Reels Not Working? Your Algorithm is Begging for a Better Hook

You've set aside the time, you've brainstormed the idea, and you've carefully edited your Reel. You hit 'post'... only to watch it flop and get no more than a few likes and views. It happens to the best of creators. In the fast-paced world of Instagram, creating content that truly connects and converts requires more than just good intentions demands a smart strategy. If your Reels aren't getting the reach you'd hoped for, it's likely not your content, but your approach to the algorithm's first and most important test: capturing attention.

In a recent Women of Hong Kong Community Call, our wonderful COO and social media queen, Elisabetta (Liz) Sorrentino, stepped into the hot seat to answer our community’s burning content creation and reels editing questions. Based on a deep-dive into what actually converts, here’s her tips on how to stop shouting into the void and start creating Reels that work.

The Three-Second Rule

Forget minute-long masterpieces. If you don't hook a viewer in the first three seconds, the algorithm will politely show your Reel the exit. Your opening needs to be a visual and auditory punch. A compelling question, a surprising result, or a "you-need-this" promise. This isn't just good practice; it's non-negotiable for watch time and reach.

The A/B Testing Goldmine You Already Own

Your followers are your focus group. Use them! When a specific format (e.g. a talking head, a process shot, a template) hits higher view counts with your core audience, replicate it mercilessly for the non-follower crowd. Your existing community gives you the data you need to conquer new ones.

Your Call To Action (CTA) is Not One-Size-Fits-All

This is a game-changer. You need different captions for different goals:

• For REACH: Use "Follow for more tips" or "Save this for later." This encourages low-friction actions that boost your visibility.

  
  

• For CONVERSION: Use "DM for a free guide" or "Comment 'HELP' for the link." This directs engaged viewers into your sales funnel.

  
  

Matching your call to action to your objective stops you from leaving leads on the table.

To Show or Not To Show Your Face?

For personal brands, your face is your greatest asset. It builds trust and relatability faster than anything else. But, if you're camera-shy, it's not a deal-breaker. Use compelling voiceovers, action shots, and behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage to tell your story. The key is to mix at least three to four formats (talking, overlays, templates, BTS) to keep your content fresh and see what truly resonates.

The Toolbox for the Smart Creator

You don't need a Hollywood budget, just the right apps.

• Scheduling: For solo creators, Instagram's native scheduler is perfect. For teams, Later is king for its consolidated analytics.

  
  

• Editing: CapCut for advanced features, Edits (by Instagram) for quick, simple cuts with seamless app integration.

  
  

• AI Co-Pilots: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas and draft captions. For voiceovers, try 11Labs or the tool in CapCut. Crucial note: If you're using AI, always toggle the "AI-generated" flag on platforms to avoid penalisation - transparency is key.

  
  

Tackling Tough Topics Without Overwhelming Your Audience

Heavy, emotional, or complex topics (think fertility journeys, financial debt) need a specific approach. Chunk them down.

Break the story into short, digestible Reels. Combine factual education with a vulnerable personal moment in each one. Use B-roll and text overlays to add layers without overloading the viewer. Let AI help you outline the series to ensure it flows logically.

The Final Checklist Before You Hit "Post"

1. Hashtags: Use 3-5 highly relevant ones, not 30 spammy ones. Think like a search engine; use keywords in your caption.

   
   

2. Tagging: Always tag collaborators and brands. It’s a free ticket to a wider audience.

   
   

3. Templates: Use Edits and CapCut templates to quickly adapt your own high-performing Reels.

   
   

4. Music: Cross-posting with music often gets restricted. Stick to the platform's licensed library or recreate the audio legally.

   
   

Liz’s final message to leave us with was to stop creating content for the sake of it. Start creating with strategy. Your audience (and the algorithm) will thank you for it. A huge thank you to Elisabetta for sharing her expertise with us. She’ll be back again soon with another Reels Community Call so make sure to check out our events page to ensure you don’t miss out on the next one. In the meantime, you can find Elisabetta on Instagram and follow her for more fun and engaging content.