OPTIMIZING YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
First impressions are everything, here is how to make the most of your profile.
Username or HANDLE//
Usually you should stick to your business’s name for this, but sometimes the handle isn’t available. Some great options are to add words like “shop” or “get” before your brand’s name, or to add a . or _ in between words. This needs to be easy to remember and easy to type in so users can find you.
profile photo//
Photo or graphic? That is up to you and what your brand does. Just make sure it is clear and sized properly for mobile and desktop -- Did you know 30% of people use Instagram on their desktop.
name//
Your name is more important than you think, it is not just your brand, but also a search + discovery term.
Here are some notes on IG names from MetriCool:
✅ Original: It will attract the interest of your followers and help you to stand out from others. It’s crucial to use an original and striking name so it can turn out to be the x factor of your Instagram account.
✅ Simple: A username should be easy to remember. How many names can you come across in one day? To avoid your name being unnoticed, you must choose one that is easy, catchy and differentiating.
✅ Characteristic: The username that you use on Instagram will represent what you are. So, choose one that is consistent with your postings and agrees with the sector you are in.
✅ The shorter, the better. Users will learn and remember your name without difficulty.
✅ Use the same name that you have in other social networks. Users will be able to find you in all your social networks with only one name.
category//
Your category is yet another area for people to find you via Instagram and tells users what you do right away.
bio//
This is where you tell users who you are, what you do, and how they can work with you. It is easy to make this section fun, personalized, and eye catching. Keep it concise so you don’t overwhelm first time profile viewers with too much info.
Include a call to action that directs to the your website linked below. For example:
website//
Make a custom Instagram website link that has all your links in one place. This makes it easy to edit when you are running a promotion, sharing something new, or just want to add another link. This can be done on your own site, linktr.ee, or through a scheduling platform like Later or Planoly.
location//
This is another area for search optimization. For some brands this is more important than others. For me, I can work with anyone anywhere, but if you’re a photographer, you need to specify your location. (If you are willing to travel, your bio is a great place to put that!)
buttons//
These are a great way to make it easy for users to connect, book, or shop your products. There are several options for businesses. I recommend having the email button for any business, making it easy for potential clients + customers to reach you. If you are a shop, make sure you use the shop button, or book if you have a live calendar available for clients to book appointments.
highlights//
These are my favorite part of my instagram profile. They are a great way to add more personality to your brand -- show people behind the scenes, services you offer, links to reviews, freebies, and more.
Here is a few of mine for reference:
I hope you can pull some info out of this to help you optimize your profile!
