Podcast Summary:

Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie — "How to Get New Followers on Instagram: Trial Reels, Bios, and More!"
Host: Shannon McKinstrie
Date: November 11, 2025

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In this concise episode, Shannon McKinstrie addresses one of the most pressing questions for business owners and creators: how do you actually get new followers on Instagram now? Shannon dives into recent shifts in user behavior, what features and content types are working, and lays out actionable strategies centered on optimizing your bio, mastering trial reels, and leveraging Instagram Stories to convert viewers into loyal followers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Today’s Instagram Following Behavior

• People are more selective:
  • Unlike the "crazy bonkers" days of instant follows after a single reel, users today thoroughly vet accounts before following.
  • Shannon: "There's more content than ever, there's more apps than ever, we're consuming more than ever. So we're a little picky about who we follow." [02:10]
• Typical user process before following:
  • See a Reel, visit the account, inspect the bio, highlights, pinned posts, and stories.
  • "I'll go to their account, creep around, right? Like poke around, look at their highlights, look at their bio, look at their pinned posts, look at their stories." [03:46]

2. The Instagram Bio as Your Storefront

• Bio = Signage; Grid = Storefront; Stories = Open Door.
  • Shannon uses a retail metaphor to illustrate the importance of the bio and grid:
    • Bio tells visitors immediately what’s inside and what’s on offer.
    • Grid lets visitors “window shop.”
    • Stories invite them in.
  • "Your bio, your bio is your signage. Your grid is your storefront. And then your stories are the open door that invites people in." [05:10]
• Make your bio clear and personal:
  • Move beyond generic "I help..." or "I teach..." bios.
  • Include specifics, showcase personality, and list exactly what someone will get by following.
  • Use tools like ChatGPT to help compile testimonials and unique selling points into your bio.
  • Shannon's current bio: "The Instagram tips you've been missing. Get your views up with content that works today. 20 years of media marketing. Host of Good Content." [08:55]
  • "Just make sure that bio is good." [09:45]

3. Leveraging Instagram Stories and Pinned Posts

• Stories build connection:
  • Stay active—even one story daily is better than none.
• Pinned Posts serve as website tabs:
  • Examples include About Me, Products, Blog—these help clarify your value proposition.
  • "Think of a website... you want to do that: something about you, something that talks about your products, something that converts, and something that's fun or lighthearted." [11:31]

4. Trial Reels: The Secret Weapon

• Trial Reels ("Trials") drive new follower growth:
  • Shannon emphasizes their effectiveness—even less successful trials can bring in new followers.
  • For those who don’t have access to trials, a hack is shared in the show notes (direction to look there).
• Clarifying trial reel myths:
  • Instagram may warn if you post the same trial repeatedly, but this does NOT risk your account; it only impacts that reel's reach.
  • "If I get anything from Instagram saying, 'Hey, Shannon, it looks like you've shared this before. It might not get more reach.' You know what? I'm still going to share it because I'm going to test it." [21:50]
• Best Practices for Trials:
  • Always have two versions: one for trials, one for your main feed.
  • Don’t “over-hack”—avoid posting the same trial reel too frequently to trials.
  • "Do not do it over and over and over again. This is where people started getting in trouble." [26:30]
• Sample Results:
  • Even low-performing trial reels (2,800 views) brought in 11 new followers.
  • "I don't care if my trial reel views suck...I still get a handful of followers. And that's great because they need my content, they need my help." [35:07]

5. "Ad" Reels: Scripts and Calls-to-Action That Work

• Replace generic content with direct calls-to-action reels, like explaining how the viewer will benefit and why they should follow.
• Sample script Shannon uses (direct quote):
  • "If you're discouraged with Instagram right now and desperately trying to get out of whatever view jail you're in, you need to hit the follow button. I share everything I know that's working right now for free..." [38:51]
• Formulas For Success:
  • Start with the pain point: "If you're feeling [blank], you need to hit follow."
  • POV reels also work well:
    • Ex: "POV: You're a small creator looking to break out of 200 view jail and you find my account." [44:23]

6. Testing, Grace, and Realism

• Success varies—most trial reels won’t go viral, but that’s okay.
• "Give yourself grace when it comes to trial reels. If they don't do well...I'm so proud of you for posting it. You tested it, and I'm over here cheering you on so hard." [47:00]
• Shannon reinforces the importance of experimentation and not trusting every piece of advice on the internet.

7. Shannon’s Final Advice

• For any reel you post, also share it to trials—and vice versa.
• If you receive an Instagram warning about reach, test anyway.
• Optimize your bio, create engaging pinned content, and stay active in stories.
• "That's how you're gonna get new followers in the end of the year and into 2026. Make sure that bio is awesome. The right content has been. Your stories are popping." [54:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On bios:

  • "Your bio is your signage, your grid is your storefront, and then your stories are the open door." [05:10]

• On testing and warnings:

  • "If you get that warning, do it anyway and see what happens....You should be totally fine. That's my advice. Don't trust everything you see on the Internet. I've tested this. My students have." [53:30]

• On perseverance:

  • "Your entire life value is not tied to your trial reel views...I'm so proud of you for posting it. You tested it, and I'm over here cheering you on so hard." [47:00]

Key Timestamps

• 00:00: Introduction and episode focus (“how to get new followers”)
• 02:10: Why Instagram users are more selective with follows now
• 05:10: Retail metaphor: Bio, grid, stories roles
• 09:45: Crafting a clear, personal bio
• 11:31: Pinned posts as website tabs
• 21:50: Addressing trial reel myths and warnings
• 26:30: Important warning on NOT overusing trial reels
• 35:07: Trials’ follower results—even from “low” view reels
• 38:51: Sample trial reel script
• 44:23: Successful POV reel concepts
• 47:00: Encouragement to test, give yourself grace
• 54:01: Final actionable advice and wrap-up

Action Steps for Listeners

1. Revisit and revise your Instagram bio to be specific, clear, and inviting.
2. Maintain activity in Stories and pin strategic posts at the top of your grid.
3. Consistently use trial reels following Shannon’s strategies—don’t fear testing.
4. Don’t get discouraged by reach warnings or less successful posts—focus on serving your target audience and iterate.

This tightly packed episode is equal parts myth-busting, motivating, and immensely practical for anyone looking to meaningfully grow their Instagram following heading into 2026. Shannon’s advice is real, tested, and delivered in her always-approachable, encouraging style.