6 Ways To Optimize Your Instagram Profile
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today. With 2 billion monthly active users and 500 million people using the app daily, it's a powerhouse for connecting with your target audience. If your Instagram profile is not optimized, you could be missing out on a lot of potential clients or customers who may find it difficult to find your account. In this blog post, we will talk about 6 ways that you can optimize your Instagram profile for more followers!
1. Choose A Profile Name Your Target Audience Will Search For
This profile name is how you can be found easily on the explore (search) page. If you don't have a widely known business name like Target, change your name to your niche. When someone is searching for a graphic designer or cosmetologist, you want your Instagram profile to pop up in the results. It's how I've secured speaking gigs and been found by potential clients! Trust me, it works.
2. Select A Profile Picture That Shows Off Your Brand
The profile picture is the first thing that someone will see when they find your account. Make sure it's an image of you or your company logo, if appropriate, and not just a random selfie. It will be representative of your brand.
3. Use Those 150 Characters Wisely
Since you've already changed your profile name to your industry or niche, introduce yourself in the first part of your bio. Then tell us what you can provide within 12 words or less. Not only does this save space, but it's also great practice for that short elevator pitch you need to have available whenever anyone asks about your business. Next, share a fun fact about you that might entertain your audience. And then follow that with a quick call-to-action that leads people to your links below. That could be a freebie, a new blog post, a Facebook group or you could tell them to DM you.
4. Make The Most Of Your Website Links
Good news—Instagram now allows you to add up to 5 links in your bio! You can link to multiple important things you're promoting: your main website, a lead magnet, your latest blog post, your services page, and your shop. Or you can still use a service like Linktree if you prefer. I'd suggest that you, or your web designer, build a dedicated landing page on your website just for Instagram traffic. That way you maximize those links to their fullest while keeping visitors on your website. Hello, extra website traffic!
5. Put Your Work And Process On Display In Instagram Highlights & Pinned Posts
I hope that you've jumped on the Instagram story train, because it's becoming the place where people hang out most on Instagram. Use your Instagram highlights to showcase your content, your services, behind the scenes, client testimonials, and more. Those highlights give a profile visitor a quick look into your business and your life if you choose to share it.
Don't sleep on pinned posts either! You can now pin up to 3 posts to the top of your profile grid. Use this feature strategically—pin your best-performing content, client results, or posts that perfectly represent what you do. Think of pinned posts as your greatest hits that new visitors will see first. They could make the decision to follow you based on those little bubbles and pinned posts combined.
6. Enable Your Profile CTA Buttons
Hopefully, you have a business Instagram account. If you do, you may have overlooked the CTA buttons that are available. Did you know that Instagram offers contact buttons like "Email," "Call," and "Directions"? You can also connect your other social channels like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. by enabling those contact options. These make it super easy for potential clients to reach you directly from your profile.
Do you struggle with getting people to follow your Instagram profile? You're not alone. There are so many accounts out there, and more every day. But it's not enough to just have an Instagram account. It needs to be optimized for more followers and engagement, too! These six tips will help you get the most out of having your business on Instagram.
Also, If you need more personalized help, starting with getting an Instagram audit here. Let me help you get unstuck!
