Let’s be honest—scrolling Instagram and Facebook these days feels like an Olympic sport. Our thumbs are in constant motion, and attention spans are… well, let’s just say shorter than your average coffee order at Starbucks.
Enter: short-form video. Specifically—Instagram and Facebook Reels.
If you’re a small service-based business wondering how to get noticed without a viral TikTok dance (unless that’s your vibe… no judgment), this blog post is for you.
Why Reels? Why Now?
Short-form videos—under 90 seconds, bite-sized, and endlessly scrollable—are social media’s hottest ticket in 2025. Instagram and Facebook are giving Reels primo real estate on their platforms because people can’t get enough of them.
The algorithm loves them. Audiences love them. And let’s face it—your future customers are more likely to watch a 30-second Reel than read a 300-word post.
What Types of Short-Form Videos Work for Service Businesses?
You don’t need fancy lighting, a film degree, or a trending dance challenge to create engaging Reels. Here’s what works (and works well) for service-based businesses like yours:
“Before & After” Transformations
- A cluttered-to-organized living room (professional organizers)
- An outdated bathroom to spa-worthy sanctuary (contractors & remodelers)
- A dull to dazzling haircut (salons and barbers)
People love a good makeover story—especially when it plays out in under a minute.
Quick Tips and How-To’s
Be the helpful expert in your field:
- Real estate agents: “3 things to do before listing your home”
- Photographers: “How to pose for better photos”
- Financial advisors: “1-minute budget hacks”
These types of Reels build trust and show your audience that you know your stuff.
Answer FAQs
You get asked the same five questions every day, right? Turn each one into its own Reel.
- “Do I really need a home inspection?” (Real estate)
- “How often should I schedule professional cleaning?” (Cleaning services)
- “What’s the difference between term and whole life insurance?” (Financial advisors)
Your clients are already asking—why not answer them on video?
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Show your human side:
- The prep before a big project
- A day in the life of your team
- Setting up for an event or shoot
Let your audience peek behind the curtain. Authenticity = engagement.
Customer Testimonials (But Make It Fun)
Instead of long, scripted reviews, grab a quick 20-second soundbite from a happy client. Or better yet—turn a text testimonial into an animated Reel with fun captions and music.
Something Fun and Unexpected
If your office dog makes a surprise appearance… film it.
If your team has a coffee addiction… show it.
If you mess up and laugh about it… post it.
Real, relatable, and fun content makes people stick around.
Pro Tips to Make Your Reels Work Harder for You
- Use Captions: 85% of users watch with the sound off (yep… really).
- Hook Them Fast: Your first 3 seconds matter most.
- Stay On Brand: Keep your colors, tone, and style consistent.
- Leverage Trends—But Make Them Yours: If a trend fits your brand, go for it. If not, don’t force it.
How Fern Street Strategic Marketing Can Help
Look, we get it. Coming up with Reel ideas every week? Filming? Editing? Writing captions? It’s a lot.
That’s where we come in.
We’re not here to shove a hard sell down your throat. But we ARE here to help take the pressure off. Whether it’s brainstorming content ideas, scripting your next FAQ series, or editing your behind-the-scenes footage to make it pop—we’re your creative sidekick.
Think of us as your in-house marketing team… minus the overhead and the awkward team-building exercises.
Ready to Reel In Your Audience?
You don’t need to go viral to make an impact. You just need to show up, be authentic, and deliver content your audience actually wants to see.
And if you need a little nudge (or a full-blown social media strategy)? Well… you know where to find us.
P.S. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for even more social media tips and inspiration. Let’s make your business the one everyone’s double-tapping.
