Instagram Reels are short, entertaining videos that can be a great tool for businesses looking to increase their engagement and visibility. However, if you don’t know how to create captivating content, you may not experience all of the benefits.

As an operator, you have the unique edge of being able to capture exciting videos and images of customers enjoying your tours or activities. Why not put it to use?!  

This guide will discuss tips for making a fascinating Reel as well as a few simple ideas to get you started. 

Be comfortable on screen

Reels for businesses will often feature someone from the company relaying information about, well, the business. This not only is an easy way to talk to your customers but it also adds a personal touch to your Instagram page. As an operator, you can talk about tips to be prepared for your tour or activity, potential add-ons, a new experience you are offering, and more. 

If you have never filmed yourself before, remember that practice makes perfect! Write a script, run through your lines, and even do a few takes. This will help you discover what works for your business and ensures the Reel will be well-received by potential customers. 

And, if all else fails — ask one of your employees to fill in if they are interested in being featured on your social media. There will likely be someone on your team who is a seasoned Instagram user. 

 Use catchy music

Between Reels and TikToks, many new songs have gone viral. If you are unfamiliar with that term, it means gaining a lot of admiration in a very short amount of time. 

Songs across decades have risen to popularity due to social media, so you should use them to your advantage in your Reels. For instance, say you run a hiking tour company. Snap some footage of your customers on a mountain tour and match it to Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”, a song from the 80s that has recently made a comeback. 

 If a song sticks in a customer’s mind, that means your content is more memorable. 

Add captions throughout the Reel

Your customers will be looking at your Reels at all times of the day. This means they could be at work, school, an appointment, or somewhere else they cannot play sound. This is why you should include captions in your Reels that narrate the content of your video. 

If you decide to get behind the camera and talk about your business, be sure to transcribe your script. Or, if you create a compilation video of past customers, add in captions that give details about your business (i.e. your company name, location,  type of activity, etc.).

Add a Booking Link 

Perhaps most importantly, you should make your Reels bookable. 

Add a link to your website so potential customers can quickly find out more about your company and hopefully book a tour or activity (or bookmark for later!).

Three easy ideas to get started 

The possibilities are endless. But if you are having a hard time thinking of your first Reel concept — try one of the following!

Compilation of customer pictures and videos

As a tour or activity operator, you probably have a collection of quality photos and videos of past customers enjoying their time at your business. Throw in a catchy song and add photos and videos to the beat to create the ultimate first Reel. 

Pro Tip: If you do not have a collection of high resolution customer photos, you should start taking them! These photos and videos can be used for future marketing campaigns and even as an add-on for customers to purchase. Check out one of our partners, Fotaflo, to learn more.  

Mashup of past social posts

If you have spent time perfecting your social feed, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Similarly to the above example, use your past posts and a viral song for an easy-to- make Reel. 

To have some extra fun, you can also create a themed post. If you run a seasonal event, like a pumpkin festival, share a compilation Reel of all of your past festival social posts paired with a spooky song. 

Give local tips

If you get a lot of out-of-town bookers, film yourself giving some insider local knowledge. This can be beautiful nature spots, a favorite bar or restaurant, other tours and activities nearby, and so much more. 

One piece of advice to remember is that the more diverse your feed is, the more compelling it will be. If you have fun with your Instagram Reels, it will be evident to your potential and past customers which will also increase followers, engagement, and eventually your bookings.