If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past year, content isn’t king—but video content is. With TikTok surpassing one billion global downloads within 18 months of its launch, there’s no denying that video marketing is here to stay.
But maybe you’re not ready to hop on the TikTok trend just yet, or you’re searching for new strategies to drive engagement on your existing social channels. That’s where Instagram Reels can be your marketing MVP.
Back in 2020, Instagram launched Instagram Reels—short videos packed with similar video and audio features to TikToks. Now, Reels account for over 20 percent of activity on the platform, generating 67 percent more engagement than your average Instagram video.
It’s time to stop ignoring the power of video. Even if you’re not a tech genius, Instagram Reels are the tool you need to do social media like the pros. Here’s how to ignite your home building business with scroll-stopping Reels.
First things first: What exactly are Instagram Reels? And how can you use them to grow your business and convert more potential home buyers into paying customers?
In a nutshell, an Instagram Reel allows users to share 60-second video clips. After you’ve uploaded your clip, you can use Instagram’s tools to edit your video before sharing it with your followers through your Instagram Feed, Stories, and the Reels explore page. The best part? Because Reels are featured in the Explore tab, you’ll get the chance to reach even more people with attention-grabbing videos.
Reels also come with some extra features on the Instagram app:
Since their beginnings in 2020, Instagram Reels have exploded as a marketing tool for brands to flex their creative muscles and connect with their audience. Instead of boring your audience with static grid posts, Reels create a one-of-a-kind experience that helps humanize your brand and showcase your contractor expertise. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Of course, the benefits of Reels don’t end there. If you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of Instagram Ads, it’s worth noting that ads are now supported in the Reels tab, the Explore page, and your Feed. With so many ways to get in front of your audience, Reels offer endless opportunities to convert Instagram users into potential leads. So, what are you waiting for?
Ready to harness the power of video marketing? When done right, Instagram Reels can be a game-changer for your home building company. Here’s how to get started.
If you’ve ever shot a video for your home building business before, you probably already know that planning is key. Before you bring out the camera, take a step back and ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve. What type of video would make the most sense for your business? Who’s your target audience? How can you create Reels that feel like a natural fit for your brand?
From there, spend some time browsing the app, scoping out the local competition, and watching Reels from home building pros. Keep an eye out for visuals, text, trends, and editing effects that you could borrow inspiration from. Remember: You don’t want to copy your competitors, but it never hurts to see what their audiences are engaging with.
Now that you have a clear picture of your creative direction, it’s time to put pen to paper. For a smooth production process, storyboard your concept by breaking down the clips you need to film to make your Reel work. This way, you’ll have a solid idea of what you need to do to transform your vision into a powerful marketing tool.
Now that you have some ideas in mind, you’ll need to know how to post Reels. You can start Instagram Reels in three ways:
You can record Reels in a series of short video clips or one long clip through the Instagram app. If you’re shooting footage internally in the Instagram app, all you need to do is hold the recording circle in the middle of the screen.
If you let go of the record button but still have time left, you can hold the button again to start a second clip immediately after the first clip ends. As you record one (or multiple) clips for your Reel, you can watch the progress bar and countdown at the top of the screen to see how much recording time you have left.
Alternatively, you can shoot video clips externally and upload them to create a Reel. To upload external clips from your camera roll, tap the plus sign (+) in the bottom left corner.
Before you tap the Share button, you’ll need to upgrade your Reel with trendy video effects. The good news? Even if you don’t have any editing experience, it only takes a few minutes to edit Reels in the Instagram app.
Let’s start with the audio. You can add music to your Reel by tapping the audio icon and searching for a song from Instagram’s music library. Alternatively, you can use your own audio by recording your Reel with it.
To access video effects, tap the three stars icon above the record button. Here, you can change the design of your video, change your video speed, and add filters to transform your Reel into an attention-grabbing work of art. Just make sure your editing choices align with your brand image.
When you’re finished editing your Reel, it’s time to share your creation with the world. Tap Next, choose a cover picture, and top off your reel with an irresistible caption. For the best results, keep your caption short, sweet, and relevant.
Next, share your photo to your Feed, tag your location, and recommend the post on Facebook to boost your reach. Then, crop your profile image to choose how the cover image will be displayed on your profile’s grid.
Once you’ve selected all your preferences, tap Share to share your Reel.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully shared your first Reel with the world. But if you want to take your content creation skills to the next level, you’ll need to follow some tips and tricks to optimize your Instagram Reels. Here’s how to drive the best results.
Just like any other type of video content, your Instagram Reels should be high-quality. Even if you create the best Reel—complete with trendy music and eye-catching video effects—you’re not going to drive results if you’re not sharing quality content.
While it’s completely fine to shoot Reels on your smartphone, it’s important to keep some best practices in mind while filming:
The best way to optimize your Reels? It’s simple: Track their performance. When you tap Insights on your profile feed, you’ll be able to view your Insights Overview. Here, you can tap into powerful insights to maximize your engagement—from what days your audience is most interactive to how likely your audience is to interact with your Reel.
Be sure to take a few minutes each week to review your Reels and audience insights. This way, you’ll be able to plan a strategic content calendar that captivates and engages your audience.
Let’s face it: FAQs can be an amazing tool for engagement, but your audience is going to get bored of them eventually. Instead of relying on the same Reels to drive engagement and grow your following, mix it up with different types of videos.
Not sure where to start? We’ve seen clients leverage different Instagram trends to captivate their audience, including:
Video marketing using Instagram Reels can be a powerful tool for any contractor, but you’ll need to dedicate time, money, and resources to get the job done right. If you’re searching for an effective way to dominate the competition, you’re going to need a powerful social media strategy to show potential homebuyers why you’re worth hiring.
Don’t have enough time to step away from your home building projects to make Reels or other video content? At Company 119, our video marketing professionals have worked with countless contractors to shine a spotlight on their expertise. We’re here to take the marketing tasks off your plate so you can focus on what matters: running your business.
We’ll help you showcase your talent and serve as a resource for homeowners—all while telling your story in your own words. Give us a call today to kickstart your Instagram marketing strategy.
