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Has your Instagram engagement dropped like a lead balloon recently? You’re using all the right hashtags, posting at all the correct times, using amazing images and captions but you’re still getting crickets.

You’re not alone. We’re all in the same boat because there’s a new player in town.

Reels.

If you’re an early adopter, go and give yourself a massive pat on the back, pour yourself a glass of wine and celebrate your awesomeness! Go you good things #proud! Your engagement is on fire!

If not, keep reading. It’s not as scary as it seems.

What are Reels?

Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok. (Remember when stories started not long after Snapchat!?)

Their plan is to keep you on their platform, and really, I am here for it. I have enough apps on my phone between social media and all the kid’s school apps… I am app my limit!!

They are short 15-30 second clips of content you can set to music or audio and deliver to your audience.

You don’t have to dance and point at things (like, everyone is doing that, try something else) but make it fun and exciting.

SAWer Sandra from Hashtag Insta Prints did a great one the other day, it was simple but effective. Clean your camera lens!

Simple how to’s and tips and tricks to help your followers and give them an insight as to what they learn when they are working with you. Or an insight into who you are as a person.

Trust me, being human on Social Media is the best strategy that you will ever have.

 

Why do I need to use them…and how are they better than stories?

For one, they last longer than 24 hours!

Your Reels can go on your grid (and don’t stress about your aesthetic, you can have a cover image on each Reel), much like your IGTV there is a specific Reels tab on your profile, and there is an ‘Explore Reels’ button where your Reels can also show up, opening up your views to even more people.

So…more eyeballs on your content, leads to new followers. More followers leads to new clients!

 

But I don’t want to try new things!

“This is how we have always done it” is a sentence that is the kiss of death for any business.

Believe me.

Look at your business – is it the same as it was when you started? I am going to hazard a guess and say no. You as a person has evolved, and your business has too…and so has social media! Which means you need to adapt and roll with the new and see how this can work for you.

Social Media is a tool in your marketing arsenal. Make it work for you, leverage the tools that it gives you and elevate your business using it.

New isn’t scary, new is exciting.

 

So, I actually need to show up online?

YASSSSSSSS QUEEEEEENNNNNN!

Do your clients get to see your face? Then why can’t you give the same to your followers? You want to turn them into customers/clients, so let them see you and get to know who they’re working with.

Are you picking up what I’m putting down?

Showing up online is hard. I get it, because it took me ages to come out the shadows and get in front of the camera, but my gosh, it was a massive game-changer for me. It’s amazing the business I got when I got out of my own way and showed up.

And, I understand that it is hard work to get there. But the benefits outweigh the fear. Trust me!

 

Are you stuck for ideas?

Try a few of these on for size…

  • Hairdresser – Transformations, how to mix the colour, top styling tips
  • Florist – Hot flower trends, how to arrange a bunch of flowers, tips on how to keep your flowers longer
  • Stylist – before and afters, new styles on body types
  • Copywriter – what is an oxford comma, proofreading hacks, writing hacks
  • And, this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Think day in the life. Top tools you need for your business. 

Then, if you’re looking for some cracking examples, head over to these accounts & check them out (yes, the first two are amazeballs SA Woman members)…

 

I’ve got a reeling.

Yes, I like a pun or two. But stick with me here!

Play with reels, have fun. You can get super creative or keep it simple. But it is time to embrace the new. You are not too old, too fat; too some other story you’re telling yourself.

You are worthy, you are amazing, and people want to see and hear from YOU.

 

 

CONNECT WITH KATHARINE:

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Websitewww.cranecreative.com.au

Katharine Crane from Crane Creative

ARTICLE BY

KATHARINE CRANE,
CRANE CREATIVE

Katharine loves wine and holidays by the beach.

She also has over 9 years in on the ground experience of Social Media for Business. 

She has worked for international brands (Accor) and many SME’s from all over Australia. 

She started Crane Creative just over three years ago when her daughter was 18 months old. (Cos why not create a business with an ankle biter!) 

In those three years, she has won state and national awards for her business, and spoken on many stages.

Her passion is to help businesses put the heart back into their social media.