10 Foolproof Steps to Optimize Your Profile

10 Easy Steps To Up Your Instagram Bio Game

With over 1 BILLION users every month it’s no surprise that businesses of all sizes flock to utilize the powers of Instagram, so you need to make your Instagram that stands out. I don’t need to convince you why it’s important for your business to be active on Instagram… IF you’re a small business with little or no budget for a social media manager — no worries! You can find 10 easy to follow steps on how to up your Insta game in no time! Instagram is made to spread awareness, acquire new customers and build a loyal community. On average you have 3 seconds to make a good first impression when someone lands on your IG bio, that is not a lot of time… if you’re wondering how to make the most of those 3 seconds, read on!

1. Make Sure You Mean Business

There are 2 types of IG accounts normal and business. Business accounts come with a bunch of extra features (like insights) and tools you can use to grow your business!Normal accounts can be converted to a business account pretty simply→ “Edit Profile”→ “Switch to Professional Account”

2. KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

You need to choose the right username (handle) if your business name is already taken try to choose a handle that is as close as you can. You can use up to 30-characters but you want it to be as simple and easy to associate with your brand and business. For example, if @ConradSocial is taken, then @Conrad_Social would work or @ItsConradSocial.

3. Use a Branded Photo as the Profile Image

First impressions are everything, so make sure your profile image is clear and easy to recognize. Your business logo is always best. If you’re your brand use a professional, high-quality headshot, digital portraits are a creative way to set your profile apart and personalize if you’re a solo-preneur or influencer (BUT make sure it fits, a digital portrait for a professional accounting service is not a good fit!).

4. Write a Killer Bio

You want your instagram bio to be quick and easy to read. Within a second or two visitors should know exactly what they can gain from you. You have 150-characters, make the most of them! Write out multiple iterations to let the creative juices flow.
Pro Tip: make your bio about what you can do for your customers.

5. Use Keywords

You need to be using keywords in your bio copy. Not only do keywords help with Instagram SEO and your page reach, but they also make scanning your bio even easier. Choose researched keywords to clarify what you do.

6. Use Emojis, Custom Fonts & Line Breaks

Get creative and play around with the formatting of your bio, using emojis, fonts and line breaks can create more attractive and scannable bios. Test out as many ideas as you can think of until you find the right mix.

7. Close With a Call-To-Action

There should be a clear step that you want a follower to take while on your profile. Link to your most recent blog post, new product, ebook… this is a traffic driver. Change up this link to keep up with new content and campaigns (The classic → Link in Bio). Be sure to use a trackable link— an easy solution for that is by using Bitly.

8. Add Action Buttons

Action buttons are like a secondary CTA (call-to-action) on your profile.To add action buttons→ “Edit Profile”→ “Contact Options” make sure all your contact info is up to date.→ “Add Action Button” and select a 3rd party software fits best. Many are best for reservations, appointments, tickets, and online orders.

9. Enable Notifications

Head to your “Options” and “Push Notification Settings”, select “From Everyone” for all categories that make sense. This ensures your notifications are enabled which lets you see when people share and comment on your posts. This allows for quick and easy engagement and responses to your followers.
Pro Tip: One of the best strategies to grow your following is to engage with current and prospective followers often!

10. Curate Your Content and Post Consistently

This is where scheduling and planning come in. Your Social Calendar should outline how often (frequency), what (content-type) and the why (purpose) of everything you’ll be posting either week by week or month to month. Frequency — daily, weekly, bi-weekly etc Content-Types — photos, graphics, carousels, Feed Videos, IGTV, StoriesPurpose — Educate/Inform, Inspire/Motivate or Entertain.

Pro Tip: Splinter your content into multiple pieces. (Make one blog post into multiple IG posts/stories)
The Instagram bio is the first impression of your brand or business, and in an attention economy, the first impression is everything! Make sure your brand voice and tone comes through while clearly and quickly conveying what you offer customers.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling stuck, seek out inspo from brands/companies in your industry or other industries of companies you love. What do they do well? What could they improve? Take what you like most from a few different brands and put your own spin on it.

For more instagram focused tips click HERE.

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