Instagram Profile Optimization
May, 2021
Your elevator speech is 150 characters, including spaces. You’re allowed one clickable link. Hashtags and keywords count. So does your intention. What you have to say on your Instagram bio is one of the ways you’re going to be able to speak to your audience.
On paper, optimizing your Instagram profile to bring in a targeted audience may seem tedious. But trust Yancey, this is your second impression and it counts more than the first. A potential follower sees a post from you - maybe they are attracted to the image or your caption - so they click to check out your profile. This is where you need to extend your hand and welcome them in. Here’s how:
Go with a Business Profile on Instagram
Even if you are developing your personal brand, you still want a business or creator account on IG. This will unlock a few key metrics that will give you insight into your Instagram marketing success and a few call-to-action buttons that will make it easier for your audience to stay with you. When you’re ready, you’ll be able to run paid ads, further turning your Instagram profile into what you want.
Make Your Instagram Profile Photo Shine
Think high-quality, non-pixelated, and without key parts cut off when it gets resized. We see so many businesses with their logo as their profile pic, which is great, except the logo is either blurry or partially cut off. Don’t do this. Work with a professional designer to create logo files specifically for social media. It’s worth the investment. If you’re using a non-logo profile pic, keep it interesting. You need to be able to capture the eye of your audience.
Create your Name Field and Username SEO Rich
Your Instagram username, also known as your handle, appears at the very top of your Instagram profile and in your Instagram URL. It is unique to you and can’t be duplicated by another IG account. The username is limited to 30 characters and can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
Your Instagram name field is bolded at the top of your bio. The name field is searchable and must must must contain SEO keywords for your business. Not making your name field keyword-rich with location, products, or other unique identifiers to your business is a loss of precious Instagram resources.
Write Your Instagram Bio Like a Pro
Your Instagram bio needs to be a fast and efficient read for people. Keep your lines short, add emojis if it first your brand, and be very clear about what you do and offer.
Hashtags in your bio can be followed by folks, so be sure to include specific-to-you hashtags. Maybe it’s location or service or product, but definitely add hashtags that will attract and appeal to a wide audience.
Let people how you can serve them by including a call-to-action request in your bio. Maybe it’s a directive to click to your website, or a specific product or to follow your account.
We suggest keeping your Instagram bio fresh with quarterly updates and re-writes. Get creative and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Engage on Social Media
There is no such thing as set it and forget it. You must always be engaging with your audience on social media. Professionals have all sorts of engagement rules to help guide you, but whatever you do be authentic about it. Don’t just comment in the hopes of that account following you back. Comment because you mean it.
Remember, you got this.