Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

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!

I absolutely cannot wait for 2026 and in this episode I’m sharing my predictions for social media trends that we’ll see next year and beyond. We’re talking about simple POV hooks that are personal and relatable, content inspiration that’s literally right outside your window, and the core reason for all social media. We’ll do a reel breakdown discussing key elements and why they work, revisiting the REP hook formula, and making sure your content is always specific to your audience. In this episode we’ll be covering:Finding content inspiration through relevant and current events to create content that is personal, relatable, and actually connects.The core reason for all social media, because genuine content that connects and resonates keeps us coming back for more.A content breakdown of what’s really working right now, we’ll review different key elements and why they work.How to weave relatable words, proof of expertise, and personal touches into content that resonates with your audience.The ultimate reel hack that keeps people coming back.Featured content in this episode:Becomingdrdevore: Whole FoodsShannonmckinstrie: 7 Simple things to start doingHolistichealingla: Trader Joe’sRecommended episodes:Episode 043: We’re Getting Back to Basics and Loving Our ContentEpisode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it PersonalEpisode 083: Use the REP Hook Formula and Start Filling in the Missing PiecesEpisode 085: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your ContentEpisode 086: Give Your Social Media Content a Holiday TwistEpisode 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)Send 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!

Are you ready for part two of Becoming Really Good at Content Creation in 2026? In the last episode, we laid the groundwork for simplifying your social media process and how creating relatable scenarios is more important than ever. If you completed last week’s homework assignment, this episode is all about putting it into action. I’ll share the results of my own experiment (I focused on wedding photographers, but this applies to your industry too!) and show you how to apply those scenarios, making them uniquely yours. I’ll walk you through practical content prompts and how to use them, revisiting the posts we discussed in part one. Whether you’re feeling inspired after last week or still a little stuck, I’ve got you covered!In this episode we’ll be covering:Why human connection and storytelling are so important to your content going into 2026.Using scenario and situation based content in your content strategy to resonate with your specific audience.Back-to-basics of social media focusing on storytelling, personal journeys, and genuine conversations that serve your audience and build genuine connections.Examples! Crafting content hooks and storytelling techniques for services and products that use emotional triggers and personal stories.Thinking like a marketer and understanding the human psychology behind content with specific examples of effective prompts and scenarios.Featured content in this episode:The 4 H Method™️| Content Strategy MasterclassRecommended episodes:Episode 080: A Crash Course in Social Media MarketingEpisode 085: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your ContentEpisode 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)Send 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!