[FAQ]

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to create a content strategy for my small business, and my biggest confusion is around the different formats. I have limited time, so I want to make sure I’m putting my effort in the right place.

It feels like everyone is saying to focus on Reels to grow, but creating videos takes a lot of time. Then you have the main feed posts, which seem important for making your profile look good and professional. And I’m honestly not sure what the point of Stories is if the content just disappears in 24 hours.

I’m just trying to understand the specific job of each format. When is the right time to create a Reel versus a carousel post versus a simple Story?

[Jeff Bullas]

This is the most important strategic question to ask when you have limited time and resources.

Short Answer: Use Reels for broad reach to non-followers, Posts for providing core value to your community, and Stories for daily, informal relationship-building with your most engaged audience.

The key is to stop seeing them as separate chores and start seeing them as three different tools working together to move a person from a stranger to a customer.

Think of it like this: Reels are your billboard on the highway. The primary job of this video format is discovery, reaching thousands of people who don’t know you exist. The content here needs to be entertaining or educational enough to make someone stop scrolling and check out your profile.

Posts, especially image and text carousels, are your professional shop window. When a new person lands on your profile from a Reel, your feed posts are what will convince them to follow. This is where you put your highest-value, evergreen content that establishes your authority and showcases your brand.

Stories are the conversation you have with a customer once they’re inside your shop. This is your tool for building relationships with the people who are already following you. Its temporary nature is a feature, not a bug; it allows for low-pressure, behind-the-scenes content, interactive polls, and Q&As that build community and trust.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Author]

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