🎧 Listen to this blog post as a Podcast instead 

If your Reels are getting crickets (or you’re too nervous to even post one 🫣), this episode is for you.

I’m walking you through my simple step-by-step Reels formula made specifically for handmade sellers — no dancing, no lip syncing, no pointing at floating bubbles. Just clear, doable tips to help you finally feel confident on camera and actually get your products seen 👀

Inside this episode:
✅ How to write a scroll-stopping hook
✅ What to film if you feel awkward or unsure
✅ Real-life examples for candles, jewellery, knitwear + more
✅ The part most people forget (and it’s costing them sales)
✅ How to film a Reel in 15 minutes or less — even if you’ve never done one before!

This is your plug-and-play Reels strategy to get seen by real buyers without spending a penny on ads 💸

So if you’re ready to grow your handmade business on Instagram — and actually make sales from it — pop your headphones in and let’s go 🎧✨

Instagram Reels That Sell: How to Get Your Handmade Products Seen (Without Feeling Cringe)

Let’s be honest - if you’ve ever thought:

“Reels aren’t for me. I hate being on camera. What am I even supposed to film?!”

…you’re absolutely not alone.

So many handmade business owners either:

• Try one Reel, it flops, so they give up 🙈

• Or they never even start, because it just feels awkward and overwhelming

But here’s what I want you to know:

👉 You don’t need to dance, point, or lip-sync to sell your handmade products on Instagram. 

You just need a clear plan that feels doable for you and that’s exactly what I’m giving you in this post.

💡 Why Instagram Reels Actually Matter

Instagram is currently prioritising short-form video like Reels because they:

• Keep people on the app longer (which = more ad revenue for Meta)

• Help users discover new creators and small shops (like yours)

• Work harder than regular photo posts when it comes to reach

So even a 10–15 second Reel can get your products in front of new potential customers without paying for ads - but only if it grabs attention.

🎥 The 3-Part Reels Formula (No Fluff, No Filters)

This is the exact formula I use and teach inside Handmade Bosses to help sellers grow their visibility and sales - without turning into an Instagram influencer.

Let’s break it down…

1️⃣ The Hook (0–3 Seconds)

This is what stops the scroll.

Don’t introduce yourself. Don’t fade in slowly. Just start strong.

You need to grab attention fast with either:

• Curiosity

• Visual satisfaction

• A bold question or statement

Example Reels hooks for handmade sellers: 

• “This scent smells exactly like my nan’s kitchen.” (candles)

• “Would you gift this or keep it for yourself?” (any product)

• “How long do you think this took me to knit?” (knitwear)

• “This earring design took 4 hours to get just right.” (jewellery)

🎯 Pro tip: Write your hook before you even film - it’ll keep you focused and confident.

2️⃣ The Visual (3–10 Seconds)

Once you’ve hooked someone in, it’s time to show the product.

This is your “show, don’t tell” moment.

Think of things that are visually satisfying, interesting or relatable:

• Pouring wax into a mould

• Unboxing or packaging an order

• Applying glaze to a mug

• Wrapping something with care

• Showing a quirky tool or behind-the-scenes moment

📷 Keep your camera still and film in natural light if you can.

🎧 Want extra reach? Add a trending audio - it’s not essential, but it helps!

3️⃣ The Call to Action (Final 2–3 Seconds)

This is where a lot of people stop short. But it’s so important.

You have to literally tell people what you want them to do.

Easy CTAs that work for handmade businesses: 

• “Available in my Etsy shop - link in bio”

• “Tag a friend who’d love this”

• “Which style would you choose?”

• “Save this for gift inspo 🎁”

Even if you don’t say it on camera, add it in your caption or overlay text - don’t skip this bit!

⏱️ How to Film a Reel in 15 Minutes or Less

You do not need a full production setup to start using Reels.

Here’s how to create a Reel that can actually lead to sales - in under 15 minutes:

1. Choose one product you want to promote

2. Write your hook and call to action before you film

3. Film 2–3 short clips (10 seconds each max)

4. Upload to Instagram, trim and add audio if you want

5. Add your caption and CTA 

6. Post it - and tag me @handmadebosses so I can cheer you on 🎉

🧠 Sam vs Lydia: A Tale of Two Makers

Let’s meet Sam and Lydia…

Sam films a Reel but doesn’t post it.

She overthinks everything - her hands, her background, the algorithm.

She posts once every 6 weeks and wonders why sales aren’t growing.

Lydia, on the other hand?

She keeps it simple. She picks her bestseller, writes a quick hook, films a product close-up and posts with a friendly CTA.

She builds trust, grows her audience and gets sales.

💬 Be more Lydia. 

🎯 Your Homework This Week

Yep, you’ve got a little challenge from me…

📝 Do this: 

• Pick 1 product to focus on

• Write 3 hook ideas

• Film and post 1 Reel using the formula (hook → visual → CTA)

• Post it within 48 hours

• Tag @handmadebosses on Instagram so I can give you a virtual high five 🙌

💛 Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need to be a content creator.

You just need a product, a plan and a bit of confidence to show up and share what you make.

So go post that Reel. Stop overthinking. Start connecting.

Because the world really does need those special creations that only you can make 💛

Love Steph & Team HB xox

👋 Welcome everyone! My name is Steph, I've been running my handmade business full time on Etsy since 2016, and I'm here to help you! 

🧡 I'll help you to start an Etsy shop, Etsy ads, show you how to sell more on Etsy, get to grips with Etsy SEO, Etsy branding, Etsy product ideas, finding your target market, identifying your niche and many many more.

🛍️ If you have an Etsy shop or your own website selling handmade products, or want to start one, this is THE channel you need to be subscribed to!

💰 I help makers start, run and scale their handmade businesses. Turning them from an expensive hobby to profitable businesses making 4 and 5 figure months on Etsy and your own website.

✨ Join the HBSA waitlist

✨ Free resources: Want to make headway in your business but don't want to pay yet? You're in the right place! 

✨ Work with us for deeper transformative results

✨I go live most Mondays on YouTube and in my Facebook group for mini workshops to help you make more money from your handmade business! You can see our upcoming events here

That’s all for now! Be sure to subscribe and follow us on IG for announcements of new videos, workshops, content and more.