By now, all of us in the social media world should know that Instagram has changed its focus from photo-content to video-content. Instagram Reels is literally taking over the Internet. Recently, I interviewed a dear friend of mine Kathryn Jarrett who is an amazing business woman and, above all, an Instagram Reels queen. Today, I would like to share with you her insight and tricks that helped her to go from 1k Instagram followers to over 13k followers in just four, short months by utilizing the power of Instagram Reels. 

Kathryn is from Boston, MA and is a physical therapist by career but a network marketer by passion. Six years ago, Kathryn became a part of the network marketing industry and fell in love with the fact that families can offer products that they’re passionate about and build a business online. Her strength is personal branding and helping other women thrive in online business. On top of all these credentials, she is also a dedicated mompreneur to a blended family. 

K.O.: Have you been building on social media the whole time that you’ve been in network marketing?

K.J.: Yes, but I started out doing it the wrong way and was too product-focused. The secret sauce to building an online presence is to show up brand-forward all the time; both in your online conversations and in real-life. All you have to do is stand in your authentic self and think about what genuine conversations you want to generate more of…that’s how you find your superpower. People typically get stuck because they don’t think they have an important enough story but there’s always someone out there that needs to hear about your journey. On social media, if you’re not standing for something, you’re not standing out. 

K.O.: How do you feel about building your biz on social media?

K.J.: I started building my business on Facebook and back then, it was easy to grow your network on that platform because many people were still joining and understanding the benefits. Now, comparing Facebook to Instagram, Instagram is the place to build your network. Facebook is good for closed groups and providing value to your current network, whereas Instagram should be where you grow your network. Instagram Reels is the way to grow your network right now. I started Reels by being too product-heavy and sales-focused and I’ve learned that you need to find something that you’re passionate about rather than trying to sell. I am in recovery currently and I create awareness around addiction. It takes some thought about what you want to feature in your reels but my advice is to just try it out. 

K.O.: I totally agree. My best reels are where I share something personal. Are there any strategies that have worked really well for you regarding keywords, hashtags, etc.?

K.J.: My first piece of advice is to always use a hook; you could even have your Reel cover be the scroll-stopping hook you want people to click on. I’ve experimented with using a different number of hashtags and I believe using more than 15 is the way to go. Next, don’t be afraid to pre record your Reels and save them to your phone, not your drafts, otherwise they may get deleted. 

K.O.: Where do you go to find ideas for songs/voice overs?

K.J.: I go through Reels and every time I watch one I think about how I can use it for my personal message. I also think about ways I can use my products while creating Reels without being too salesy. Using trending audio is another way to find ideas and get high click-rates. Check out the highest performing Reel with the most popular audio and use that exact audio for your Reel to be boosted. 

Bonus Tip: Value is trumping the aesthetic of your grid. Don’t worry so much about color scheme, and creating a visually-pleasing grid, make it more value-driven. 

K.O.: For those that are newer to Reels, what would you say to them about getting started?

K.J.: Keep it really simple. You don’t need to have crazy transitions and outfit changes. You can do unique Reels such as debunking a myth in your industry. Create something that you want to generate more conversation about. This will attract your ideal audience and give you an opportunity to speak on what you’re passionate about. It also gives you an opportunity to build your know-like-trust factor with recurring viewers. Lastly, I would say to jump on this trend NOW! I don’t know how long Instagram will feature Reels until it moves onto its next feature but Instagram Reels is like a tidal wave right now, so get on it while it’s still hot. 

K.O.: Can you give us some final takeaways?

K.J.: Like I said, just jump in and do it. Your first Reel will not be the best one. Also, think about the equipment you’re using. Over time, the quality of your Reels will matter. But, most importantly, think about expanding your network because Instagram is the place to be right now for that. 

I hope you found value in this guest interview to help you make the leap into Instagram Reels. Not only are you learning from a professional, but you’re also learning from someone who experimented and achieved success in her own business by using the tips she provided in this article. As Kathryn would say, “Don’t miss the tidal wave and jump on the Reels train NOW!”

Kathry Jarrett Instagram: @aprettybalance

Kathryn Jarrett Facebook community: A Pretty Balance

If you want more insight as to what Kathryn does and how she mastered Instagram Reels, make sure to watch my latest #getLIT training!

Do you want more trainings on how to crush it on Instagram?! Check out my Instagram Workshop!

And don’t forget to share this with a friend!