Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today. It has over 500 million daily users and 90% of them log in just to see what their friends, celebrities, or favorite content creators are up to. 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 link 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 Link

   Like I just said, you get ONE link to hook your audience. You can link it to that one important thing you’re promoting. Or you can use many links. Most people use their main website link or a Linktree type of 3rd party service. I’d suggest that you, or your web designer, build a page on your website just for Instagram links. That way you maximize that one link to its fullest. You can link a visitor to a number of things. Your blog, your services, your shop, your latest lead magnet, etc. and still keep them on your website. Hello, extra website traffic!

5. Put Your Work And Process On Display In Instagram Highlights

   I hope that you’ve jumped on the Instagram story train. Because it’s becoming the place where people hang out most on Instagram. But that’s not what this blog is about. This is about you using your Instagram highlights to showcase your content, your services, behind the scenes, and more. Those highlights give a profile visitor a quick look into your business and your life if you choose to share it. They could make the decision to follow you based on those little bubbles.

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 a “shop now” button and an email signup box? You can also include your social channels like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc by enabling those CTA buttons. And don't forget to add the Instagram app icon in there too!

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.