Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

Kick off the new year with laughs and insights as Shannon explores the power of community in content creation. Discover why sharing personal stories fosters genuine connections with audiences. Learn how viral moments can rally communities and spark collective action, like the inspiring Topgolf net incident. Pivoting content? It can strengthen your bond with followers if you start with shared experiences. Engage actively in comments and stories to deepen those relationships, proving that a loyal community beats sheer follower count.

As business owners who are creating social media content, the stakes feel so high and the pressure is so heavy, but I want you to remember that your content needs to support your life and your lifestyle, not replace it. The best content doesn’t come from overthinking it or forcing ideas, it comes from living our real everyday lives and sharing those authentic moments, opinions, and experiences online. I’ll walk you through why the magic of social media lies in showcasing your personality and lived experience, and I’m sharing some fun content examples to help you get some quick wins so you can approach content creation with renewed energy as we head into 2026.In this episode we’ll be covering:How to make content creation less overwhelming by living your life, record what you're already doing and turn that into content.Sharing what your audience is too afraid to say or something that they haven't really thought of in that way.Using your lived experience to create relatable posts that connect with your followers.Why brands and products need a unique personality to succeed on social media in 2026.Content examples that drive engagement and growth using the 4H’s: helpful, humorous, heard, and happenings.. Tips for integrating content creation into your routine without it taking over your life.Featured content in this episode:Wonderfilled_life_: This coffee smells like everything is getting thrown away todayDr.zachtrevino: Merry Christmas to everyone except…Hanashappyhome: Small starter homeCharlotteetiquette: One polite habit…Lydkerr: Turns out veggies are deliciousBoringfriends: Support smaller businessesRecommended episodes:Episode 006: Selling a Lifestyle, Not Just a ProductEpisode 044: Become Their Favorite Comfort Creator with Everyday MomentsEpisode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it PersonalEpisode 070: Instagram Growth Hacks That Actually Work and Give Your Account PersonalityEpisode 092: This is the Era of Experiences and BelongingSend 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!

If you’ve been feeling confused, overwhelmed, or just simply stressed out by Instagram this past year, it’s time to change your approach for 2026. It’s not 2020 anymore and content strategies have changed. Going into the new year, we’re focusing on crafting a more intentional content strategy that’s all about authentic connection, powerful storytelling, and understanding exactly what your audience craves. We’ll discuss a major Instagram update from this past week (hashtags aren’t dead), how to best apply the change to your own content, and why it might feel like the algorithm is the enemy (it’s really not!). Let’s make 2026 our best year yet!In this episode we’ll be covering:The latest update from Instagram: New hashtag update limits usage to three to five relevant hashtags per post.Prioritizing intentional content, with keyword-rich captions and on-screen text.Keeping audiences engaged and increasing retention rates through storytelling and humanizing your content.Using me-centric storytelling hooks and relatable language that builds emotional connection, driving shares and saves.Doing audience research and speaking directly to followers' needs, interests, and lifestyles for optimal reach.The algorithm myths: Instagram rewards valuable content that genuinely resonates with people.Featured content in this episode:Hashtag UpdateRecommended episodes:Episode 088: Find Your Content Rhythm and Build a Simple Content StrategyEpisode 089: How You’re Going to Become Really Good at Content Creation in 2026 (Part 1)Episode 090: How You’re Going to Become Really Good at Content Creation in 2026 (Part 2)Episode 091: My Personal Predictions for Instagram in 2026Episode 092: This is the Era of Experiences and BelongingSend 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!

We’re diving into what truly makes your content stand out, especially as we look ahead to 2026. I’ve seen so many trends come and go over the years, but the most impactful strategy remains the same: creating an experience and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar shop owner, a realtor, fitness coach, business mentor, or product creator, what sets you apart is inviting your audience to feel something. In this episode, I’ll break down how to transform your content from “teachy and generic” to ME-centric and lived-experience focused. We’ll talk about crafting carousels and reels that put your followers in the story with actionable ways to make your messaging familiar, cozy, and inviting.In this episode we’ll be covering:Why lived experiences matter more than generic “value” posts that sound like Google or ChatGPT.Shifting focus to Me-Centric hooks where you share real experiences, recommendations, and stories.Creating a sense of belonging and community allowing your audience to see themselves in your content, while also helping them feel safe.The growing desire for memorable, interactive experiences both online and in-person.Leveraging familiarity with hyperlocal content that mentions specific cities, states and other locations.Personalizing your content to speak to specific people making them feel seen and like they belong. Featured content in this episode:ShannonMcKinstrie: 5 Subtle Content Shifts Driving Massive Growth in 2026Recommended episodes:Episode 067: The Importance of Belonging on Social MediaEpisode 081: Your Next Powerful Piece of Content is Already on Your PhoneEpisode 085: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your ContentEpisode 088: Find Your Content Rhythm and Build a Simple Content StrategySend 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!

Get ready for a sneak peek into content trends of 2026! Discover how to find inspiration in your surroundings and leverage personal experiences for better connection. Shannon reveals the significance of relatable hooks that keep audiences engaged. Learn about the effective REP hook formula and how specific details dramatically enhance viewer relatability. Plus, explore real-world examples and tips for tailoring content to resonate with your audience's needs. Excitement for genuine connection is building!

Explore the power of storytelling and human connection in content creation for 2026. Dive into practical examples of emotional marketing tailored to niche audiences like wedding photographers. Learn how to transform prompts into engaging reels and carousel ideas while ensuring they feel personal and local. Shannon shares her journey from corporate to creator, emphasizing the return to authenticity in social media. With insights on using AI to brainstorm and effective hooks that resonate, it's all about making your content truly connect with your audience.

Unlock your content creation potential just in time for the holiday rush! Discover relatable storytelling techniques that resonate with your audience, whether you're promoting a product or offering a service. Learn how to use scenario-led hooks to drive engagement and boost brand partnerships. Even small accounts can go viral with the right approach! Plus, get a must-try ChatGPT prompt to ignite your creativity with tailored content ideas. It's all about making content feel personal and effortless!

Today, I’m bringing you some real talk about making content creation easy, especially with the holiday season in full swing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the social media “rules,” you are not alone, that’s why I’m sharing my simple approach to building a content strategy that actually works. I’m breaking down my signature 4H Method framework (Heard, Helpful, Humor, and Happenings) so you can trade rigid content buckets for posts that always connect and resonate, so you can grow your business whether you’re posting once a week or three times a day. I’ll also discuss how to pick a posting rhythm that feels good for you, and be sure to stick around for some of my favorite hooks and ideas to get you started!In this episode we’ll be covering:Dtiching the content creation overwhelm during the busy holiday season.Feeling stuck with content marketing buckets and rigid notions of when and how often to post.Tips for picking a posting rhythm that fits your lifestyle and goals.Creating content that evokes feeling, resonates and connects, leading to followers, authority, and conversions. How using any of the 4H’s can be nurturing and engaging.Examples of viral hooks and relatable content ideas to boost audience connection.Featured content in this episode:Webinar: 4H Method FixDear AlgorithmThe hook that’s blowing up peoples accounts right nowBirthdayScorpio Season Back with your long distance friend!Recommended episodes:Episode 049: Relatable Humor That Says “They Get Me!”Episode 067: The Importance of Belonging on Social MediaEpisode 075: Here’s What I Would Post for You on Instagram This WeekEpisode 086: Give Your Social Media Content a Holiday TwistSend 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!

Let’s talk about real strategies for getting new Instagram followers, especially as social media has evolved and people have become a lot more selective when it comes to hitting that follow button. I’m breaking down what actually makes someone want to follow you, including how to optimize your bio, pinned posts, and stories to create a magnetic profile, and why trial reels are still one of the best tools for attracting fresh eyes, even if they don’t go viral. In this episode we’ll be covering:How to think like a user, what makes you hit follow on an account? The strategy I use for trial reels that consistently brings in new followers to my account.Why is Instagram really giving those warning messages and should you be worried?How to prevent a trial reel from sharing to your account. Creating an irresistible Instagram profile with an optimized account bio, purposeful pinned posts, and daily engaging stories.Don’t have access to Trial Reels yet? Try this hack and let us know if it works for you!​​Step 1: Go to this URL on your phone (https://creators.instagram.com/blog/instagram-trial-reels?locale=en_GB)Step 2: Click the ‘Create Reel’ buttonStep 3: This will open IG to upload or create a video. Press next, make any edits, etc., then press next again to fill out the caption etc. You should see a toggle to select “Trial Reel” (This is a trial reel and will only be shown to non-followers at first.) Post when you’re ready!Step 4: Repeat the process and upload as many as you want. After a while the feature will just be on your account.Additional step: if you ever lose the feature after you had it, just repeat the step-by-step and you’ll get access to it again.Recommended episodes:Episode 019: Convert Viewers to Followers with the “That’s Me” ReelEpisode 020: SEO Strategies to Optimize Your Instagram ContentEpisode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday MomentsEpisode 050: Stories Work! Here’s how to make them work for YOUEpisode 071: Start a New Instagram Account From Scratch (or Refresh Your Current One)Episode 073: Staying Top of Mind with Instagram StoriesSend 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!

Ready or not, the holiday season is here! Let’s dive into holiday content ideas that will spark your creativity, no matter what your niche may be. From trending buzzwords to repurposing your best-performing posts with a seasonal twist, I’ll walk you through tons of actionable hooks, scenarios, and brand-specific concepts to help your content stand out this time of year. Whether you’re in real estate, food, home interiors, writing, or even a lawyer or pediatrician, I’ve got strategies that you can use too. This season can feel chaotic and stressful, but I want it to be fun! In this episode we’ll be covering:How to train your Instagram algorithm for holiday sales and trending topics discovery.Three strategies for viral holiday reels: scenarios, buzzwords, and relatable identifiers.Ideas and examples for home decor, food, real estate, and authors to maximize holiday engagement.Tips for updating previous posts with a seasonal twist for winter, Christmas, Hanukkah and beyond..Local marketing suggestions: spotlighting holiday events, markets, and must-visit spots in your city.Featured content in this episode:Interiorjems: Ralph Lauren Christmas decor you haven’t seenBeyond_gray: Decorate your stair railing like a proBeyond_gray: How do you hang your window wreaths?Lifebyleanna: Above sink garland hackLife_of_glow: How do you get your dried citrus so perfect?Miriamobrien_: Ralph Lauren inspired ChristmasDrinkswithdanica: Your new favorite holiday cocktailSimplyeverydayliving: Christmas Shirley TempleLeahsguides: Books that make you feel like you're in a Hallmark movieXchristmas365x: Christmas breakfast ideasJingle.all.year: Ultimate Christmas movie calendarEmilywelchstyle: Soon life will feel like an early 2000’s rom-comLindsforthegirls: Perfect Christmas fleeceCozycornerkai: How we’re surviving darker daysLex_nicoleta: Gifts for the coolest girl you knowLeannebarlow: Picky girl christmasKatiegeorges: Gifts people actually want under $25Krystaldunn_: Girls craft nightRecommended episodes:Episode 057: Repurpose Your Content for More Impact with Less EffortEpisode 067: The Importance of Belonging on Social MediaSend 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!