Instagram Reels: How to Show Off Your Business in 30 Seconds
- Naomi Strudley
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
You don’t need expensive equipment or a film crew to create videos that get noticed. With Instagram Reels, you can tell your story, connect with your audience, and promote your business, all in under 30 seconds.
Reels are one of the best ways to boost visibility, reach new audiences, and show the personality behind your brand. Whether you run a café, creative studio, farm shop, or boutique stay, short-form video gives people a reason to stop scrolling and start engaging.
Here’s how to make Reels that capture attention and get results.
Start with what makes your business stand out
Before you hit record, think about what people love most about your business. Maybe it’s your friendly team, your unique products, your beautiful location, or the story behind what you do. That’s your content.
Reels work best when they feel natural, not staged. A simple clip of your morning setup, a product being packaged, or a customer’s first reaction can be far more engaging than a polished advert.
Ask yourself:
What do I want people to feel when they see this?
What do I want them to do next: follow, share, or visit?
Hook viewers in the first few seconds
The opening few seconds of your video determine whether someone keeps watching or scrolls past. Use them wisely.
Start with action, movement, or curiosity. For example:
A coffee cup being placed on a counter.
A quick before-and-after reveal.
Someone saying, “Here’s what a day in our business looks like…”
Those little details help people connect and keep watching until the end.
Keep your Instagram Reels short and story-driven
The best Reels tell a story, even if they only last a few seconds. Think of it as a mini narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
For example:
Beginning: Set the scene - your shopfront, workspace, or team.
Middle: Show what you do or make.
End: Finish with a moment of satisfaction, a smile, or a clear next step.
Don’t try to cover everything in one video. Focus on one message at a time - a new product, a seasonal update, or a behind-the-scenes look.
Use on-screen text and captions
Most people watch Reels without sound, so captions are essential if you're talking. If you're not talking, try using short, simple text to highlight key messages.
For example:
“Locally made. Loved by our customers.”
“Behind the scenes of our latest launch.”
“Your weekend starts here.”
Text helps your message land even when your audio doesn’t.
Try trends, but stay authentic
Trends can be a great way to reach new audiences, but they only work if they fit your brand. You don’t need to dance or lip-sync to get noticed. You just need to use trending audio or formats in a way that feels genuine.
You could:
Pair a trending sound with clips of your team or products.
Join a popular transition trend to show off a space or new collection.
Use a storytelling prompt to share your “why” or business journey.
Your goal is to be relatable, not performative. If a trend doesn’t feel right, skip it. Authenticity always wins.
Keep experimenting
Reels work best when you stay consistent. Try posting one or two a week to start with, test different styles, and pay attention to what resonates most. Keep an eye on your analytics to see what's worked well, and what didn't work so well.
Short-form video is constantly evolving. The more you experiment, the more you’ll understand what your audience connects with.
Instagram Reels aren’t about perfection, they’re about connection. With just a few short clips, you can show people what makes your business special, build brand awareness, and spark genuine engagement. Thirty seconds is all it takes to tell your story, so start sharing it.
Want to get more from your short-form video? At NK Marketing, we help businesses across the East of England create video strategies that feel authentic and deliver real results.
