
Hosted by Shannon McKinstrie · EN
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.

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!

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!

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!

We’re kicking off 2025 with a commitment to going back to basics and actually being excited about the content we are creating. It’s more important than ever to share your stories and show up as your true self to truly connect with your audience. I’m also sharing my thoughts on how the social media landscape has changed in recent years, exploring the shift away from toxic one size fits all advice and focusing more on transparency and integrity. Let's navigate this new year together and create content that's not just effective, but also enjoyable!In this episode we’ll be covering:How the social media landscape has changed since 2020 and even during 2024We’re ditching the toxic marketing tactics, there is no space for the stressful marketing advice that has become widespread in recent years.The return to fundamental marketing principles like transparency, integrity, and honesty.Applying the 4 H Method to your content strategy this year.Diversifying your content with a mix of personal stories to build a genuine connection with your audience.A peek at the big plans coming in 2025!Links from this episode: Grow Your Gram GuideThe 4 H Method MasterclassA Week of ContentEpisodes you might have missed:Episode 039: Transform Your Business in 2025: Top Tips and Trends for Good ContentEpisode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday MomentsEpisode 041: Let’s Make Content Creation the Easiest Thing on Your To Do ListEpisode 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!

I have some EPIC reels to share with you today as we send off 2024 and head into 2025. I hope you did your homework from last week’s episode, because we are taking content creation seriously in the new year, and it’s going to be the easiest year of content creation yet. Now that we're making content part of our daily routine, let's talk about what you’re going to do with all the B-roll you’ve been capturing over the last week and how to turn it into simple and engaging reels.In this episode we’ll be covering:Skipping the fancy edits to embrace a minimal set up to document daily activities.Three different types of text for B-roll: Lists, Random Thoughts, the “Book Reel”Repurposing your reels and carousels without hitting copy and paste.Creating habits and routines that make it easy for you to capture relatable content throughout the day.Examples of successful reels that are currently going viral with simple B-roll videos of mundane activities.Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1: Toddler SnackReel #2: Productivity Coach Habit StackingReel #3: Podcaster with HeadphonesReel #4: Workout, Being UncomfortableReel #5: Hotel ContentReel #6: Logo's I redesignedReel #7: How Your Dinner Should FeelOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 017: Turn a Simple Idea into a Reel People Will LoveEpisode 037: Personalization is the Key to Your 2025 Content StrategyEpisode 039: Transform Your Business in 2025: Top Tips and Trends for Good ContentEpisode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday MomentsEpisode 041: Let’s Make Content Creation the Easiest Thing on Your To Do ListSend 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!

It’s the end of 2024 and I know many of us are tired and have pretty much checked out for the year. This episode is full of tips you can start implementing today to make social media an enjoyable part of your business strategy. From hiring help to simple tips on integrating content into your daily routines, I’m here to remind you that creating good content doesn’t have to be a chore. We’ll also look at successful reels and how documenting your everyday moments can truly resonate with your audience. We’re going to make content creation in 2025 easier and more effective than ever. In this episode we’ll be covering:Hiring local business owners to help create your social media content.Prioritizing your content with simple systems and habits.How I leverage AI to turn my existing content into even more content. Creating impactful content that actually resonates with your audience.Capturing everyday moments for B Roll without consuming every moment of your day.Simplified editing techniques for your videos, to make it quick and easy.Remember we aren’t creating “perfect” content!Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1 CindyReel #2 Airbnb Reel #3 Putting on MascaraReel #4 In Case Your Mom Didn’t Teach YouOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 007: Relatability in Everyday Content with Instagram Stories and ReelsEpisode 017: Turn a Simple Idea into a Reel People Will LoveEpisode 024: Is Storytelling the Missing Piece in Your Content?Episode 030: Attract New Followers with Talk to Camera ReelsEpisode 032: We All Start at Zero: Embrace Storytelling to Connect with Your CommunityEpisode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday MomentsSend 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!

I’ve said this before, but the reason my business is where it is today, is because of posting stories on Instagram. In the early days of my business (I’m talking 500 followers!) Instagram stories catapulted my growth, it was where I showed up the most, but it was also where I was most confident showing up. So let’s jump in to how you can start capturing those day to day moments and turn them into experiences on stories. It literally takes just moments to create and you could make a sale, gain a new follower, or build a connection with someone, even if showing up on stories does not come easy for you.In this episode we’ll be covering:The types of stories I shared in the early days of my business and examples of what I am sharing now.The anatomy of an Instagram account and how it represents your signage and storefront.How to reset your stories by taking breaks and letting them expire! Take advantage of this extra boost to your views.It’s normal for viewers to fall off after the first three stories, so front load those first stories!You want about 7% of your following to be viewing your stories, and you may see an extra boost in views when you are documenting a vacation or something fun!I’ll walk you through some examples of stories I share day to day and the different types of content I like to share in my stories.Every single day, try to put something in your stories that have nothing to do with your business but everything to do with you, your team, or your store. Should you be sharing your reels to your stories?!?Remember, people LOVE to follow PEOPLE and want to see your experiences!Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 002: Uncomplicating Social Media through Simple ContentEpisode 007: Relatability in Everyday Content with Instagram Stories and ReelsEpisode 012: Ditching the Toxic Advice on InstagramEpisode 022: Boost Your Instagram Engagement With These Simple StrategiesEpisode 032: We All Start at Zero: Embrace Storytelling to Connect with Your CommunitySend 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!

What an amazing year it has been! There’s a lot to unpack in this episode, I’m sharing a major milestone in my business journey and we’re talking about ethics in marketing. We’ll also look at current viral reels trends that you’ll be seeing more of in 2025.In this episode we’ll be covering:A behind the scenes look at hitting business milestones!Staying true to who you are and standing up for what you believe in.Ethical marketing practices and how things are changing.Current trends you’ll want to pay attention to when creating content.Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1: How to MeasureReel #2: Bec StewartReel #3: Dryer Sheet TricksOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 016: Overcome Social Media Overwhelm with Timeless Marketing StrategiesEpisode 027: Let Your True Personality ShineEpisode 029: Tailoring Successful Reel Techniques to Your NicheEpisode 037: Personalization is the Key to Your 2025 Content StrategySend 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!

Let’s be honest, it’s the holidays and you do not have the time to stress about what to post on Instagram this week. When used correctly, ChatGPT can be an incredible tool in your business, but instead of allowing ChatGPT to write boring, generic content for you, use it for inspiration and add your own unique twist. It isn’t always easy to know exactly what to ask ChatGPT, that’s why I’m sharing three prompts to help you get started. We’ll discuss how to ethically use ChatGPT in your content, with real life applications to spark your creativity, so you can start creating content right now. In this episode we’ll be covering:Why it’s risky to use ChatGPT to create content for you and how to use it responsibly.The different ways to use the content prompts and hooks I share with you..Three ways to use ChatGPT responsibly in your content: Inspiration and Ideas, Content Repurposing, Tweaks and EditingQuick tips for using ChatGPT to help with market research and understanding your audience better (PS: You still need to do your own market research!)How to use ChatGPT for inspiration and ideas while adding your own unique spin. Spice up your content, take your existing content and use ChatGPT to make tweaks and edits.Reels in this episode:Hawaii Reel Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 014: Why Creating Specific Content Leads to Higher EngagementEpisode 035: Turning Inspiration into Unique and Original ContentEpisode 036: Maintaining Your Brand Identity When Everything is TrendyEpisode 037: Personalization is the Key to Your 2025 Content StrategySend 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!

As 2025 approaches, we're diving into the future of social media content creation. Spoiler alert: it's all about making your content personal and relatable! We'll discuss how educational content has transformed over the years, why personal stories resonate more than generic Google tips, and we’re exploring examples of viral content that connects with audiences on a deeper level. Let's close out the year strong with good content!In this episode we’ll be covering:How content has evolved over the years and why what used to work, doesn't anymore.Inviting your audience into your world and the reason personal content resonates so well.Different ways you can add a unique touch to your own content, with examples!Creating personalized content works with all the 4 H Method categories, heard, helpful, humor, and happenings.Suggestions for creating timely, personalized content around the holiday season and other current events.Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 007: Relatability in Everyday Content with Instagram Stories and ReelsEpisode 014: Why Creating Specific Content Leads to Higher EngagementEpisode 018: The 4 H’s Are the Only Content Pillars You Need for ReelsEpisode 024: Is Storytelling the Missing Piece in Your Content?Episode 026: Start a Signature Series That People Keep Coming Back ForSend 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!