Content Creating 101 With Our Digital Marketing Manager
Content Creating 101 With Our Digital Marketing Manager
Hi, EF Ambassador fam!! 👋 I’m so excited to share a little more about what I do here at EF & hopefully inspire YOU to create fun content on your platform. I have been creating content online for the last 8+ years for both my personal account & brands. I have been on the EF team for 3 years now, and it has been such a dream job & blessing in my life!
In my role as Digital Marketing Manager, some of my main responsibilities are creating videos for our social platforms, working closely with our design team on email and SMS campaigns, and capturing any iPhone content needed for website or other promotional purposes! I’m excited to share more about what I have learned over the years navigating the crazy thing we call Instagram!
What advice would you give to our ambassadors on creating their own content?
The #1 rule I try to live by is to have FUN with it! Be creative. Try EVERYTHING! The thing about Instagram (or any platform for that matter) is that things are always changing. When creating content, it is important to try lots of different formats to see what your audience likes because your audience is made up of a different group of people than even someone in the same niche as you! Before we dive into different types of content that could be helpful while creating for EF, let’s start with the basics…
GETTING STARTED 🎉
Things you DO NOT NEED to create quality content:
Things you MIGHT want to invest in:
Very important 👏👏👏 Reels have been the name of the game on Instagram for some time now. With how the algorithm works, it’s important to create Reels to reach new audiences. Reels are much more likely to be seen on the Discover page and shown to other users that are interested in similar content you are producing.
What tips and advice do you have for IG Reels? Trending audio, hashtags, captions, etc?
For Reels, try everything!! Try trends. Try popular audios. When creating content, I find it best to shoot as much as I can. Shoot with different angles, lightings, backgrounds and see what turns out best! I’m a big fan of bulk creating. I typically try to have a running list of ideas I’ve seen or thought of, select a day (or a few hours), and try to create as many of those ideas as possible! 🫡
When it comes to hashtags, I won’t pretend to be an expert that has cracked the code! I unfortunately don’t think there is a secret sauce when it comes to hashtags. This is another area I try to just change up and play around with to see what works! Using up to 30 hashtags is a best practice and making sure the hashtag is relevant to the content is also important.
When writing captions, again, have fun with it and try it all! Short, witty captions are always scroll-stoppers, but also don’t be afraid to share your heart and be vulnerable. There’s a product that really means something to you? Share a part of your testimony or a time God was faithful during a challenging season. The Lord has worked in my heart more times than I can count through writing a caption. When my flesh has wanted to just write something trendy or cutesy, God has quickly changed my heart to share something HE wanted posted. Listen to the Holy Spirit even in creating content!
TIPS & TRICKS
Ok we’re getting to the good stuff!! Below are some examples of types of content we have seen success with here at EF. Unboxings, try-ons, day in the life, and aesthetic style videos are only a few of the fun ways you can create content. While creating, I always try to think of upcoming holidays/seasons, how I can add value or how I can entertain someone watching! 👇👇👇
UNBOXING VIDEOS
These can go SO MANY different ways.
- Speaking unboxing video! Create a 45-60 second clip highlighting your favorite parts about your new package!!
- ASMR videos - these are shorter clips typically 10-20 seconds where you really want to pick up the audio from your unboxing. Sounds like opening, tapping & unzipping the package create a cool ASMR feel! These also work nicely with additional audio sometimes. Play around with and without!
Example with added audio:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C84g6SIA5Jk/
Example without added audio:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CupFnwUgdBz/
- Add music or a voiceover. If you are getting started with creating content and aren’t quite comfortable speaking on camera yet, adding your voice afterward is a great way to still incorporate your personal touch! Oftentimes though, just adding audio and some text over the video works great!! Again, try it all and have fun with it ;)
Voiceover example:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz-T3m3gVRt/
TRY-ON VIDEOS 💃
- Show off your full EF wardrobe with a styling video! A tripod will come in handy for this style of video to guarantee your phone stays stationary while you're changing outfits.
- Show multiple items, asking viewers to vote in the comments to increase engagement!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7CdkRKAnP0/
- Style pieces in different ways! Show 1 or 2 pieces styled differently to show versatility.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuCpGyxg0h_/
DITL (Day In The Life) !!
These are some of my personal fav videos to watch! DITL videos can go lots of different ways with how you decide to layer in audio. Similar to the above explanations about unboxing!
Here’s a few examples from fellow creators:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp9CKjQA7if/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzkVC8WATfD/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8uF9ycg1VG/
AESTHETIC VIDEOS ☁️
If you find yourself in a beautiful setting wearing EF, here’s some examples of how you can turn those shots into some cool content!
Lifestyle:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpvIahuAQG7/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cqy2FoKA0ss/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cxrapu4gO3N/
Product-focused:
- Grab a few clips of your latest EF package! For this video, I screen recorded while videoing to show the recording view. Play around with different effects, lightings, and zooms to create a similar vibe!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9krL6QA6At/
- For these style videos, It’s important to keep your phone stationary.
This is where a tripod comes in handy!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ctz9SkwgATc/
REPURPOSING CONTENT
This is a mashup of different videos that each had already been used individually. Creating this collage style format and incorporating new audio, text, and caption, I was able to repurpose content we had already used and give it new life! Always go back through your older content and see how you could reuse pieces for new messaging.
SEASONAL
Lean into whatever season or holiday is around the corner!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0o_NOYgTeX/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzEydcog2im/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxgLApyA5QV/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2bfeicAgaW/
JEWELRY/ACCESSORY FOCUSED CONTENT
- When shooting jewelry or smaller accessories, it is more important to get closer shots to really see all the details! Here are a few examples! You want a clean background, good lighting, and intentional layering for each piece (eg: words and crosses oriented in an upright position).
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3zEMRtAgEt/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyMzNlVgtYa/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx6oKcCApeY/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CufPnVTgX9d/
- A fun way to highlight our jewelry is using the Scripture a product is inspired by for the copy in the video!
Incorporate multiple items:
Our stickers + tumblers are a great opportunity to show multiple products.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxwIABNAaIP/
Wear EF while unboxing EF 😉:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxMVdTXAtZ1/
OTHER IDEAS!!
- Incorporate other hobbies into your videos 📚
- Example of a “trending” video! These are important to incorporate, and it's best to jump on trends early for better exposure.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9qcDlug3fH/
- Funny/trending voiceovers are always fun to try!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvxKyaVgLvp/
- Add in friends - We love to see besties in EF 🤗🤗
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1sABHngOH1/
- Add encouraging text that relates to the product!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx4fyAsAvS7/
I hope you can draw some inspiration from these things I have learned over the years! The most important thing to remember is that you are never defined by the success of the content you create. As someone who does this for a living, I can tell you firsthand, good ideas might flop sometimes! That doesn’t make them bad ideas. Keep trying different things. If God has put this joy in your heart, He is rooting for you to succeed. Keep your eyes on Him, and the gift of creativity He gave you will surely flourish. God is with you, He is for you, and He is so happy when we share the good news about His love. Keep shining your light!!!
EF Digital Marketing Manager
- Bethany // @bethakneezinthetrap
Hi, EF Ambassador fam!! 👋 I’m so excited to share a little more about what I do here at EF & hopefully inspire YOU to create fun content on your platform. I have been creating content online for the last 8+ years for both my personal account & brands. I have been on the EF team for 3 years now, and it has been such a dream job & blessing in my life!
In my role as Digital Marketing Manager, some of my main responsibilities are creating videos for our social platforms, working closely with our design team on email and SMS campaigns, and capturing any iPhone content needed for website or other promotional purposes! I’m excited to share more about what I have learned over the years navigating the crazy thing we call Instagram!
What advice would you give to our ambassadors on creating their own content?
The #1 rule I try to live by is to have FUN with it! Be creative. Try EVERYTHING! The thing about Instagram (or any platform for that matter) is that things are always changing. When creating content, it is important to try lots of different formats to see what your audience likes because your audience is made up of a different group of people than even someone in the same niche as you! Before we dive into different types of content that could be helpful while creating for EF, let’s start with the basics…
GETTING STARTED 🎉
Things you DO NOT NEED to create quality content:
- An aesthetic house/background
- An expensive camera
- A huge social media following
Things you MIGHT want to invest in:
- A tripod. These are great when you are shooting content solo!
There are some on Amazon for about $30+ - A ring light. This is definitely not a must, but if you have a darker house or apartment, it might come in handy! Natural lighting is always best, but a ring light might be the next best option if you don’t have access to as much natural light.
Very important 👏👏👏 Reels have been the name of the game on Instagram for some time now. With how the algorithm works, it’s important to create Reels to reach new audiences. Reels are much more likely to be seen on the Discover page and shown to other users that are interested in similar content you are producing.
What tips and advice do you have for IG Reels? Trending audio, hashtags, captions, etc?
For Reels, try everything!! Try trends. Try popular audios. When creating content, I find it best to shoot as much as I can. Shoot with different angles, lightings, backgrounds and see what turns out best! I’m a big fan of bulk creating. I typically try to have a running list of ideas I’ve seen or thought of, select a day (or a few hours), and try to create as many of those ideas as possible! 🫡
When it comes to hashtags, I won’t pretend to be an expert that has cracked the code! I unfortunately don’t think there is a secret sauce when it comes to hashtags. This is another area I try to just change up and play around with to see what works! Using up to 30 hashtags is a best practice and making sure the hashtag is relevant to the content is also important.
When writing captions, again, have fun with it and try it all! Short, witty captions are always scroll-stoppers, but also don’t be afraid to share your heart and be vulnerable. There’s a product that really means something to you? Share a part of your testimony or a time God was faithful during a challenging season. The Lord has worked in my heart more times than I can count through writing a caption. When my flesh has wanted to just write something trendy or cutesy, God has quickly changed my heart to share something HE wanted posted. Listen to the Holy Spirit even in creating content!
TIPS & TRICKS
- Use your back camera 📸 I know it’s trickier not being able to see yourself, but when you see the quality difference, you’ll thank me!
- Good lighting is key. As stated earlier, natural lighting is *chefs kiss*. You can also play around with your camera settings while shooting to create more or less exposure.
- When creating, it’s better to shoot wider and crop later! When uploading Reels, IG crops the outer portion of videos so it’s important to keep the focus of your video in the center with enough room! (It’s also important to keep this in mind if you ever add copy to a video.)
- Try and create content as much as possible! Capturing in-between moments often serves as great filler clips when creating. At the coffee shop in your EF? Video your outfit, your coffee, accessories, the shop, your feet walking up to the counter… the more clips you capture, the more you have to work with when it’s time to edit!
Ok we’re getting to the good stuff!! Below are some examples of types of content we have seen success with here at EF. Unboxings, try-ons, day in the life, and aesthetic style videos are only a few of the fun ways you can create content. While creating, I always try to think of upcoming holidays/seasons, how I can add value or how I can entertain someone watching! 👇👇👇
UNBOXING VIDEOS
These can go SO MANY different ways.
- Speaking unboxing video! Create a 45-60 second clip highlighting your favorite parts about your new package!!
- ASMR videos - these are shorter clips typically 10-20 seconds where you really want to pick up the audio from your unboxing. Sounds like opening, tapping & unzipping the package create a cool ASMR feel! These also work nicely with additional audio sometimes. Play around with and without!
Example with added audio:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C84g6SIA5Jk/
Example without added audio:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CupFnwUgdBz/
- Add music or a voiceover. If you are getting started with creating content and aren’t quite comfortable speaking on camera yet, adding your voice afterward is a great way to still incorporate your personal touch! Oftentimes though, just adding audio and some text over the video works great!! Again, try it all and have fun with it ;)
Voiceover example:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz-T3m3gVRt/
TRY-ON VIDEOS 💃
- Show off your full EF wardrobe with a styling video! A tripod will come in handy for this style of video to guarantee your phone stays stationary while you're changing outfits.
- Show multiple items, asking viewers to vote in the comments to increase engagement!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7CdkRKAnP0/
- Style pieces in different ways! Show 1 or 2 pieces styled differently to show versatility.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuCpGyxg0h_/
DITL (Day In The Life) !!
These are some of my personal fav videos to watch! DITL videos can go lots of different ways with how you decide to layer in audio. Similar to the above explanations about unboxing!
Here’s a few examples from fellow creators:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp9CKjQA7if/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzkVC8WATfD/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8uF9ycg1VG/
AESTHETIC VIDEOS ☁️
If you find yourself in a beautiful setting wearing EF, here’s some examples of how you can turn those shots into some cool content!
Lifestyle:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpvIahuAQG7/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cqy2FoKA0ss/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cxrapu4gO3N/
Product-focused:
- Grab a few clips of your latest EF package! For this video, I screen recorded while videoing to show the recording view. Play around with different effects, lightings, and zooms to create a similar vibe!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9krL6QA6At/
- For these style videos, It’s important to keep your phone stationary.
This is where a tripod comes in handy!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ctz9SkwgATc/
REPURPOSING CONTENT
This is a mashup of different videos that each had already been used individually. Creating this collage style format and incorporating new audio, text, and caption, I was able to repurpose content we had already used and give it new life! Always go back through your older content and see how you could reuse pieces for new messaging.
SEASONAL
Lean into whatever season or holiday is around the corner!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0o_NOYgTeX/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzEydcog2im/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxgLApyA5QV/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2bfeicAgaW/
JEWELRY/ACCESSORY FOCUSED CONTENT
- When shooting jewelry or smaller accessories, it is more important to get closer shots to really see all the details! Here are a few examples! You want a clean background, good lighting, and intentional layering for each piece (eg: words and crosses oriented in an upright position).
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3zEMRtAgEt/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyMzNlVgtYa/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx6oKcCApeY/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CufPnVTgX9d/
- A fun way to highlight our jewelry is using the Scripture a product is inspired by for the copy in the video!
Incorporate multiple items:
Our stickers + tumblers are a great opportunity to show multiple products.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxwIABNAaIP/
Wear EF while unboxing EF 😉:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxMVdTXAtZ1/
OTHER IDEAS!!
- Incorporate other hobbies into your videos 📚
- Example of a “trending” video! These are important to incorporate, and it's best to jump on trends early for better exposure.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9qcDlug3fH/
- Funny/trending voiceovers are always fun to try!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvxKyaVgLvp/
- Add in friends - We love to see besties in EF 🤗🤗
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1sABHngOH1/
- Add encouraging text that relates to the product!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx4fyAsAvS7/
I hope you can draw some inspiration from these things I have learned over the years! The most important thing to remember is that you are never defined by the success of the content you create. As someone who does this for a living, I can tell you firsthand, good ideas might flop sometimes! That doesn’t make them bad ideas. Keep trying different things. If God has put this joy in your heart, He is rooting for you to succeed. Keep your eyes on Him, and the gift of creativity He gave you will surely flourish. God is with you, He is for you, and He is so happy when we share the good news about His love. Keep shining your light!!!
EF Digital Marketing Manager
- Bethany // @bethakneezinthetrap
Wow, Bethany 👏 Your tips and tricks seem so doable! – and how the key to great content creation stems from the fun and joy of creating it. We are so lucky to have you doing your thing here at EF! 🥹🤍
Aww this was so helpful and gave so many more ideas! Thank you so much <3
Leave a comment