Getting the Most Out of Reels for an Engaging Instagram
You may have heard that Instagram reels are all the rage, but can they really help your business? Well, Instagram gets a crazy amount of traffic with 1 billion users who spend an average of 30 minutes a day scrolling. 80% of users also use Instagram to help them decide if they want to buy something. No wonder why there are 25 million business profiles worldwide. So, what about Instagram reels specifically? How can they help grow your bike brand?
Reels are Instagram’s fastest-growing feature according to Meta and reel ads are currently reaching as high as 10.9% of the total population over 13 years old. So now we know the reach of reels for your business, let’s explore these tips and tricks on how to use them. (We also have included some high-engaging ideas for your motorcycle reels!)
The Reel Basics
1) The Content
First, you need to work out what you want to share. You can either record the reel directly from the app or upload a pre-edited video.
2) Find the Reel Button
Click on the reels button to begin crafting your reel. It looks like a clapperboard image with a play symbol in the bottom row. Then tap the camera icon in the top right.
3) Start Recording
Here’s the fun part… Record your video by holding the Record button or choosing from your existing camera roll in the bottom left.
4) Make Your Reel Stand Out
Choose the music, length, speed and effects that you want to make your Reel stand out. You can choose individual parts of songs too if you find an audio clip that takes your fancy. You can check what audios are trending by seeing what other audio Reels are being published on the Reels tab.
5) The Final Checks
You are nearly there. Make sure you always preview your reel and make any changes if you need to. Remember to add a caption, hashtags and links. Also, you can post it to your story to increase the view count.
Our Top Tips
Now it’s time to look at how you can get the best results from your reels…
1) Work Smarter Not Harder
If you’ve already created something like a YouTube or other video, don’t be afraid to repost it as an Instagram reel. This helps you reach a wider audience and cross-promotion is always beneficial.
2) Follow Trends
We don’t always know why things are popular but riding that wave quickly while it’s relevant can often give your Reel additional exposure. Some people look for all uses of specific audio clips or effects, so if your Reel is using a popular one it’s likely to get more traction.
3) Be Attention-Grabbing
Reels are short-form content in the same vein as TikTok and YouTube Shorts. These capitalise on short average watch times and attention spans. If your Reel isn’t engaging in the first few seconds, it’s far more likely to be skipped for the next one.
4) The Best Time to Post on Instagram
Posting at the right time maximises the chance of people seeing it. While this varies based on demographic and interest groups, here is a great guide to follow just to get started:
- Monday: 6 am, 10 am, 10 pm
- Tuesday: 2 am, 4 am, 9 am
- Wednesday: 7 am, 8 am, 11 pm
- Thursday: 9 am, 12 am, 7 pm
- Friday: 5 am, 1 pm, 3 pm
- Saturday: 11 am, 7 pm, 8 pm
- Sunday: 7 am, 8 am, 4 pm
5) Don’t Overdo It
Try not to fill the screen with text or effects as this will draw away from your visuals and lose people. You’re advertising your business, so make sure what you want to show is visible and not hidden. You can put details in the caption below by keeping it as simple as saying: “Check the caption below for details”.
6) Quality Over Quantity
Make the best use of the time and real estate on the screen. We mentioned not putting too much text in the last point, so make sure to only provide vital info. Remember that you need to get across your message concisely and efficiently.
Reel Ideas for Motorcycle Brands
Now you’re an expert on Reels, let’s go through some engaging examples for your bike brand:
- If you make motorcycle leathers and clothing…
Why not do a light-hearted modelling session? - If you host and promote motorbike shows and events…
Why not share some footage from the last event? - If you’re a tyre company or produce other motorcycle parts…
Why not show how quickly a bike can brake with your tyres or other benefits of your products? - If you wrap or paint motorcycles…
Why not show a super-satisfying time-lapse of your process? - If you build or sell motorcycles in your factory or dealership…
Why not do a quick factory/dealership tour and meet some of the team?
Now you know the importance of using Instagram reels for your business. It’s no surprise why 67% of marketers use Instagram to promote their brands and gain engagement.
We look forward to seeing your reels pop up on our feeds!
If you need further social media support, check out our services here or contact us at hello@motorcycle.marketing.
P.S. Our founder Thalassa is currently on a trip through Europe with her Ténéré 700 and posted a Reel about the first part of her journey. Check it out here.
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