Most small businesses post Reels that get 47 views and wonder what went wrong. Here's the truth — it's usually one of these five mistakes:

1. No hook in the first second. You have 0.8 seconds before someone scrolls past. Start with movement, a bold statement, or a visual pattern interrupt. Never start with your logo.

2. You're making ads, not content. Nobody wants to watch a 15-second commercial. Show the process, the behind-the-scenes, the transformation. Sell without selling.

3. Bad audio choices. Using trending sounds matters more than you think. The algorithm literally pushes content with trending audio higher. Check the Reels tab weekly for what's hot.

4. No text on screen. 85% of people watch without sound. If your message only exists in voiceover, you're invisible to most of your audience.

5. Posting and ghosting. The first 30 minutes after posting are critical. Respond to every comment, engage on other posts, be active. The algorithm rewards engagement.

I make Reels for small businesses for a living — these are the patterns I see every single day. Fix even two of these and watch your reach change.