Brandripe’s guide to making impactful Instagram Reels

Image: Freepik

We’re going out on a limb here, but did you see the Social Insider study from June 2023? It essentially revealed that Instagram Reels boast a staggering 1.23% average engagement rate. That's a goldmine for businesses looking to connect with new audiences and supercharge their social media presence!

But here's the catch: crafting Reels that truly captivate viewers takes more than just a catchy song and some dance moves. Eye-catching visuals are what truly grab attention and make your content stand out.

However, we understand the struggle of juggling content creation with mastering graphic design. Let's face it, not everyone has the time or expertise to become a design pro. Here's where Brandripe swoops in to be your secret weapon.

Our team of skilled designers will transform your Reel ideas into visually stunning masterpieces that stop the scroll, leaving your audience wanting more – and we'll help you leverage the power of Reels' impressive engagement rate and turn your social media presence into a thriving hub for your business.

But before we get into the specifics of Brandripe’s services, let's take a deep dive into understanding Reels, how to make them and what makes a Reel stand out. By getting these key elements down pat, you'll be well-equipped to create Reels that leverage that impressive 1.23% engagement rate and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

So buckle up and read on!

The Reels revolution

Reels are more than just about videos for brands and businesses. Image: Unsplash

First things first, let's break down what Reels are all about. Imagine short, dynamic video snippets (think 15-60 seconds) packed with music, transitions, effects and text overlays.

They're designed to be visually engaging, informative or downright entertaining. Think of them as Instagram and TikTok's love child, offering a powerful platform to showcase your brand personality, connect with new audiences, and even drive sales.

Now, crafting a Reel that stops the scroll requires more than throwing some footage together with a trending song. It's all about storytelling!

Here's how the magic happens:

• Hook them in the first few seconds: Attention spans are shorter than ever, so grab viewers with a captivating intro. It could be a funny scene, a thought-provoking question, or a glimpse of your product in action. Remember, you only have a few seconds to make an impact!
• Keep it engaging: To encourage your viewers to become followers, you have to keep up the momentum. Utilise transitions, text overlays and trending music to keep your viewers glued to their screens. Think of it like a mini roller coaster ride – full of twists, turns and surprises.
• Tell a story: People connect with stories. Use your Reel to showcase your brand journey, highlight a product's benefits, or offer a behind-the-scenes peek. Give your audience a reason to care about your content beyond just the visuals.
• Call to action: Let your viewers know what they need to do next. End your Reel with a clear call to action, whether it's directing them to your website, encouraging them to like and follow or prompting them to participate in a challenge.

The making of a reel

The making of a Reel is straightforward, yet a lot of creative thought must be put into it. Image: LikeMind Media

Let’s get into the technical details of how a Reel is made on Instagram.

1. Accessing Reels:

• There are three ways to access Reels creation:
  • Swipe left: from the Instagram home screen, swipe left like you're going to Stories.
  • Reels icon: At the bottom of the home screen, tap the center icon that resembles a play button with film strips.
  • Your profile: On your profile page, tap the plus (+) icon and select "Reel" from the menu.

2. 2. Planning your Reel:

• The concept is key: Before hitting record, brainstorm a captivating concept that aligns with your brand story or message. What value will you offer your audience?
• As said earlier, hook them early: Script or storyboard your intro. Remember, those first few seconds are crucial for grabbing attention.

3. Capturing your Reel:

• Recording options: You can record your Reel in one continuous clip, multiple clips stitched together, or upload pre-recorded videos from your camera roll.
• Length matters: Reels can be anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds long. Choose a duration that best suits your story.
• Tools to play with: Explore the editing tools at your disposal! You can add music, adjust playback speed, incorporate text overlays, utilise various effects and leverage filters to enhance your visuals.
• Transitions for flow: Transitions help your Reel flow seamlessly. Experiment with cuts, fades, zooms and other transition options.

4. Storytelling through Reels:

• Tell a story: Don't just throw random clips together. Use your Reel to showcase your brand, highlight a product's benefit or offer a behind-the-scenes peek.
• Call to action: End your Reel with clear instruction, whether it's directing viewers to your website, encouraging likes and follows or prompting them to participate in a challenge.

5. Uploading and sharing:

• Caption it up: Write a compelling caption that complements your Reel and encourages engagement. Add relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
• Cover matters: Choose an eye-catching cover image that represents your Reel's content. Ensure your cover image is consistent and is able to reflect your brand effectively.
• Share it wide: Share your Reel not just on your feed, but also in your Stories and consider cross-posting it to TikTok if appropriate for your audience.

By following these steps and keeping the storytelling elements in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating engaging Reels that capture attention and achieve your social media goals.

Although…

Let's be honest, wouldn't you rather focus on direct revenue growth endeavours while still reaping the engagement benefits of Reels?

Brandripe offers a more efficient way to create stunning Reels that stop the scroll and skyrocket your engagement. Here's how we empower you to dominate the Reels game, all while maximising your precious time:

• Effortless onboarding: Get started in minutes, not meetings

Ditch the lengthy contracts and legal department discussions. As a partner to hundreds of businesses of all sizes, we understand the importance of agility. That's why our services are completely commitment and contract-free. Sign up, outline your vision and let our design specialists take care of the rest.

• Predictable budgeting: No PowerPoint slides needed

We know the frustration of hidden costs and endless justifications. That's why Brandripe offers a transparent monthly fixed subscription. No hidden fees, no surprises. You get unlimited graphic design requests and revisions, allowing you to experiment, refine and achieve visual perfection.

• It’s creative freedom unleashed. Plus, satisfaction guaranteed

Imagine a world where you can express your creative vision without worrying about additional charges. With Brandripe, that world exists. Our unlimited revisions policy removes financial barriers, empowering you to collaborate with our designers until you're absolutely thrilled with the final product.

• Ownership that empowers: Your design, your way, your rights

Many outsourcing services lock you into a cycle of hidden fees for ownership of the visuals they create for you. At Brandripe, we put your needs first. As a customer-centric company, we're happy to provide you with the source file of your final design. This means you can repurpose your stunning graphics across various platforms and marketing materials, maximising your return on investment without any additional costs.

• The Brandripe advantage: More than just design

Brandripe goes beyond simply creating beautiful visuals. We understand the power of storytelling in captivating audiences. Our designers work closely with you to understand your brand voice, target audience and overall message. We translate this knowledge into captivating visuals that not only grab attention but also seamlessly integrate into your existing marketing strategy.

• A global team for global expansions

Forget cookie-cutter templates! Here at Brandripe, we boast a global design team brimming with industry-leading talent. These aren't just skilled designers; they're creative powerhouses who thrive on pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations.

Deeply attuned to international design trends, our team possesses a unique ability to craft visuals that resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether you're targeting a specific region or aiming for global domination, we'll develop designs with the cultural nuances and visual preferences of your target market in mind.

This fusion of global perspective and cutting-edge creativity ensures your brand stands out in a crowded marketplace. Imagine captivating international audiences with visuals that not only showcase your brand personality but also resonate on a deeper cultural level.

• From Reels to presentations: Design versatility at your fingertips

Our team of versatile designers is equally adept at crafting eye-catching Reels that grab attention on social media, designing sleek product packaging that compels customers at first glance, and creating impactful presentations that leave a lasting impression in the boardroom.  This comprehensive design service, all under one convenient subscription, empowers you to streamline your workflow and achieve brand consistency across all your marketing materials.

Stop wasting time, start creating memorable Reels

So, are you ready to unleash the power of Reels without sacrificing your valuable time?  Let Brandripe be your secret weapon.

Speak with us during a 15-minute Demo Call and we’ll talk you through the entirety of our design process. We'll handle the visual storytelling while you focus on what you do best – driving sales and growing your business. Don't just scroll through endless Reels, let’s create show-stopping ones that stop the scroll for you!