When working with clients, it is essential to understand how to plan social media reels which delivers high-quality and engaging social media content. But what many don’t realise is that the secret to creating reels that truly connect with an audience begins long before the camera starts rolling.
Effective reels start with thoughtful planning. This includes understanding the client’s brand voice, identifying their target audience, and crafting a message that’s clear, compelling, and designed to stop the scroll. From concept development and scripting to choosing the right visuals and music, every decision made in the pre-production stage lays the foundation for a successful final product.
In short, the more intentional you are in the planning phase, the more engaging and impactful your social media content will be.
Curious how we pulled off the reels for Ōtautahi Tattoo? Let’s break down the planning and execution.
1. We Start with the Goal
Every reel we make has a purpose. Before we even pick up a camera, we ask ourselves:
What do we want this reel to achieve?
It might be boosting brand awareness, promoting a product, encouraging engagement, or simply entertaining. Once we’ve locked in the goal, it guides every decision we make from there.
2. We Think About the Audience
Next, we put ourselves in the viewer’s shoes. What will grab their attention? What will make them stop scrolling? Knowing our audience helps us shape the message, tone, and visuals. We often review insights and data to see what’s resonating with followers.
3. We Develop a Clear Concept
With the goal and audience in mind, we brainstorm ideas. Depending on the objective, we might choose a behind-the-scenes story, a how-to video, or something playful and trend-driven. The key is keeping it clear, simple, and scroll-worthy.
4. We Create a Quick Outline
Even a 15-second reel needs a solid structure. We outline the flow of the video, write a basic script or list the key shots we need, and figure out how to hook viewers in the first few seconds. We also plan the call-to-action we want to include at the end.
5. We Plan the Visuals
We plan out the look and feel of the reel—locations, lighting, props, and gear. Every shot should align with the brand’s personality and visual identity. Consistency is key to building recognition and trust.
6. We Choose the Right Sound
Music and audio play a huge role in the impact of a reel. We explore trending sounds and select one that fits the vibe we’re going for. If it’s a branded post, we ensure any music is licensed and approved for commercial use.
7. We Keep It Short and Snappy
To hold attention, our reels are always short, punchy, and to the point. We use sharp edits, dynamic pacing, and compelling visuals to keep viewers watching until the end.
8. We Edit with Purpose
In editing, we fine-tune the reel with transitions, text overlays, music, and other visual elements. Our goal is always to balance polish with authenticity so the final product feels engaging and on-brand.
We absolutely love both of them!
We will definitely be posting both of these and collaborating with you.
Phil – Shop / Artist Manager
