Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

Shannon McKinstrie

Open a bottle of pinot grigio or whip up an oat milk latte and relax with your host, Shannon McKinstrie, as she cuts through the obnoxious social media noise, answers all your burning questions, and shares exactly what’s working right now in real time. No more second-guessing, it’s time to level up your social media game the tried and true way…with good content.

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20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 16 min
Have More Conversations and Let Your Audience Shape Your Content
If you’re the person who is stuck right now and you don’t know what to post, I need you to get out and start having more conversations. Once you start having these conversations, notice what sparks interest. My audience shapes everything I do, from offers to website content to taglines, and noticing the smallest details can start meaningful conversations that help grow your brand. I’ll share how conversations have impacted my content and helped me get brand deals. We’ll also look at real content examples and hooks that you can use, even as an introvert or someone who hates talking on camera. In this episode we’ll be covering: Sharing things you notice throughout your day without exposing every last detail of your life. Observe reactions and take people behind the scenes recording little things that someone on the outside has never seen before. Start noticing when you’re out or working with clients, what is unexpected? What do they ask about? Use this to create content that people will find interesting and start a conversation. Using easy to understand language that anyone can connect with. Featured content in this episode: Gesoderberg: Expensive things that changed my life The.hostess.collective: What to buy for the host Toast_events: Reception crowd favorite Tangkarmen: 10 Things I do on a flight as a nutritionist Recommended episodes: Episode 113: This Instagram Story Strategy Became My Biggest Sales Funnel Episode 119: Your Boring Life Moments are the Shortcut to Success Episode 121: Discover What’s Valuable Once You Start Posting Episode 122: Insider Style Content is Taking Over Social Media Episode 123: Fill in the Blanks and Start Sharing Your Insider Knowledge Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
July 21 · 8 min
Fill in the Blanks and Start Sharing Your Insider Knowledge
I hope you did your homework last week because we’re jumping right in with some prompts to help you start sharing your insider experiences. This type of content works for any industry, whether you’re a stay at home parent, a grad student, or you work a 9 to 5, we want all of your unique insider knowledge. We’ll walk through multiple high performing content ideas, with easy prompts and I’m sharing lots of ideas to help you fill in the blanks. Today, we’re embracing identity, taste, and real life experiences to create irresistible content that actually works. In this episode we’ll be covering: Using your unique insider knowledge and experiences to connect with your audience. Content ideas for the next week with five prompts including examples to help you fill in the blanks so you can start creating right away. How to create the insider experience with your unique perspectives and experiences, building trust with your audience. Featured content in this episode: ShannonMcKinstrie: The best content ideas I saved for you this week Recommended episodes: Episode 100: Use Identity Driven Content to Connect and Engage with Your Audience Episode 111: It’s How You Fill in the Blanks That Makes the Hook Unique to You Episode 115: It’s Time to Get Yapping On Camera Episode 118: Identity Maxxing Will Help You Find Your Ideal Audience Episode 122: Insider Style Content is Taking Over Social Media Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
July 14 · 14 min
Insider Style Content is Taking Over Social Media
We have entered yet another new era of content creation and it all leads back to human connection. One of the biggest and most underrated growth hacks on social media is bonding with your audience, and for a while people forgot the whole reason we are on social media to begin with. Well I think we’ve all realized what was missing and now we are looking for people to connect with and feel seen. And when we look at what’s really working on Instagram right now, its content based on lived experiences, personal journeys, beliefs, and perspectives. Think less influencer and more insider, and that doesn’t mean the end of influencers or that every single thing you share needs to be behind the scenes content, but it does mean that we want to see more from the people working behind the scenes. In this episode we’ll be covering: Why sharing your inside perspective is going to change everything for content creation, we don’t like to feel like outsiders, we want to experience an insider's perspective. Taking what you’re already doing and things you see everyday that your audience doesn’t, and turning it into content that changes your life. How to build trust with your audience through insider style content, when trust is at its lowest right now. Trade influencer style content for insider style content, with behind the scenes content that actually connects and builds trust. Why big corporations are paying their employees to create video content right now and what this means for content. Featured content in this episode: ShannonMcKinstrie: Starbucks is paying baristas to make TikToks Janeconnery: The content I want to see Emmagrede: GRWM for Wimbledon Kathrynlturner: A look at some of my favorite products Heycourtneymitchell: What I’m wearing at Anthropologie as a full time stylist Recommended episodes: Episode 97: We All Love Familiarity, Here’s How to Create that Familiar Feeling in Your Content Episode 104: How to Create Viral Reels From Everyday Video Clips Episode 109: The Human Side of Content That Sells Episode 119: Your Boring Life Moments are the Shortcut to Success Episode 121: Discover What’s Valuable Once You Start Posting Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
July 7 · 10 min
Discover What’s Valuable Once You Start Posting
For years I thought I had nothing valuable to share on social media. When I first started posting on Instagram, nothing I was sharing was mind blowing, I was just documenting. So, I started posting a little more, showed up in stories, and took people along on my journey, and suddenly I'm getting people asking me, “How do I work with you? Will you come into my office? I'll pay you.” All I was doing was documenting something I did not find valuable or interesting, but it was valuable and interesting to other people. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out just yet, your audience will tell you what is valuable, but first you have to hit post. Once you start posting, you learn what your audience loves the most. So I want to reassure you, even if you feel like you don't have anything valuable to share, you do. In this episode we’ll be covering: How to find inspiration when you feel stuck. Try reading a book, sitting at a coffee shop, or having a conversation with someone. You don’t need to have everything figured out yet, just start posting to figure out what works. Moving past your own self doubt to find success, you’ll be so glad when you get out of your head and start recording. Take your audience on a journey with you, document your day (even if it seems boring and basic) and share the moments that matter to you. Start posting and let your audience tell you what is valuable, it might surprise you! Featured content in this episode: ShannonMcKinstrie: Hot Dog Beach Hack Recommended episodes: Episode 104: How to Create Viral Reels From Everyday Video Clips Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Episode 115: It’s Time to Get Yapping On Camera Episode 116: Easy Content Ideas for When You’re Not Feeling Creative Episode 119: Your Boring Life Moments are the Shortcut to Success Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
June 30 · 10 min
Three Things To Set Up Before Your Content Goes Viral
I tell people this all the time and I don’t think they realize that you are literally just one post away from blowing up on Instagram. But here’s the thing most people don’t think about, you need to have the systems in place before it ever happens. I’m not saying don’t post your content, or use my hooks, in fact I want you to do that today! If you’re sharing online and people are connecting with you, eventually people will start reaching out, and I want to make sure you have systems in place to handle it, because trust me, once the ball starts rolling, you might feel overwhelmed. In this episode we’ll be covering: The three most important systems to have set up in case you blow up on Instagram (or other social media platforms.) How I’m leveraging ManyChat for the podcast and other ways you can use it for your business to create effortless automations that work for you around the clock. Creating a Canva account for digital products so you can start selling your expertise, I know you have something sitting in your notes that can make you money. Making sure you have a way for people to contact you, whether it’s brand collaborations or speaking opportunities, you need to have a simple way for people to get in touch with you. It’s ok to start small and simple, I used Google Docs for years, your people don’t care about the packaging, they want your brain and your knowledge. Featured content in this episode: Social.varsity is your ManyChat Expert! Recommended episodes: Episode 87: How to Get New Followers on Instagram: Trial Reels, Bios, and More! Episode 98: Start Selling on Social Media without Feeling Salesy Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Episode 117: How to Start Making Money Without Fancy Funnels Episode 119: Your Boring Life Moments are the Shortcut to Success Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
June 23 · 12 min
Your Boring Life Moments are the Shortcut to Success
If you feel like you are boring, or your niche is boring, I need you to hear me: you are not boring. Those random and mundane life moments are exactly what we are craving on social media right now, and if you feel like you have nothing to say on Instagram, get out of the house, go for a walk, meet with a friend, read a news article and take note of what lights you up. Go do something interesting and talk about it. We see all this content on social media and it’s so edited and perfect, sometimes we just need to feel something real. Our brains are dying for more mundane and boring, and to just connect with you over the silliest stuff. In this episode we’ll be covering: The value of “boring” content and how seemingly mundane things from your day can actually be the key to more conversations. Remember how I’ve been begging you to document your day with photos and video clips? Now is the time to use it! How to get out of a boring content rut and find some inspiration in your day. Get outside your niche, your life isn’t all business, we want to see and hear about your day. Sharing your journey helps connect with people who are on a similar path, or share the same values and beliefs. Featured content in this episode: grace_lanker: How to pick the perfect watermelon Doctora_edith: Unhinged things I’ve recommended as a pediatrician Laurennortonbeauty: The art of knowing when to stop Hollydawnkuni: Your toddler does not care if the craft is aesthetic Shannonmckinstrie: The Anti-Edit Edit Recommended episodes: Episode 103: Hot Take: We’re Following Accounts Where We See a Reflection of Ourselves Episode 104: How to Create Viral Reels From Everyday Video Clips Episode 106: Spark Conversations with Reels Your Audience Will Want To Respond To Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Episode 109: The Human Side of Content That Sells Episode 116: Easy Content Ideas for When You’re Not Feeling Creative Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
June 16 · 12 min
Identity Maxxing Will Help You Find Your Ideal Audience
Identity maxxing is taking over Instagram right now and I’m here for it. We are getting thrown so much content these days, that you need something to help you stand out from everyone else. Because we don’t want to simply blend in, we want to create content that resonates and connects with our audience. This looks like sharing pieces of you (aka your identity) that other people can connect with so they see themselves and stop, thinking “wait, that’s me!” If you’re struggling with low views or you just want to stop the scroll, I have tons of examples (linked below!) to help you start owning your identity on Instagram. In this episode we’ll be covering: What is “identity maxxing" and how to start using it when you create content for Instagram. How identity influences connections online and in person, and how our identity goes beyond simple demographics. Discussing identity based content hooks to call out our audience and increase engagement. How the Instagram algorithm serves content based on your specific identity and tastes. Multiple content examples and POV ideas for identity maxxing your posts. Featured content in this episode: Noellebybee: Rules I have for myself Littlebugtogs: The library books I borrowed Arthousecharlotte: I sell original local art in Charlotte, NC Taylorjackzen: Making dinner for my family The_intuition_dietitian: Convenience eater Welltraveledchild: New non-stop international flights Prestonkonrad: Simple and lux table upgrades Shannonmckinstrie: Identity Maxxing Recommended episodes: Episode 103: Hot Take: We’re Following Accounts Where We See a Reflection of Ourselves Episode 110: Become More Memorable When You Stop Overthinking and Start Repeating Episode 111: It’s How You Fill in the Blanks That Makes the Hook Unique to You Episode 117: How to Start Making Money Without Fancy Funnels Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
June 9 · 15 min
How to Start Making Money Without Fancy Funnels
I know a lot of people make it seem easy, they have a viral reel, sell a bunch of stuff and then suddenly become millionaires. Fun fact: It's actually not that easy, because if it was, we would all be millionaires. I know it appears to happen overnight, but for most people they’ve been doing this for a long time, myself included. My Reels Lab recently hit over $2 million in sales and I’m going to tell you exactly how I did the dang thing without fancy funnels. In this episode we’ll be covering: How those overnight successes aren’t so overnight, in fact they are often years in the making. A peek into my business journey and how I started monetizing my Instagram account. How I started building my business, showing up and getting my name out there. Early marketing strategies including personal outreach to family and friends, even if they didn’t need what I was offering. Building my local community in person at networking events and workshops. Evolution of my services and price points, and how I ensured they were the right offers for my community and for me. Recommended episodes: Episode 98: Start Selling on Social Media without Feeling Salesy Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Episode 109: The Human Side of Content That Sells Episode 113: This Instagram Story Strategy Became My Biggest Sales Funnel Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
June 2 · 16 min
Easy Content Ideas for When You’re Not Feeling Creative
I’ve been navigating this strange “white space” after a whirlwind few weeks filled with nonstop busyness now that everything has slowed down. Instead of feeling relaxed, I was hit with a wave of anxiety and feeling like maybe I’m not doing enough. So, I’m working on letting myself just be, that means no big launches, no new projects, just enjoying where I’m at right now. If you’re running on empty or stuck in a creative slump, remember that it’s okay to repurpose your content or simply take a break. The truth is, our audiences won’t vanish if we step back or reuse a great post from a few months ago. If you still want to show up, there are easy content hacks you can lean on like reaction videos or sharing relatable moments, they really work when your creativity is all tapped out. So here’s your permission to give yourself some grace this summer, trust that “enough” is truly enough, and know I’m right there with you. In this episode we’ll be covering: Navigating busy seasons and down time in life without the pressure of expectations. Permission to pause for rest and resisting the temptation to work on new projects and ideas. How to maintain a social media presence while taking a summer break or vacation. Creative content ideas like sharing trending articles and familiar brands. What the BENS (Big, Easy, New, Safe) Method is and how to apply it to your posts. Hooks and formats for high-engagement reels, including borrowed familiarity and relatable moments Featured content in this episode: Shannonmckinstrie: How to Yap without Rambling Zakbcreates: The new status symbol nobody talks about Heart.led.wellness: Using food as a buffer from life Thestomachdoc: If peas get their marketing right Recommended episodes: Episode 57: Repurpose Your Content for More Impact with Less Effort Episode 94: You Want Your Content to Fit Your Life, Not Become Your Life Episode 97: We All Love Familiarity, Here’s How to Create that Familiar Feeling in Your Content Episode 107: Where To Find Content Ideas So You’re Always Ready To Post Episode 110: Become More Memorable When You Stop Overthinking and Start Repeating Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
May 26 · 15 min
It’s Time to Get Yapping On Camera
Right now is the easiest time to grow on social media, especially with the rise of yapping videos. What is yapping exactly? It’s basically just a talk to camera reel. Whether the idea of yapping on camera feels scary for you or you’re just not sure where to start, I’m going to walk you through my favorite tips and a simple formula to help you start creating your own yapping videos. In this episode we’ll be covering: Why we all love yapping videos on Instagram so much right now, especially with the rise of AI content. Do yap videos actually convert? We'll look at real examples of successful yapping videos. How to create yap videos when speaking on camera feels scary and the real reason you hate how you sound on camera. A peek behind the scenes of creating a yapping reel and why I usually do three takes of all my videos. A walkthrough of my simple 30 Second Reel Formula. Featured content in this episode: Lonelinessdoctor: Making friends as an adult Sabrinakaylor: I own three coffee shops in GA Hindirlane: Smartest things we did was create a family email The thirty second yap formula Recommended episodes: Episode 103: Hot Take: We’re Following Accounts Where We See a Reflection of Ourselves Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Episode 109: The Human Side of Content That Sells Episode 114: Intellectual Property vs. Content Inspiration: Protecting Your Work as a Creator Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
May 19 · 13 min
Intellectual Property vs. Content Inspiration: Protecting Your Work as a Creator
We're diving into a hot topic: content copying. I’m breaking down the difference between inspiration vs copying, how to protect your intellectual property, and I’m sharing personal experiences of copyright infringement and the best ways to handle it all. We'll talk about what you can do when your content is taken without credit, the right and wrong ways to get inspired, and why it's so important to celebrate your own originality in the online space. If you’ve ever wondered when to shout someone out or how to make sure your ideas are protected, this episode is for you! In this episode we’ll be covering: The difference between content copying, inspiration, and intellectual property and why it matters. My own experiences with copyright infringement, how I handled it and what I wish I had done differently. Deciding when to take legal action vs. letting things go and what options are available to you for dealing with content theft. Trending or viral content vs Intellectual Property: enjoying when others use the concept and knowing what’s “teachable” vs. just “inspired content.” Best practices when it comes to other people's content: obtaining explicit, written permission before reposting others’ content and knowing when to tag another creator to give credit where it is due. My method for handling content inspiration when I can’t recall the original creator. Recommended episodes: Episode 35: Turning Inspiration into Unique and Original Content Episode 42: Your Simple B-Roll Can Become Easy Reels That Actually Convert Episode 63: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it Personal Episode 95: Building Real Community with Stories and Shared Moments Episode 107: Where To Find Content Ideas So You’re Always Ready To Post Episode 111: It’s How You Fill in the Blanks That Makes the Hook Unique to You Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
May 12 · 15 min
This Instagram Story Strategy Became My Biggest Sales Funnel
Instagram Stories have become my biggest sales funnel to date, even rivaling my email list, and I’m going to walk you through my proven strategy that works for both launches and daily content. This strategy includes how I start my day, incorporating interactive elements like stickers and sliders, with a mix of both business and personal content to keep followers engaged. I’ll break down how I structure stories like a sales page from introducing offers to sharing testimonials and we’ll also touch on real life marketing brilliance that leans on nostalgia and relatability to build trust and boost conversions. In this episode we’ll be covering: How Instagram Stories became my most powerful sales funnel for business growth. My step by step Instagram Stories strategy for launching high-ticket offers. Mixing personal life and business in Stories to encourage audience interactions. Using Instagram insights to analyze which Stories get the most engagement. Increasing Story conversions with link stickers, sliders and ManyChat. Recommended episodes: Episode 62: Why You Don’t Need Fancy Content to Stand Out Episode 72: Creator Style Content is for Everyone, Even You Episode 73: Staying Top of Mind with Instagram Stories Episode 95: Building Real Community with Stories and Shared Moments Episode 109: The Human Side of Content That Sells Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
May 5 · 19 min
Multiply Your Views by Adding These Five Things to Your Hooks
This past week was a pivotal moment in my career, from my early days with a bulky video camera to standing on stage as a keynote speaker at Social Media Marketing World, I am so grateful for this journey I am on. There may be a few tears as I reflect on how my lifelong love for documenting memories and making people feel seen has come full circle, and I hope it reminds us all that your unique stories matter in business and online marketing. This week I want to focus on your hooks, so I’m sharing actionable content tips that I want you to start using right away, because these five simple things have helped my clients 10x the views on their content. In this episode we’ll be covering: The five easy tweaks to personalize your hooks and make them uniquely yours so they stand out. How to use identifiers in your content to attract the right audience. Using something recognizable that the audience can attach to, this could be as simple as particular as a location or product. Be more descriptive in your hook by getting specific, this helps your content get in front of the right people. Share something relevant by using what’s happening right now, this could be an upcoming event or holiday, but lean on what’s trending right now. Make your content feel personal using the words “I and my” this builds trust and it helps people feel seen. Recommended episodes: Episode 19: Convert Viewers to Followers with the “That’s Me” Reel Episode 40: Build More Connections with Everyday Moments Episode 70: Instagram Growth Hacks That Actually Work and Give Your Account Personality Episode 85: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your Content Episode 97: We All Love Familiarity, Here’s How to Create that Familiar Feeling in Your Content Episode 100: Use Identity Driven Content to Connect and Engage with Your Audience Episode 111: It’s How You Fill in the Blanks That Makes the Hook Unique to You Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
April 28 · 10 min
It’s How You Fill in the Blanks That Makes the Hook Unique to You
If you’re struggling with what to put in the blank for the “fill in the blank hooks” I share with you each week, I’m going to help you figure out exactly where to start. These hooks are templates waiting for you to add your own personality so you don’t sound like every other person posting on Instagram. We’ll discuss using specificity and identifiers that your audience will relate to, while still tapping into those trends and experiences that really makes your content stand out. Then, I want you to take what we talk about in this episode and run with it, don’t overthink it, just run with it. In this episode we’ll be covering: The five hooks I’m begging you to use this week to quadruple your views. Why your hooks blend into the scroll and sound just like everyone else’s. How to make sure your hooks are unique to you and resonate with your audience. Step by step examples to show you what’s actually working and how these templates can easily be personalized. Using these trending hooks with personal identifiers to be recognizable and showcase your unique stories and experiences. Featured content in this episode: Shannonmckinstrie: Hooks I’m begging you to use this week to quadruple your views Recommended episodes: Episode 92: This is the Era of Experiences and Belonging Episode 100: Use Identity Driven Content to Connect and Engage with Your Audience Episode 101: Double Your Views on Instagram with the RISE Formula Episode 109: The Human Side of Content That Sells Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
April 21 · 14 min
Become More Memorable When You Stop Overthinking and Start Repeating
We need to talk about something that I hope will change everything for you as far as being more consistent, stopping overthinking, growing your account, and getting more sales. I think this might be one of the biggest struggles a lot of my clients still have, but you need to start repeating yourself. You can say the same thing 100 times and that's not going to drive anyone away, it's actually going to keep them around. We're looking for content that reflects exactly what we want to see, that may be what's coming up in our lives, something to make life easier, or something we love right now. Repetition in your content is not lazy, it’s strategic and the smartest creators are leveraging it to grow their accounts, boost sales, and become memorable. In this episode we’ll be covering: Why you shouldn't be scared of repeating yourself, because what consumers really want is to binge content related to their current life stage. Social media thrives on familiarity and repetition helps you become more recognizable and memorable. Marketing is all about repetition and saying the same thing over and over again in new ways. Your new content marketing strategy: utilizing your account insights and repurposing your top performing reels, updating and tweaking hooks and formats as needed. Advice for getting started as a brand new content creator if you don’t have any content to repurpose (yet!) Recommended episodes: Episode 77: Simple B-Roll and Strong Hooks for Low-Effort, High-Impact Instagram Content Episode 96: Boost Retention Rates and Create Memorable Content that Feels Human Episode 97: We All Love Familiarity, Here’s How to Create that Familiar Feeling in Your Content Episode 103: Hot Take: We’re Following Accounts Where We See a Reflection of Ourselves Episode 107: Where To Find Content Ideas So You’re Always Ready To Post Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
April 14 · 16 min
The Human Side of Content That Sells
Get your notes app ready, my friend, because we’re going in today. If you’re still feeling a little confused when it comes to specificity and filling in the blanks for all the hooks I share with you, this episode will help everything fall into place. Have you noticed that the people growing the fastest on Instagram right now, are not the most polished, they’re the most human? This is what is working right now, and we are seeing it everywhere from huge corporate brands to smaller brands who have grown their audiences exponentially. We’ll look at examples from big brands, viral trends and everyday creators to show you how specificity and sharing your unique perspective can help you connect with your audience and grow your business. In this episode we’ll be covering: The problem with generic advice and what’s really working on Instagram right now. The type of content helping people grow the fastest right now is human content. Building real relationships with your audience when there is such a lack of trust online right now. How to turn a generic hook into content tailored to your niche using identifiers and specificity that will resonate with the right people. Finding the personal connection for your business content by sharing YOU (hint: sharing doesn’t mean oversharing!) Featured content in this episode: Ourwintonhome: Imagine having your kids grow up here Glenwildartstudio: Dollar Tree DIY Gadget.life.withme: Handy gadget you didn’t know existed Candaces_canvasses x glazedoverstudio: Diet Coke Candaces_canvasses x glazedoverstudio: Paint my tomato basil mozzarella plate Thehousethatholds: How can I help? Simplywell.lydia: No counter space but do have Plant.forward.families: I wish more people knew Dermarkologist: I wish more people knew (list) Recommended episodes: Episode 56: The Reel That Had Me Clicking Buy Immediately Episode 60: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple Formula Episode 83: Use the REP Hook Formula and Start Filling in the Missing Pieces Episode 92: This is the Era of Experiences and Belonging Episode 100: Use Identity Driven Content to Connect and Engage with Your Audience Episode 108: Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
April 7 · 13 min
Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously
I don’t want you to think of yourself as just a business owner or a service provider, instead start thinking of yourself as a creator, because that's the type of content that drives engagement (likes, follows, shares, comments) in today’s social media. Brands big and small are embracing unpolished, creator style content to connect and engage with their audiences. Whether you’re a social media manager, a solo entrepreneur, or aspiring UGC creator, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help you think like a marketer, stand out online, and create content that resonates. I'm also sharing a few ideas for getting noticed by your favorite brands and explain how UGC can open up revenue streams and life-changing opportunities. In this episode we’ll be covering: From polished to unpolished content, what really works best for creators right now on social media because the type of content you post matters most. Advice for getting started with user generated content (UGC) no matter what type of business or profession you are in. Tailoring a post concept to your niche (without copying or plagiarizing content) to stand out among other creators. Tips for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and solo creators to create lifestyle brand content. How to get noticed by your favorite brands with UGC, with brand shoutouts and relatable reels. The importance of content specificity, using identity-driven hooks, and clear messaging for engagement. Featured content in this episode: Tacobell: How many drinks we need after this week Fishwife: Quick lunch break at work Kaylaskitchandfix x PotteryBarn: Chocolate Bunny Cafe ShannonMcKinstrie: What I would post for you this week Recommended episodes: Episode 72: Creator Style Content is for Everyone, Even You Episode 85: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your Content Episode 97: We All Love Familiarity, Here’s How to Create that Familiar Feeling in Your Content Episode 100: Use Identity Driven Content to Connect and Engage with Your Audience Episode 107: Where To Find Content Ideas So You’re Always Ready To Post Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
March 31 · 16 min
Where To Find Content Ideas So You’re Always Ready To Post
Let’s dive into one of my favorite topics: where to find content ideas so you never run out of inspiration. I’m sharing all my favorite strategies for uncovering endless ideas, starting with questions I receive directly from you! I share how listening to your audience, keeping an eye on news updates and industry changes, and using tools like Google Alerts help you stay ahead and create content that keeps your audience engaged. This means leveraging places like Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok comments, as well as tapping into magazines, books, and even TV segments, which is perfect for you if scrolling social media gets overwhelming. We’ll look at real examples so you know exactly how to apply this to your own content with viral hook strategies and repurposing winning content structures from other niches. I’m sharing plenty of actionable tactics you can implement right away on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, or whatever platform you choose, and don’t forget your homework this week! In this episode we’ll be covering: My number one place for finding content ideas and where you can find inspiration when you’re just starting out. Staying in the know for your industry so you become the trusted go-to for new and updated information. How to use a hook or trend thats completely unrelated to your niche and make it work perfectly for your audience. Other placed to find content inspiration, especially when social media becomes too overwhelming. My quick hack for what to do if you’re stuck and too nervous to be on camera. Your homework this week: Find something that is brand new happening and turn it into content. Make sure you’ve joined the Hook Hotline! You’ll find my broadcast channel in my Instagram bio. Featured content in this episode: Dermguru: Unsexy Drugstore HairCare Thriftyblondeblog: Becoming “That Girl” Euge.park: Heavyweight T-Shirts Shannonmckinstrie: I fixed these hooks Recommended episodes: Episode 60: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple Formula Episode 83: Use the REP Hook Formula and Start Filling in the Missing Pieces Episode 85: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your Content Episode 101: Double Your Views on Instagram with the RISE Formula Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
March 24 · 12 min
Spark Conversation with Reels Your Audience Will Want To Respond To
Are you ready for a challenge? This weekend I was sitting in the airport with my husband. I told him I was going to grab a video already on his phone, post it, and by the time we land it will have quadruple the number of views he normally has. The result? It’s already over 10,000 views and he normally gets around 300 to 400. I see him overthinking his content and I know you are too. We are in a loneliness epidemic, people want to connect and we connect through conversations and storytelling. If your content feels personal, your audience will see themselves in your story and engage. Don’t overthink it, let your personality shine and watch your community grow. Human moments drive good content, trust me, it works! In this episode we’ll be covering: How this era of social media focuses on authentic human connection and relatable storytelling. Building relationships and finding connection on social platforms through storytelling and relatable posts. Easy-to-weigh-in content drives engagement, such as local recommendations or trending (and sometimes controversial) topics. Using real-life conversations to inspire attention-grabbing hooks and content that gets more views A simple exercise to try this week: What conversations have you had with strangers that came up and are business related? Use that energy in your content for human connection. Featured content in this episode: Petfriendlyhomesfl: POV: You’re in Florida Iam_alisanporter: The Bachelorette Takai.raashid: Weight loss Breakthroughbyjill: Weird rules we follow Recommended episodes: Episode 67: The Importance of Belonging on Social Media Episode 81: Your Next Powerful Piece of Content is Already on Your Phone Episode 97: We All Love Familiarity, Here’s How to Create that Familiar Feeling in Your Content Episode 103: Hot Take: We’re Following Accounts Where We See a Reflection of Ourselves Episode 104: How to Create Viral Reels From Everyday Video Clips Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!
March 17 · 11 min
Know When to Tune Out the Guru Advice and Trust Yourself
Ten years ago, I never could have imagined that I would be where I am right now, and if you are feeling discouraged when it comes to social media, I want you to know that so much can change in just a year. When I first started out on social media, there were no “rules” but now Instagram is flooded with “guru’s” telling you what to do and what not to do. Not only did it suck all the fun out of social media, it can get confusing with all the conflicting information. So instead of feeling like you’re doing everything wrong when it comes to social media, I want you to think about the advice you’re listening to, does it fit into your life? Does it make sense for you and where you are in life right now? Human connection is the heart of social media, so don’t stress about having perfectly polished content, I want you to keep sharing your heart and making people feel seen in the process. That's such a huge gift and it's helping people become obsessed with you because you get them. How cool is it that you can post a few times a week, show up in stories, document your days in simple ways, and make people feel connected to you and like you're their friend. Featured content in this episode: What I would post for you this week Recommended episodes: Episode 30: Attract New Followers with Talk to Camera Reels Episode 41: Let’s Make Content Creation the Easiest Thing on Your To Do List Episode 74: How to Humanize Your Account When You Feel Stuck in Business Mode Episode 92: This is the Era of Experiences and Belonging Episode 94: You Want Your Content to Fit Your Life, Not Become Your Life Send a message! If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!

Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

Have More Conversations and Let Your Audience Shape Your Content

Fill in the Blanks and Start Sharing Your Insider Knowledge

Insider Style Content is Taking Over Social Media

Discover What’s Valuable Once You Start Posting

Three Things To Set Up Before Your Content Goes Viral

Your Boring Life Moments are the Shortcut to Success

Identity Maxxing Will Help You Find Your Ideal Audience

How to Start Making Money Without Fancy Funnels

Easy Content Ideas for When You’re Not Feeling Creative

It’s Time to Get Yapping On Camera

Intellectual Property vs. Content Inspiration: Protecting Your Work as a Creator

This Instagram Story Strategy Became My Biggest Sales Funnel

Multiply Your Views by Adding These Five Things to Your Hooks

It’s How You Fill in the Blanks That Makes the Hook Unique to You

Become More Memorable When You Stop Overthinking and Start Repeating

The Human Side of Content That Sells

Why You NEED To Take Content Creation Seriously

Where To Find Content Ideas So You’re Always Ready To Post

Spark Conversation with Reels Your Audience Will Want To Respond To

Know When to Tune Out the Guru Advice and Trust Yourself