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09/04/20

How to Use Instagram Reels – a Step-by-Step Tutorial for Business Owners

Instagram Reels…. should YOU be using them for your business?

My client posted in our private Facebook group and asked if I had seen the new Instagram Reels feature.  As a social media expert, she wanted to know what I thought and if it was something that warranted the attention of an already crazy-busy business owner…. or could just be ignored.  I played around with them for a few days before giving the group my response.

Before you judge my ignorance, I need you to know that I love watching Tik Tok and sending my friends dog shaming videos is one of my favorite past times.  I simply couldn’t fathom how Instagram Reels could even come close to measuring up.  So.  This is what I told my clients…

instagram reels first impression

Needless to say, that response makes me cringe more than my teenage son when he catches his mom doing a Tik Tok dance.  And that’s saying something. 🥴

In recent weeks, I’ve drastically changed my tune and am absolutely obsessed with Instagram’s newest feature!  I’m so excited to share my screen with you and show you EXACTLY which buttons to push, how to add music, how to sync your movements and a few little hacks I’ve learned along the way!

Before we get into it, make sure you pin this post so you can find it easily later!  And, if you’ve got friends who would find it helpful, by all means, use those pink buttons {below} and share away!

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What are Instagram Reels?

If you’ve used Tik Tok or Stories, you’re already familiar with certain aspects of Instagram Reels!  They’re 15-second clips of photos, videos, music and text!  And there are a million reasons to love them too!

  • they have their own newsfeed on Instagram
  • Reels are discoverable in search
  • you can share them into Stories
  • they’re super easy to post in your grid
  • AND the links are shareable outside of Instagram {translation: people who don’t have an IG account can still view them via a browser!}

These fun little bite-sized media pieces are tons of fun and can pack a major punch for your business!  During the first month, users were reporting that their Instagram Reels were getting about 20x more reach than Instagram Stories!

🤯  TWENTY-TIMES MORE REACH THAN STORIES 🤯

Babe, if you’re using Instagram for Business, there’s simply no reason NOT to use them!  At the bottom of this post, I’ll make a list of some of the many ways you can use Reels.  But, for now, let’s go ahead and get into the details of exactly how to create your first Reel!

A Step-by-Step Instagram Reels Tutorial

To make this as easy and stress-free as possible for you, I’ve included lots of screen shares so you can see exactly what I’m seeing on my screen.  For easy reference, I’ll include timestamps below the video so you can fast forward to specific parts of the video.

if this video acts up for ya, here’s the direct link to Youtube!

  1. Basics of Instagram Reels → 1:51
  2. Fun Features + Hacks on Reels {music, filters, timers, alignment} → 7:33
  3. How to Add Text → 13:43

UPDATE: a few things have changed since this video was first recorded!  You can now update each video clip independently of the others and most users are reporting that they have the ability to record up to 30-second Reels!

When Should I Make a Reel?

Literally, anytime.  There’s no wrong time to make an Instagram Reel!  I’ve seen people think waaaaay outside the box and do some really cool things!  Here’s a super quick list of some of the ingenious things I’ve seen in the last few weeks:

  • promotions for your business
  • behind the scenes
  • education {bonus points if your Reel gets them to read the description and take action}
  • inspiration
  • humor
  • tutorials
  • conversation starters
  • entertainment {think Tik Tok style dances}
  • and so so so much more!

Here’s the best advice I can give you: stop letting fear or perfection hold you back.  Take messy action and just #glitterdone!  Dorothy, Kirsten and Gabi have all embraced Reels for their business.  And you know what?  Their reach is exploding!!!

  • Dorothy, from Dorothy Beaming and Beautiful, has 218 followers, her best reel has been seen by 850 people, and her average reel is watched by 416 people.
  • Kirsten, of Kirsten Lee Photography ATL, has 711 fans, her best reel was viewed by 2131 people, and her general reels get around 1032 views.
  • Gabi, of Gabrielle Hasamear Photography, has 346 followers, her most popular reel has 1040 views, and her reels are getting about 480 views on average.

These women are just like you.  They have families, own businesses, and are trying to expand their reach on social media.  And, by using Reels, they’re collectively getting 1.6x more views than they have followers…. without paying for ads and without being marketing gurus.  If they can do it, you can do it too!

If your goal is to find more followers, generate leads, and make sales – I can help you!

Unlock a tailored marketing plan to turn LIKES to LEADS and INQUIRES to INCOME!  Step one is my FREE quiz that will identify your marketing personality type!  Increase your bookings by unlocking your inner marketing unicorn and letting your genius shine; all while staying true to your unique personality, style, and strengths!  Can’t wait to hear what your quiz reveals!  Chat more soon!

cyrissa sparkle society

PS – I’ve got a secret little surprise for everyone who, in the comments below, tells me what they plan to do for their first Reel and leaves their Instagram name!  I want to know who my smart business owners are and plan to connect with you over on IG!  So make sure you give yourself a bit of a shameless plug down below!

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21 Comments
Blog// Instagram// Social Media

« Social Media Followers: They Aren’t All Created Equal

Comments

  1. Lori Mooney Fox says

    September 4, 2020 at 6:46 am

    I already created the content on Monday. It is a Monat before and after. I just need to zap it all together and will know how now thanks to your tutorial! Thanks Cyrissa! I know I can always count on you to show us the way.
    Lori Mooney Fox
    IG: lunastudiosfremont

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 6, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! Make sure you tag me in the finished REEL so I can see and share it!

      Reply
  2. Kirsten Lee says

    September 4, 2020 at 7:07 am

    Yes girl!!! awesome!!! If handle is Instagram.com/kirstenleephotographyatl

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 6, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      I love watching YOU step outside of your comfort zone and wiggle! LOL!

      Reply
  3. Marie says

    September 6, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    I needed this!! Been watching my Monat friends do Reels and I want in! Appreciate this so much! Thank you!!! Keep sparkling!
    @marieantoinette908

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 8, 2020 at 7:43 pm

      You’re so smart to want to get in on this action! Reels are definitely THE place to be right now!

      Reply
  4. Christina says

    September 8, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I’ll be asking what they want to learn in a camera class for my new course (major thanks to Sparkle Academy) and getting the word out.. This got me thinking how to make it fun! Thank you Carissa!

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 8, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      I am so excited to hear that you’re bringing your camera class to life! EEEEEEK!!!!!!

      Reply
  5. Elizabeth says

    September 8, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    Just uploaded mine! You da best, girl. This was fun!

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 8, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      HECK YEAH!!!! I can’t wait to see what you created!!!!!

      Reply
  6. Donna McMurry says

    September 9, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    Thanks for this info! I think my first Reel wil be to tell about and promote a new baby milestone petite session I’m starting to offer! IG: @dazzlinglightphoto

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 10, 2020 at 12:10 am

      I love that idea and think those mammas would LOVE to see what you could create for them!

      Reply
  7. Angie says

    September 13, 2020 at 12:06 am

    Hey dear just watched the video. Thanks for the info! I am not sure how to link IG account but my name on there is: Amazing Portraits by Angie 🤷‍♀️

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      September 14, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      usually, it looks something like this: @YOURINSTAGRAMNAME 💕

      Reply
  8. Stephanie Landreth says

    September 14, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    Thank you for the info and tips!! I am so excited to give this a try! I am thinking I will do my first reel on my favorite oil treatment! My IG is @steph.landreth

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      October 13, 2020 at 1:12 pm

      how did it go?!?! teaching people via reels is SO SMART!

      Reply
  9. Tove says

    September 16, 2020 at 12:01 am

    Made my first reel with plans for two more…wahoo! I’m talking about focus modes which could possibly be a little boring and techy but reels make it fun! Also, how are you so SMART?! Sharing all the best tips as always. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      October 13, 2020 at 1:03 pm

      girlfriend, your reels are FAR from boring! i even watched the ones where you were talking about the different focus modes! lol!

      Reply
  10. Kristen says

    October 24, 2020 at 1:13 pm

    Ok I do needed this! All of my IG friends are killing the reels game and I’m just sitting back and watching and that needs to change! Thank you for always educating us! I need to get ready later today and try my first one 😂

    Reply
    • Cyrissa Carlson says

      October 25, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      yup! don’t let that fear hold you back!!! MAKE A REEL!!!! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Rebecca McGonigle says

    November 18, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    Thanks for the awesome tutorial. I feel like Reels is for my kids, but need to make the jump, after I get rid of my COVID hair style! Plan to do one about my upcoming course update and why you should get in on the price now! I am @novaportrait

    Reply

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who is this sparkle girl???

Cyrissa Carlson is a business coach, located in the heart of Ohio! She has built three six-figure companies, exclusively with social media, and is passionate about helping other female entrepreneurs do the same. She helps her clients create smart and strategic marketing strategies; allowing them to spend less time hustling, and more time with their families! Cyrissa has empowered thousands of women feel heard and get seen on social media.... now it’s your turn!

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who is this sparkle girl?

Cyrissa Carlson is a photographer and business coach, located in the heart of Ohio! She has built three six-figure companies, exclusively with social media, and is passionate about helping other female entrepreneurs do the same. She helps her clients create smart and strategic marketing strategies; allowing them to spend less time hustling, and more time with their families! Cyrissa has empowered thousands of women feel heard and get seen on social media.... now it’s your turn!

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