If you’re a small business owner looking to stand out on Instagram, you’ve probably heard that Reels are where the magic happens. Well, the rumours are true! In fact, a 2024 study found that Reels on average achieve more than double the reach rate of other content formats on the platform.
With over 13 million Australians and counting using Instagram, that’s a huge opportunity for your business! But before you even start filming, having a solid plan is essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore why planning your Reels and developing a strategy for your content is so important and share our tried and tested blueprint for creating successful video content for small to medium businesses.
If you’re looking to level up your Instagram Reels, keep reading!
Why You Need a Plan for Your Reels
Having a plan and strategy for your Instagram Reels is crucial because it ensures that every piece of content you create has a clear purpose and aligns with your business goals.
Without a strategy, you might find yourself posting sporadically or creating content that doesn’t resonate with your audience. A well-thought-out plan helps you stay focused on your objectives, whether it’s driving engagement, showcasing your products, or building brand awareness. It also allows you to measure success more effectively and adjust your approach based on what works best for your audience.
If you don’t even have a ‘pla’ let alone a plan for your Reels, don’t stress – you can use ours! Here’s where we start when developing a video content strategy for our small to medium business clients.
The Reels Strategy Blueprint
Develop a Clear Strategy
Like most things in marketing, creating great Reels comes down to strategy. The details of this will vary for each business, but the fundamental elements remain the same. Every piece of content should serve a purpose for your audience. Whether you’re aiming to entertain, educate, highlight your offerings, or simply show the human side of your brand, knowing your “why” is key. Think about what you want your content to achieve and align your Reels with this!
Establish Your Content Pillars
Content pillars are the core topics that your social media strategy revolves around. These pillars provide structure and consistency to your content, but also make your job of creating great video content 100x easier! Decide on your pillars and then build your Reels around these, so you can ensure you develop a well-rounded social presence that keeps your audience engaged, and still achieves the business results you’re after.
Know Your Audience
If you want to create Reels that truly resonate with your audience, you need to understand who they are. Chances are, as a business owner you already know this – but it’s important to know your ideal customers’ demographics, values, challenges, and interests. Tailoring your Reels to your audience’s preferences will make your content more relatable and engaging and get the attention of the right people.
Get Inspired
Looking at what’s trending or what others in your industry are posting can spark ideas for your own content. However, it’s important to make these ideas unique to your brand. Inspiration is great, but authenticity is crucial. Combine what you see with your own creative spin to produce Reels that stand out and stay true to your brand’s voice.
Leverage Trends
Trending audios and challenges on Instagram can be a fantastic way to increase visibility and engagement. While trends shouldn’t be the sole focus of your content strategy, incorporating them strategically can attract new audiences and enhance your Reels’ reach. Browse through Instagram’s Reels tab and your professional dashboard to find trending sounds and consider how you can integrate them into your content in a way that aligns with your brand’s message.
Once you’ve nailed the plan, the rest of the job of creating killer video content becomes a whole lot easier.
Ready to take your Instagram Reels to the next level?
Join our in-person Reels Masterclass workshop in Sydney to dive deeper into these strategies and learn how to create Reels for your business that captivate and convert.
Find out more and book your spot here.
