January 7, 2025 • 8 mins
In this episode, we dive deep into what really drives results with Instagram Reels, backed by real client data and case studies. Learn why viral views don't always equal success and discover proven strategies for creating Reels that convert.
Key Highlights
Real Client Data Insights
- Beauty Industry Client
- Trendy Reel: 15,000 views → 2 sales
- Educational Reel: 3,000 views → 15 sales
- Service Business Client
- Dancing Reel: 8,000 views → 0 inquiries
- Process Breakdown Reel: 2,500 views → 6 high-ticket clients
- Hook Types Driving Results
- Problem/Solution format: 47% higher engagement
- "What if I told you..." pattern interrupts: 32% more saves
- Controversial statements with proof: 41% higher completion rates
- Walking and Talking: Natural, unscripted conversations
- Split-Screen Tutorials: Demonstrating processes
- Text Overlay with Visuals: Clear, engaging messaging
- Equipment Needed:
- iPhone 15 or newer
- Basic ring light
- CapCut Pro for desktop editing
- State the problem
- Use pattern interrupt
- Build curiosity
- Focus on one main point
- Include proof/examples
- Keep transitions minimal
- Provide actionable takeaway
- Include strong CTA
- Give save/share incentive
- Following irrelevant trends
- Using misaligned audio
- Forcing entertainment over value
- Over-editing
- Excessive transitions
- Perfectionism
- Unclear messaging
- Multiple topics in one Reel
- Weak calls-to-action
- Identify audience problems
- Outline solutions
- Create compelling hooks
- Batch record 3-5 Reels
- Multiple takes as needed
- Quality check audio/visuals
- Simple, clean edits
- Brand-aligned text overlays
- Select strong thumbnails
- Craft complementary captions
- Clear, actionable CTAs
- Schedule content
- Final review and adjustments
- Client Case Study Results using our reels formula:
- Month 1: 2% engagement rate
- Month 3: 8.5% engagement rate
- Sales increase: 34%
- Instagram: @wheeler_marketing_agency
- Subscribe to the podcast
- Ready to cut through the social media noise? Send us a DM or head to wheelermarketingagency.com and let's chat about your business.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
welcome to the social media reality check
the show that cuts through the noise
and brings you real
actionable social media strategies that really work
I'm your host Danielle Wheeler
and with over 15 years of experience
managing social media for business
I'm here to share what's actually moving the needle
no fluff no outdated tactics
practical strategies you can implement the day
(00:26):
alright I'm about to challenge everything that
you've heard about reels
after managing over 1,000 reels for our clients
here's the deal
that viral real with 10,000 views
isn't worth celebrating if it's not converting
so today
we're diving deep into what actually drives results
based on real data and how to fix your real strategy
(00:47):
and here's the twist we're not just talking strategy
I'm gonna show you
how to do it in a way that feels true to you
your business and entertains your audience
so let's go
here's what our clients reels
Data has revealed over the last 90 days
so we'll say client a
she's in the beauty industry
her trendy real got 15,000 views and two conversions
(01:10):
her educational real got 3,000 views but 15 conversions
what made the difference
the trendy real entertained
but the educational one solved a problem
and people pay for solutions
Client B is a service based business
I did a dancing real and I got 8,000 views
zero conversions
there are process breakdown reel 25 views
(01:32):
6 high ticket clients
lesson views don't pay the bills
conversions do
and here's the thing
successful reels weren't just educational
they also felt authentic no gimmicks
nothing salesy
they match the tone and vibe of the business
and that's where the magic happens
so what's actually driving results for our client
(01:55):
here's the breakdown No. 1 hook types that convert
so that's like Problem Solution format
47% higher engagement or the pattern interrupt hook
like what if I told you had 32% more saves
and controversial statements with proof
41% higher completion rates
and content that drives action
(02:16):
step by step processes before and after transformations
quick wins that they can implement today
and the actual secret sauce
authentic plus entertaining
now here's where most people get it wrong
they think being entertaining means dancing
or using trending audio and that's not true
entertainment is about connection
it's about making people feel something
(02:38):
your reels
should feel like a conversation with your audience
talk to them
not at them
use humor storytelling
or a tone that reflects your brand personality
if you're quirky let it shine
if you're serious and professional
own that too here's the truth
simplicity wins
the formats that are crushing it right now are those
(02:59):
like walking and talking
because they're authentic and unscripted
like you're just chatting with a friend
split screen tutorials those are great
they're teaching something
while showing the process
and of course
always tried and true the text overlay with visuals
keep the messaging clear and engaging
the key is to stay true to your brand
don't try to copy what someone else is doing
(03:21):
if it doesn't feel right to you
well you never should copy
anyway
but you got what I'm saying
your audience will feel the disconnect
if you're doing something that doesn't feel like you
and you don't need
a fancy setup to make great reels
here's honestly
what I use is just an iPhone 15 or newer
a simple ring light
and my go to
absolute true love is CapCut Pro for desktop editing
(03:45):
that's it
I'm recording this podcast with the same tools
in my office right now
while the dogs are being loud
and playing in the other room
the magic isn't in the gear
it's in the content and your personality
so let your vibe shine through
so
here's our go to reels formula for consistent results
when you make a new reel the first three seconds
you need to
(04:06):
either state the problem that they're facing
use some sort of a pattern
interrupt something unexpected or intriguing
but don't overdo it
or hook them with curiosity in the middle section
deliver one main point
show proof for examples
and keep the transition smooth and minimal
and then close strong and with a clear
actionable takeaway
(04:26):
or include a strong called action
but give them a reason to save or share
this extends your reels reach
remember your tone again should feel like you
if you're fun and energetic
show that if you're common professional
lean into it authenticity is the secret ingredient
all right so we all know the proof is in the pudding
(04:48):
so let me share a study
our client month 1 2% engagement rate
month 3 after using the Strategy 8.5 engagement rate
and here's the kicker their sales increased by 34%
why did this work
because they're reals were both helpful and relatable
their audience felt like they were getting value
(05:09):
from someone who really gets them
and that's the sweet spot
we also have to talk about the things holding you back
here are the top mistakes that I see number one
I think we've all fallen into this
it's the the trending trap following every trend
even if it doesn't fit your brand
you hear that it's trending or it's a trending audio
and you have to use it even if
(05:29):
is a random audio that doesn't align with your message
or forcing entertainment
instead of delivering the value
to the
this is a big one
the production paralysis over editing your videos
adding too many transitions that distract
or waiting for perfection before you post
news flash it'll never be perfect
if I had a dollar for every time I published a real
(05:52):
and then I thought oh god
I should have done this instead
I probably wouldn't have to have a business okay
it happens all the time it's never going to be perfect
just post it
and of course the content confusion
this one's super easy
especially if you're falling into the trending trap
having no clear message
or where your audience is left wondering
(06:12):
what was the point of that
or trying to cover multiple topics in one reel
or even not even having a called action
you've got to tell people what to do next
so let's take this theory and put it into action
if you haven't listened to the last episode
where I break this all down
pause here
and go back and listen to the Content
Power Week framework
(06:33):
it's also in the show notes too
but here's the high level overview of how this works
use Monday as your content planning
you know
list the top three problems your audience faces
outline solutions you can offer
and then write three to five
compelling hugs is a little bit different
Tuesday
go ahead and record three to five reels
do multiple takes if needed
keep it fun
(06:54):
check your audio and double check your visuals
and Wednesday go ahead and do your edits
keep edits simple keep them clean
Thursday is your caption day
this is where you of course
write captions that compliment your real make
call to actions clear and actionable
and then Friday is your scheduling day
gonna schedule your content
review and tweak if necessary
(07:14):
the goal here isn't just to get it done
it's to create content that feels true to you
in your business
and connects with your audience
if there's
one thing I want you to take away from this episode
it's this reels aren't about chasing trends or views
they're about connection
when you create content that's authentic to
(07:35):
your business
and entertaining you're not just making reels
you're building trust
loyalty and the ever so important conversions
so before you hit record on your next drill
ask yourself
is this both helpful and true to my brand
if it is you're already winning
remember social media doesn't have to be complicated
(07:56):
it just has to be real until next time
this is Danielle Wheeler
reminding you to keep it authentic
keep it strategic
and always get your social media reality check
welcome to the social media reality check
the show that cuts through the noise
and brings you real
actionable social media strategies that really work
I'm your host Danielle Wheeler
and with over 15 years of experience
managing social media for business
I'm here to share what's actually moving the needle
no fluff no outdated tactics
practical strategies you can implement the day
(00:26):
alright I'm about to challenge everything that
you've heard about reels
after managing over 1,000 reels for our clients
here's the deal
that viral real with 10,000 views
isn't worth celebrating if it's not converting
so today
we're diving deep into what actually drives results
based on real data and how to fix your real strategy
(00:47):
and here's the twist we're not just talking strategy
I'm gonna show you
how to do it in a way that feels true to you
your business and entertains your audience
so let's go
here's what our clients reels
Data has revealed over the last 90 days
so we'll say client a
she's in the beauty industry
her trendy real got 15,000 views and two conversions
(01:10):
her educational real got 3,000 views but 15 conversions
what made the difference
the trendy real entertained
but the educational one solved a problem
and people pay for solutions
Client B is a service based business
I did a dancing real and I got 8,000 views
zero conversions
there are process breakdown reel 25 views
(01:32):
6 high ticket clients
lesson views don't pay the bills
conversions do
and here's the thing
successful reels weren't just educational
they also felt authentic no gimmicks
nothing salesy
they match the tone and vibe of the business
and that's where the magic happens
so what's actually driving results for our client
(01:55):
here's the breakdown No. 1 hook types that convert
so that's like Problem Solution format
47% higher engagement or the pattern interrupt hook
like what if I told you had 32% more saves
and controversial statements with proof
41% higher completion rates
and content that drives action
(02:16):
step by step processes before and after transformations
quick wins that they can implement today
and the actual secret sauce
authentic plus entertaining
now here's where most people get it wrong
they think being entertaining means dancing
or using trending audio and that's not true
entertainment is about connection
it's about making people feel something
(02:38):
your reels
should feel like a conversation with your audience
talk to them
not at them
use humor storytelling
or a tone that reflects your brand personality
if you're quirky let it shine
if you're serious and professional
own that too here's the truth
simplicity wins
the formats that are crushing it right now are those
(02:59):
like walking and talking
because they're authentic and unscripted
like you're just chatting with a friend
split screen tutorials those are great
they're teaching something
while showing the process
and of course
always tried and true the text overlay with visuals
keep the messaging clear and engaging
the key is to stay true to your brand
don't try to copy what someone else is doing
(03:21):
if it doesn't feel right to you
well you never should copy
anyway
but you got what I'm saying
your audience will feel the disconnect
if you're doing something that doesn't feel like you
and you don't need
a fancy setup to make great reels
here's honestly
what I use is just an iPhone 15 or newer
a simple ring light
and my go to
absolute true love is CapCut Pro for desktop editing
(03:45):
that's it
I'm recording this podcast with the same tools
in my office right now
while the dogs are being loud
and playing in the other room
the magic isn't in the gear
it's in the content and your personality
so let your vibe shine through
so
here's our go to reels formula for consistent results
when you make a new reel the first three seconds
you need to
(04:06):
either state the problem that they're facing
use some sort of a pattern
interrupt something unexpected or intriguing
but don't overdo it
or hook them with curiosity in the middle section
deliver one main point
show proof for examples
and keep the transition smooth and minimal
and then close strong and with a clear
actionable takeaway
(04:26):
or include a strong called action
but give them a reason to save or share
this extends your reels reach
remember your tone again should feel like you
if you're fun and energetic
show that if you're common professional
lean into it authenticity is the secret ingredient
all right so we all know the proof is in the pudding
(04:48):
so let me share a study
our client month 1 2% engagement rate
month 3 after using the Strategy 8.5 engagement rate
and here's the kicker their sales increased by 34%
why did this work
because they're reals were both helpful and relatable
their audience felt like they were getting value
(05:09):
from someone who really gets them
and that's the sweet spot
we also have to talk about the things holding you back
here are the top mistakes that I see number one
I think we've all fallen into this
it's the the trending trap following every trend
even if it doesn't fit your brand
you hear that it's trending or it's a trending audio
and you have to use it even if
(05:29):
is a random audio that doesn't align with your message
or forcing entertainment
instead of delivering the value
to the
this is a big one
the production paralysis over editing your videos
adding too many transitions that distract
or waiting for perfection before you post
news flash it'll never be perfect
if I had a dollar for every time I published a real
(05:52):
and then I thought oh god
I should have done this instead
I probably wouldn't have to have a business okay
it happens all the time it's never going to be perfect
just post it
and of course the content confusion
this one's super easy
especially if you're falling into the trending trap
having no clear message
or where your audience is left wondering
(06:12):
what was the point of that
or trying to cover multiple topics in one reel
or even not even having a called action
you've got to tell people what to do next
so let's take this theory and put it into action
if you haven't listened to the last episode
where I break this all down
pause here
and go back and listen to the Content
Power Week framework
(06:33):
it's also in the show notes too
but here's the high level overview of how this works
use Monday as your content planning
you know
list the top three problems your audience faces
outline solutions you can offer
and then write three to five
compelling hugs is a little bit different
Tuesday
go ahead and record three to five reels
do multiple takes if needed
keep it fun
(06:54):
check your audio and double check your visuals
and Wednesday go ahead and do your edits
keep edits simple keep them clean
Thursday is your caption day
this is where you of course
write captions that compliment your real make
call to actions clear and actionable
and then Friday is your scheduling day
gonna schedule your content
review and tweak if necessary
(07:14):
the goal here isn't just to get it done
it's to create content that feels true to you
in your business
and connects with your audience
if there's
one thing I want you to take away from this episode
it's this reels aren't about chasing trends or views
they're about connection
when you create content that's authentic to
(07:35):
your business
and entertaining you're not just making reels
you're building trust
loyalty and the ever so important conversions
so before you hit record on your next drill
ask yourself
is this both helpful and true to my brand
if it is you're already winning
remember social media doesn't have to be complicated
(07:56):
it just has to be real until next time
this is Danielle Wheeler
reminding you to keep it authentic
keep it strategic
and always get your social media reality check
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