Crack the Spring Content Code 🌷✨

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets. 🌼 It’s the perfect time to freshen up your social strategy and give your content a seasonal boost. Whether you’re brainstorming new ideas or trying to stay one step ahead of the algorithm, we’ve got you covered. In today’s newsletter:

• 📸 Instagram drops a major Reels upgrade with Edits

• 🎵 Trending audios to match the season’s fresh energy

• 📈 Three post trends you’ll want to jump on right now

• 🚀 Quick wins to boost engagement without breaking a sweat

Meet Edits — Instagram’s New Game-Changer for Reels!

Big news for Rhode Island’s small biz crew: Instagram just dropped "Edits," a brand-new (and free!) app made to make your Reels easier, faster, and way more professional-looking—without all the confusing bells and whistles. 🙌

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to stitch together videos, find trending audio, or track your Reels’ performance, Edits is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. It’s mobile-first, watermark-free (hallelujah!), and built for small businesses who want to stand out on social.

✨ What Edits brings to your content game:

• - Record up to 10-minute videos right in the app

• - Auto-enhance your footage to save time

• - Green screen and cutout tools powered by AI

• - Save trending audio and creative inspo in a built-in ideas tab

• - Manage your drafts like a pro with folders and notes

• - Check views, likes, and comments with an Insights tab

• - Export in high-quality—no watermarks!

🚀 Actionable Ideas for Different Small Biz Sectors:

• - Retail Shops: Show off new arrivals with trendy audio + fun green screen backdrops. (Imagine shoes "floating" into your shop!)

• - Restaurants & Cafés: Film behind-the-scenes kitchen moments with auto-captions for accessibility (and extra SEO points).

• - Fitness Studios: Layer motivational voiceovers on top of class highlights. Organize different classes/projects easily in the Projects tab.

• - Beauty Salons: Use the Cutout tool to create magical "before-and-after" makeover Reels.

• - Service-Based Businesses: Record tips, tutorials, or quick "day in the life" videos with built-in recording and multi-track editing.

Pro Tip: Spend a little time each week browsing the Inspiration tab to jump on trending Reels ideas before they blow up. 🌟

This is just version one—future updates like keyframes and collaborative editing are already in the works. Translation: it’s only going to get better.

Ready to catch your audience’s ear? We’ve rounded up the latest trending audios that are perfect for giving your posts a fresh, scroll-stopping vibe. To check out the audio on Instagram, just click the photo!

1. The “Didn’t Go As Planned” Audio

Trend Recap: A once-viral audio is making a comeback, now used in funny Reels where people share moments that took a wild left turn from their original plans. It’s all about embracing those “well, that didn’t go how I thought it would” moments.

Audio:

📌 Best for: Service-based businesses, fitness coaches, event planners, salons—anyone with a story (or client story) that took an unexpected twist.

💡 Post Ideas:

• - A time your DIY project for the shop totally flopped

  - A behind-the-scenes fail from a photo shoot

  - “Expectation vs. Reality” from a client experience (with their permission, of course)

  - A funny retelling of a launch or offer that didn’t quite stick the first time

2. Trend: “I hope I ____ someday”

Trend Recap: This cinematic sound is gaining serious traction on Reels, especially when paired with the text “I hope I ____ someday.” It's the perfect backdrop for dramatic reveals, stunning transformations, or epic scenic views.

Audio:

 📌 Best for: Any brand or creator showcasing aspirational moments, from dream destinations and life milestones to personal growth and transformation stories.

💡Post ideas:

• - Tourism: Show a sweeping drone shot of Newport at sunrise with the caption, “I hope I see this view someday.”

  - Real Estate: Reveal a luxury property with “I hope I live here someday.”

  - Event Planner: Time-lapse of a venue transformation—“I hope I get married here someday.”

  - Fitness Coach: Before/after of a client’s journey—“I hope I feel this strong someday.”

  - Mental Health Brand: Peaceful moment in nature or during meditation—“I hope I find this kind of calm someday.”

  - Lifestyle Blogger: Bucket list travel or career goal—“I hope I make it here someday.”

3. Trend: Mystical Magical by Benson Boone

Trend Recap: This upbeat, feel-good track is gaining serious traction on Instagram Reels—and it’s got viral vibes written all over it. With Benson Boone's rising popularity, this sound is set to explode.

Audio:

📌 Best for: Brands and creators looking to showcase joyful, whimsical, or visually dreamy content—whether you're highlighting a charming aesthetic, a cozy atmosphere, or creative, eye-catching work.

💡 Post Idea

• - A magical makeover or transformation (think: beauty, fashion, decor)

  - Slow-mo scenic moments from Rhode Island’s coastlines or downtown charm

  - A day-in-the-life video showing off your creative process with a lighthearted twist

  - Unboxing or behind-the-scenes content with a whimsical feel

4. Trend: Loop-Style Transition

Trend Recap: This whimsical, upbeat song is making waves for content that feels joyful, light, and a little bit magical. Think floating-on-air energy paired with bright visuals and playful moments. Perfect for anything that needs a feel-good, dreamy touch.

Audio:

📌 Best for: Perfect for showcasing colorful creations, dreamy setups, playful reveals, joyful celebrations, and exciting new offerings across a variety of businesses.

💡 Post Idea: 

• - A behind-the-scenes montage of prepping for a big event or opening day

  - Customer reactions to trying your product for the first time

  - A “day in the life” that highlights the fun, unexpected moments

  - Before/after transformations that feel magical (like a makeover, a styled room, or a bakery setup)

  - Quick clips of staff celebrating small wins around the shop

Got a burning social media question? Wondering how to get more engagement, what to post next, or if hashtags still matter? 🤔 Now’s your chance to pick a marketer’s brain – no consulting fee required! Drop your questions in our quick survey, and we’ll tackle the hottest topics in an upcoming newsletter. Whether it’s content creation, branding, or social media trends, we’ve got you covered.

13 Easy Wins for Instagram Engagement

Posting great content is just the start. If you want your Instagram to actually drive results – more visibility, stronger community, real growth—you need engagement. For Rhode Island small business owners and creators, it’s about showing up smarter, not just more often. Here’s a clear, practical playbook to help you boost engagement and build stronger connections on Instagram in 2025:

1. Story Stickers = Instant Conversations

Polls, quizzes, questions—use them! Hosting a pop-up event? Ask followers what food truck they want to see. Selling handmade soaps? Run a "pick your favorite scent" poll.

2. Memes for the Win

Create relatable memes your audience will actually want to share. Spa owners? A funny “before coffee, after massage” meme will have clients tagging their friends. (Pro tip: Canva’s meme templates make it ridiculously easy.)

3. Lights, Camera, Reels

Reels aren’t just for dancers. A restaurant could show a “Day in the Life of a Chef,” while a boutique could post “3 Ways to Style a Maxi Dress.” Authentic = engaging.

4. Graphics that Get Shared

Share quotes, tips, or mini-guides. Example: A fitness studio could post “5 Quick Stretches for Desk Workers.” Canva has ready-to-go templates—grab one and go!

5. Carousels Tell a Story

Got a story to tell? Break it into slides. A wedding planner could post “5 Mistakes Couples Make” as a carousel. Swipe-worthy content gets more love.

6. Clear Call-to-Action

Don’t just post—ask. “Tag a friend who needs this!” “Comment your dream vacation spot!” Direct and simple works best.

7. Show Your Face on Stories

People buy from people, not logos. Share behind-the-scenes peeks—like prepping for the spring market or setting up a new display. Keep it casual and fun!

8. Giveaways that Matter

Offer something your audience really wants. A handmade candle set? A free coffee for a month? Tie it back to your brand to attract real fans.

9. Post When Your Fans Are Awake

Early birds catch the likes. Test posting at 8–9 AM (or check your Insights) to catch Rhode Islanders scrolling with their morning coffee.

10. Hashtags That Actually Work

Use hashtags that are specific to your post, your business, and your target audience—not just the biggest trending tags. For example, if you run a local shop, mix popular hashtags with niche ones that reflect your community and industry.

11. Chat It Up in Comments

Reply to comments quickly and warmly. Small businesses grow when they feel approachable—don’t leave people hanging!

12. Share User-Generated Content

Got a customer who tagged you? Repost it! It builds trust and saves you time on content creation. (Screenshot it, pop it into a Canva template, done!)

13. Team Up with Creators

Local influencers = local trust. Collaborate on giveaways, Reels, or Story takeovers. Start small: offer a free product or service for a fun post!