Building Reach and Engagement for your Reels: Lessons from Marketing a Vibrant & Original Brand Like Kenyan Originals.

Social media marketing is like a thrilling rollercoaster. You’re constantly shifting between creativity, strategy, and analytics, but if done right, it’s one of the most rewarding rides for any brand. Working with Kenyan Originals, a brand that celebrates Kenyan culture, vibrancy, and originality, has taught me a lot about building reach and engagement on social media - especially using the powerful tool that is Instagram Reels.

Why Reels?

Let’s be honest, Reels have become the star of social media platforms. With their short, snappy format, Reels provide a perfect playground for brands to create content that’s easy to consume, shareable, and most importantly, engaging. Instagram’s algorithm loves them, which means it’s easier to get eyes on your content - if done well.

How to Keep Reels Punchy and Original

• Hook Them in the First Few Seconds Social media is fast-paced, and attention spans are short. With Reels, the first few seconds are your golden window to catch someone’s eye. Think bold visuals, surprising moments, catchy copy or a strong narrative opener.
• Be True to Your Brand’s Voice Reels are not just about entertainment - they’re about storytelling. For Kenyan Originals, every Reel is a mini-story of Kenyan culture, bold flavors, and local experiences. Keep your brand’s voice consistent across your content. Whether your brand is quirky, professional, or playful, make sure each Reel feels like a chapter from your story.
• Engage with Trends, But Put Your Spin on It Jumping on trending sounds - (ensuring you adhere to Meta guidelines) or challenges can boost your reach, but the trick is to put your unique spin on it. .
• Short and Sweet Wins the Race Nobody’s here for a lecture. Reels work best when they are short, punchy, and fun. Aim for 15-30 seconds of fast-paced, engaging content that leaves viewers wanting more.

• Maximize Reach with Hashtags and Captions Use the right hashtags to help your Reel land in front of the right audience. But don’t go overboard - use relevant, high-impact tags that align with your content. Captions matter too! Keep them short, engaging, and use a call-to-action (CTA) to encourage comments or shares.
• Boost Reels That Perform Well Organically If a Reel is doing well organically, give it an extra push! Boosting high-performing Reels can amplify reach and get your content in front of a larger audience. This is especially useful for campaigns or promotions that need an extra bump.
• Collaborate with Partners and Influencers One of the best ways to extend your reach is by collaborating with partners or influencers who align with your brand. Whether it's a co-branded Reel or simply featuring them using your product, collaborations can expose your content to new audiences. And don’t forget to use catchy copy and strong CTAs to engage your audience too.

Making Social Media Fun with Kenyan Originals

One of the best parts of working with a vibrant brand like Kenyan Originals is that it allows for a lot of creativity and fun. Our campaigns are always bursting with energy - whether it’s a behind-the-scenes peek into how our drinks are made or a fast-paced street style photoshoot featuring KO bottles. We’re constantly trying to connect with our audience on a more personal, cultural level, and that keeps the job exciting!

The best part of social media marketing is experimenting. You never know what might work until you try it. Play around with different formats, introduce humour, lean into what makes your brand unique, and don’t be afraid to take risks!

Wrapping Up

By keeping your content authentic, tapping into current trends, and staying true to your brand, you can make your Reels and overall social media presence a hit.