute, our social media team put together some tips and inspo for making really quick, easy and effective content.

1. List out the categories of content you want to create

First, figure out the type of content you’d like your business to be posting. This list will become your content compass – ensuring you don't forget about your video goals in the heat of the moment while filming. Some content category examples include business education, product features and event promotions.

2. Find trending Reels through audio

Exploring trending audio is a great way to find inspiration – and putting your own spin on these trends is the best way to get new eyes on your account. To discover trends, take a look at the audio in the left-hand corner of a post. If the audio has an up arrow by it, it's trending!

3. Schedule a Reels Day

Now that you’ve got your videos planned out, consider starting a Reels Day at work where you capture a bunch of content in one day to be posted across the month. On Reels Day, everyone knows to be camera-ready and to carve out a little time to participate.

4. Get inspired

Below are Reels crafted by our very own Spotlight Shop small businesses, along with expert tips from our social media specialists for achieving success.

Try-ons and demos

Tip: A small mic like the one Harriet from Foxgloves is wearing is compatible with smartphones, reasonably priced and a great way to elevate the quality of your audio.

Trending audio

Tip: Put your spin on trending audio like these small businesses did. We also love how Nick's Fish House repurposed some clips from one video for another trend. It looks like they may have done a Reels Day over there!

Customer testimonials and employee highlights

Customer testimonials are a great way to build credibility online. Trending music and relevant hashtags would elevate videos like these and help tap into more of your target audience.

Event promotions and recaps

Tip: Instead of posting a singular image or carousel, stitching photos together and adding audio is a simple way to keep a viewer engaged for longer.

Product features

Tip: Keep the copy simple in your videos. Remember, viewers need to be able to digest the video and the text. Let the product feature shine and have your caption pay it off.

Customer testimonials and employee highlights

Customer testimonials are a great way to build credibility online. Trending music and relevant hashtags would elevate videos like these and help tap into more of your target audience.

Business education

Tip: Tell a short story with the voiceover feature on Reels or speak straight to the camera. This is way more engaging than a photo with a lengthy caption!

Picture your ideal customer. Now target them!

Digital advertising can be used to target specific groups of people – so it’s important to get to know which consumers are most likely to engage with your ads and visit your business’ website. For example, if you own a barbecue restaurant, you would not want your ads to be served to people who are vegan. Write down some characteristics of your ideal customer base and keep your notes handy as you launch your digital ads. Some platforms, like Google, LinkedIn, and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) are more targeted than others, and offer the opportunity to reach niche audiences, whereas others are more general. It’s important to explore multiple platforms to determine the best one(s) that suit your needs. It’s also important to note that tactics like paid search will reach your audience who is actively searching for information related to your product/service.

Your turn!

Give a few of these ideas a go and before you know it, you'll be reeling in new followers. *Starts searching for trending audio on Insta.*

The content of this page is for informational purposes only. It is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. Please consult with the professionals of your choice to discuss your situation.