Open a bottle of pinot grigio or whip up an oat milk latte and relax with your host, Shannon McKinstrie, as she cuts through the obnoxious social media noise, a...
Today, we're diving deep into the secret sauce for success on social media, the three S's of content creation: Simple, Shareable, and Specific. We'll be talking about how you can tap into these elements to create engaging content that resonates across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. We'll also review real examples from content creators who've nailed one or more of these S's, resulting in viral reels that capture attention and inspire shares.In this episode we’ll be covering:Creating and sharing platform specific content: knowing your audience and the types of content that are successful.The importance of having a solid message to share with your audience.Test, try, and tweak!Content planning around specific events and holidays that your audience might be looking for.Creating simple and specific content, use scenarios and identifiers that enhance relatability.Group chat hero? We’ll look at what makes content shareable and how to start applying it.The role of humor in content (PS: Stay tuned for an upcoming episode around humor!)Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1: Balloons!Reel #2: St. Lucia ResortReel #3: Etsy TemplateReel #4: PassportOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 017: Turn a Simple Idea into a Reel People Will LoveEpisode 029: Tailoring Successful Reel Techniques to Your NicheEpisode 034: Is Engagement the Most Important Metric on Instagram?Episode 042: Your Simple B-Roll Can Become Easy Reels That Actually ConvertSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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13:47
Making Sense of the Instagram Algorithm
Let’s talk about the Instagram algorithm, it’s not that scary, I promise! The overall goal is simple: keep users on the app. Remember, the algorithm rewards good content! I’m going to walk you through the differences between connected and unconnected reach, along with key factors like watch time, likes, and shares. We’ll also look at a few viral reels right now and I’m sharing some easy ideas you can run with!In this episode we’ll be covering:Understanding the goal of the Instagram algorithm and how to make it work for you.Do some types of engagement matter more than others? We’ll talk through the different types of engagement, like shares, likes and saves.Two types of content reach: connected vs. unconnected.Content engagement metrics and key indicators that can affect your content ranking.Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1: Birthday TraditionsReel #2: Never forget the paint colorReel #3: Costco HacksOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 005: Create Shareable Content to Increase Your Reach with the 3 S’sEpisode 029: Tailoring Successful Reel Techniques to Your NicheEpisode 030: Attract New Followers with Talk to Camera ReelsEpisode 034: Is Engagement the Most Important Metric on Instagram?Send a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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10:17
Hashtags Are Not Dead: Here's How to Use Them in 2025
Today is the day that we have a conversation about hashtags. I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors about how hashtags don’t work anymore or how they decrease your reach, and I know you’ve been hearing them too. So are they dead? Or are they still a powerful tool for your content? We’ll look at how hashtags (and keywords) can still be an effective way to maximize your reach and categorize your content. In this episode we’ll be covering:Remember my experiment with testing longer reels? The initial results are in!How hashtags work, how many to use, and how to use them to categorize your content so it reaches the right audience.The evolution of hashtags over the years, including their effectiveness and different strategies. Hashtags, keywords and the algorithm - how it all works together to make sure the right content gets to the right people.We’re reviewing real time examples and what results I am currently seeing in my own clients' content.Integrating keywords into your content strategy and where to find the best ones related to your niche!Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 012: Ditching the Toxic Advice on InstagramEpisode 014: Why Creating Specific Content Leads to Higher EngagementEpisode 020: SEO Strategies to Optimize Your Instagram ContentEpisode 034: Is Engagement the Most Important Metric on Instagram?Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1: HealthcareReel #2: HouseSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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12:51
Navigating Social Media Changes: Instagram Updates and Save Time Editing Videos
I don't know about you, but my head is spinning from the whirlwind of social media updates from this past weekend. From the roller coaster of TikTok's (brief) ban to Instagram's new grid layout and the introduction of three-minute reels, there's a lot to unpack. I'll also be sharing my favorite editing tips using InShot to make your talk-to-camera reels even more engaging and don't worry, I've got some viral reels to share with you to inspire your content this week!In this episode we’ll be covering:All the Instagram updates that happened over the weekend and how to make the most of the changes.Impacts of the new Instagram grid update and how you might be able to adapt, even if it isn’t ideal.I’m sharing my go-to tool for editing short form videos for Instagram and TikTok, plus I’ll walk you through my favorite features!How I got my start editing video - you may not have heard this story yet!Diversifying content platforms, while you may have a favorite, it’s still good to repurpose content to use on others.Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 025: Why You Want to Use the New Instagram FeaturesEpisode 029: Tailoring Successful Reel Techniques to Your NicheEpisode 032: We All Start at Zero: Embrace Storytelling to Connect with Your CommunityLinks to reels in this episode:Reel # 1: ScriptsReel # 2: Bodydoubling Send a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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15:06
Become Their Favorite Comfort Creator with Everyday Moments
Let’s just get right into it, I have so much I want to talk about in today’s episode, but first I want to remind you not to box yourself into one single type of content. Sharing a variety of different content types can be a far more effective way to reach and connect with your audience. We’ll dig a little deeper on this topic, exploring different ways to create a blend of content using my 4H Method that can actually captivate and convert your audience. We’ll also look at real-life examples of viral content that leverages everyday experiences to engage with followers.In this episode we’ll be covering:Diversifying your content types and how that can help engage multiple buyer personas.Using the 4H Method to share different aspects of life and business in your content. Returning to basics and using real-life experiences to create content that connects through relatability and trust. Using storytelling, no matter how mundane or boring it seems, personal stories captivate and engage your audience.Create and share offline experiences, these real life experiences encourage inspiration, and lead to more engaging and relational content. Make your audience feel as if they're interacting with a friend, this “comfort creator” content feels personalized and relatable.Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 018: The 4 H’s Are the Only Content Pillars You Need for ReelsEpisode 026: Start a Signature Series That People Keep Coming Back ForEpisode 037: Personalization is the Key to Your 2025 Content StrategyEpisode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday MomentsLinks to reels in this episode:Reel #1: Wedding Anniversary Reel #2: Heatless CurlsReel #3: Heart FloorReel #4: Alex on a BudgetSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
Open a bottle of pinot grigio or whip up an oat milk latte and relax with your host, Shannon McKinstrie, as she cuts through the obnoxious social media noise, answers all your burning questions, and shares exactly what’s working right now in real time. No more second-guessing, it’s time to level up your social media game the tried and true way…with good content.
New Zealand