How I Come Up with Original Reel Ideas (Without the Overwhelm)
How I Come Up with Original Reel Ideas (And How You Can Too!)
Feeling stuck when it comes to creating content for Instagram? You’re not alone. I used to panic post or stare blankly at my screen, trying to figure out what to share next. The pressure to stay visible, go viral, or constantly be “on” creatively can be exhausting—especially for designers and creatives who also have client work on their plate.
So I developed a method that helps me create original, relevant content with far less stress—and way more value.
You can check out this video (and lots more!) over on my Instagram Page @hannah.bacon.design
Here’s the method:
Step 1: Start With a Real Question
Instead of pulling ideas from trends or your TikTok feed, start where people are asking real questions.
Forums, Facebook groups, Reddit, and community Slack channels are goldmines. Look for:
Questions that come up repeatedly
Gaps in understanding you can fill
Topics where your experience can genuinely help
This isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving actual problems for your audience.
Step 2: Actually Solve the Problem
Once you find a question worth answering, don’t rush to make a reel just yet.
Take some time to:
Research
Experiment
Try your solution on a small scale
Your goal isn’t to go viral—it’s to be helpful, be real, and build trust.
Step 3: Share It in a Meaningful Way
Here’s where the creativity kicks in.
Think of how to present your solution in a visually interesting or original way—especially if you're a designer. Use relevant client work or personal projects to:
Tell a short story
Walk through the process
Share behind-the-scenes insights
Show your work in action
Pro tip: Don’t have example work that fits? Create a quick self-initiated project that showcases your skills and solves the problem.
And If You're Still Stuck?
Share something you genuinely care about—tools you use every day, techniques you love, or things that make your workflow smoother. That kind of content builds connection and still provides value.
Why This Works
This method not only takes the stress out of content creation—it turns your reels into evergreen value pieces that:
Build trust
Position you as a helpful expert
Genuinely serve your audience
And that’s way more powerful than chasing the algorithm.
Want More Time-Saving Tools and Freebies?
This process is just one of the techniques I share across my design templates and digital assets, made especially for designers who want professional results—without starting from scratch every time.
