Instagram is one of the most popular social networks out there. According to official data, it has over one billion monthly active users worldwide. As a knowledge entrepreneur, you have many opportunities to build an audience and promote your brand through the Instagram Reels feature.
If you don’t feel like getting into TikTok, (and that’s fine, it’s better to focus on one platform at a time), then this is the perfect alternative. Unlike Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, these short videos stay on your page for as long as you want.
Read more: 5 Tips on using TikTok to promote your online course
Despite being criticized for copying TikTok, the 60 second-long video format is popular among influencers, all types of companies, and users. Let’s see how you can take full advantage of this feature and grow your e-learning brand!
How to make Instagram Reels work for you?
As an e-learning business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Scheduling social media posts and posting stories frequently or answering DMs are the norm, so why make your work harder with one more feature?
Some of the reasons to use Instagram Reels are:
- getting more exposure;
- growing your audience;
- increasing your engagement;
- expressing your creativity;
- presenting your brand from a different angle.
The good news is that what you’re offering can become a hit on Reels as long as you’re creative enough and know how to catch the eye of your audience.
You don’t need to dance around or point at random things, you just need to follow trends. It could be a video paired with an audio effect and text to make it more impactful.
On top of that, the Instagram algorithm will push your content to your followers and also to users who might be interested in your courses.
Read more: 4 Types of online learning products you could be selling right now
What type of content works best on Reels?
There are different types of content that you can create, regardless of your niche. You just need to make sure that it’s engaging and easy to follow.
Some examples of Reels that work for any business include:
Educational content
A short how-to video about your courses will work wonders. You can include useful resources, hacks, and top tips to make sure people will come back for more. For example, you can create a 15-second video on one exciting aspect you cover in your online course. Even though you only focus on one thing, you can improve the video with background music and captions.
Go behind the scenes
Let’s be honest, many users are curious to see what goes on behind the scenes. This is a good way to make your content feel more personal while keeping it relevant. As a course creator, you can showcase how you film educational videos.
Before and after
People are interested to see the results of something and appreciate innovation. Mixing a bit of intrigue and showing the final result, a.k.a. satisfaction is a recipe for success. One the long term, this can increase engagement with your videos. For example, you can show how you set up the background for your online course videos, complete with props and greenscreen bloopers.
Evergreen content
Even though it’s nice to see seasonal videos come and go, evergreen content can also generate a lot of engagement. By repurposing content, you get better results in the long term. As an example, you can include testimonials or answer frequently asked questions.
Read more: What you need to know about repurposing content
Showcase your online courses
Let your creative side shine and show off your courses to your audience in different ways. Since you can include Instagram Shopping in your Reels it would be a good idea not to overlook this step. You could create a “day in the life” video showing your life as an entrepreneur.
Read more: Using visual psychology to get better engagement on Instagram
How to create Instagram Reels?
Now that we have discussed what Reels are and what types of content you could create, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. I broke it down into a few steps to make it easier for you:
- open the camera setting and go to Reels from the bottom;
- before recording, select a song from the library;
- use the Speed tool to make your videos play faster or slower;
- in the Effects section, you can pick different filterd, similar to Stories;
- use the Timer tool to select the length of your video and which part you want to use;
- press the record button in the middle to start creating clips.
Once your Reel is complete, all that’s left to do is write a caption, tag people, and share it with the world.
Wrapping up
Instagram videos are short, impactful, and can help you create and maintain an audience. Even though it might take a while before you get the hang of Instagram Reels, this organic way of growing your business is suitable for any user.
