Facebook Reels Tips for Small Business Growth

Like Stories, Facebook Reels offer short bites of content that entertain your followers while scrolling. However, unlike Stories, Reels don't disappear after 24 hours. Instead, they stay on your profile permanently. Learning how to use Facebook reels for small business marketing could broaden your audience and help you make the most out of this free tool.

Keep It Short

Facebook Reels have a maximum duration of 90 seconds, so this isn't the place to upload how-to guides or lengthy interviews. Instead, this is your chance to grab your audience's attention with short bursts of content. If you have pre-filmed content, trim your video as much as possible so it gets right to the point.

Likewise, don't try to get complicated messages across. Keep it simple with large text, clear messages, and quick dialogue. Most people don't rewatch Reels unless they're particularly entertaining, so you only have 90 seconds to make an impact. Later, you can discuss the topic in-depth with a blog post or YouTube video.

Entertain Your Audience

People watch Reels because they want short entertainment while taking a break. Most people won't sit through blatant advertisements or stuffy, boring clips. However, you're also competing with tens of thousands of other Reels on Facebook, so you'll need great content to stand out.

Sometimes, you can subtly advertise your business by presenting your content as an ASMR or sensory video, sharing a funny clip from the workplace, hosting a prank, uploading recipe ideas, or showcasing the landscape in your area. If you want to take it further, create a short video series with an entertaining character. Animation also does well with audiences.

Reuse Instagram Reels

Meta owns Facebook and Instagram, so both platforms have a similar Reels function. If you shared a Reel on Instagram, you can probably reuse the content on Facebook. You might have to adjust the video or re-upload music, but this saves time and helps you get the most out of your content strategy.

You can also share Facebook Reels to Instagram through your smartphone. As you upload the Reel, hit "Share to Instagram," then select your Instagram account. Currently, you can only share Reels to one Instagram profile at a time, so make sure you're using your business account.

Add Music

Music grabs your audience's attention while they're scrolling. With Reels, you don't have to pay for music or create your own. You can choose from a library of thousands of songs, including classics and viral hits. Simply hit "Audio," search for a song or artist, preview the song, and add it to your reel.

Adding popular tracks may boost your video's popularity, but some businesses hesitate to use copyrighted music because their Reels go silent if the record company takes it down. If you'd prefer to use your own music, upload the track while creating your Reel and adjust it to the video's specifications.

Include Hashtags

Each Reel has a description section. You can leave descriptions blank, but they provide the opportunity to describe your video, add a transcription, or include hashtags, which are particularly important because they help people find your Reels. For example, if someone searches for "#cookingvideos" and your video contains this hashtag, your Reel may appear in the search results.

However, avoid including unrelated hashtags even if they're popular. If you do, people might report your clips to clog up the search results. Add relevant hashtags that target your demographic and expose your content to people who don't follow you, boosting your visibility.

Encourage Engagement

The description also provides an opportunity to increase engagement. Ask a question that invites viewers to share their opinions, think about a topic, or talk about their lives. Make sure you respond to show customers that you're listening. They might reply to other commenters as well, creating an active conversation.

You could also mention engagement directly in the video. End the Reel with a thought-provoking question, or invite viewers to remix your Reel. Remixing involves taking clips from your Reel and adding their own content to create a new video. This is a fun way for your audience to film themselves, answering your question directly.

While learning how to use Facebook reels for small business marketing, discover these ways to improve sales performance. More customers could lead to a bigger social media following.

Display Products

Unlike still photographs, Reels allow you to share dynamic images of your products from different angles. Upload videos that showcase their stunning appearance, professional craftsmanship, and incredible functionality. You can experiment with lighting and filters, but ensure your products are visible.

If launching a new product, use Reels to preview your offerings before the official drop. You could even host a countdown to drum up excitement. Reels also allow you to discuss existing products and create a need that customers didn't know they had. Show them all the different ways they can use a product—now at an affordable price.

Share Sneak Peeks

A peek behind the curtain makes followers feel like exclusive insiders, building a personal connection behind your brand. They'll also learn about the real people behind the camera. Periodically, share glimpses of upcoming events, product designs, or life at the office. These snapshots are easy to film, and the "casual" vibe makes them feel even more exclusive.

Similarly, provide the occasional glimpse of your everyday life. Share clips of you walking the dog, fishing on a lake, taking a drive, or finding your product in a store to break up the routine and add a human touch. Animal lovers will eagerly like any video with a cute dog or cat.

Spotlight Employees or Customers

When you scroll through a company's Facebook page, it's easy to feel like you're looking at a bland, faceless corporation. Employee spotlights show followers that real people work behind the scenes. As customers make this connection, they're eager to buy your products and support a small business. You'll also boost employee morale by showing how much you appreciate their services.

For increased customer satisfaction, invite clients to share their testimonials for a chance at a feature. You can market your business 24/7, but people are more likely to believe fellow customers because they have no reason to lie. Plus, the attention will delight your clients.

Tell Your Story

Learning to use Facebook reels for small business marketing means figuring out how to tell your brand's story. When you hit a milestone, such as the hundredth customer or first decade in business, celebrate with a Reel that invites followers to share your excitement. They'll congratulate you and boost your engagement, and you'll show followers that you're a steady, reliable brand with a long history.

You can also discuss the inspiration behind your business. If applicable, share family photos and talk about the problems you want to solve. These stories make your audience feel good about buying your products.

Discuss Your Values

In modern times, people want assurance that they're supporting ethical businesses. Reels give you a spotlight to discuss your values and renewable business practices. You could discuss sourcing materials from local farms, paying employees a fair wage, donating to charities, or supporting environmental efforts. Periodically, use Reels to announce your charity drives and raise funds for a cause that you care about.

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