A Step-by-Step Guide to Boost Profile Visits and Discoverability
Hey friend! We all know how FAST Instagram changes and this is why having a fully optimized Instagram profile is crucial for boosting your discoverability and growth, despite all the algorithm changes.
Yet, this is one of the most common and easily avoidable mistakes creators make. Think of your Instagram profile as your online business card—if it doesn’t immediately convey who you are, what you offer, and why someone should follow you, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities. Luckily, optimizing your profile is one of the easiest ways to increase profile visits, improve your reach, and ultimately grow your audience.
So let’s go over how to optimize your Instagram account, breaking down the 6 aspects of a highly-optimized Instagram profile!
1. Optimize Your Instagram Handle
Your Instagram handle is one of the first things people notice when they visit your profile, so it should be memorable and search-friendly. For personal brands, using your name is great, but to really boost discoverability, consider adding keywords related to your niche.
For example:
@ig.creatoracademy for those offering Instagram growth tips.
@travelwithtalia if you’re a travel blogger.
@getfitwithsandy for fitness coaches.
These handles not only make it clear what you’re about but also help your profile appear in search results when users look for content within your niche.
2. Perfect Your Profile Photo
Your profile photo is like the face of your brand—it should be welcoming, professional, and instantly recognizable. Ideally, it should be a clear headshot where your face is fully visible, projecting a warm and friendly look. If you have a branded color, use it in the background to enhance brand recognition. This small detail helps create a cohesive visual identity, making your profile more memorable.
3. Fine-Tune Your Name Field
The name field on Instagram is another critical element for discoverability. Instead of just using your first and last name, include two or three relevant keywords that describe what you do. Think about the terms your target audience might use to find content like yours. Tools like Google Trends or Semrush can help you identify the best keywords.
For example, if you’re a fitness coach, your name field could be something like “Sandy | Fitness Coach & Nutrition Expert.”
By strategically incorporating keywords, you enhance your profile’s chances of appearing in relevant search queries, driving more organic traffic to your account.
4. Craft a Compelling Bio
Your Instagram bio should be a clear, concise summary of who you are, what you offer, and who you serve.
A good bio typically includes the following elements:
Value Proposition & Ideal Customer Avatar: Start with a statement like “I help X achieve Y” or “Helping Y get more Y.”
Social Proof: Include a snippet that boosts your credibility, such as “Featured in Forbes” or “10k+ Happy Clients.”
Call-to-Action (CTA): Direct your visitors to take action, whether it’s DMing you a specific keyword for a personalized response or clicking the link in your bio for more information.
A well-structured bio not only tells potential followers what to expect but also guides them on what to do next.
Example Bio:
“Helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses with AI-driven strategies. Featured in Forbes. DM ‘SCALE’ for a free consultation.”
5. Utilize Highlights Strategically
Many creators clutter their profiles with highlights that offer little value. Instagram Highlights are more than just a storage space for your Stories; they’re an essential tool for introducing new followers to your brand and services.
Consider organizing your Highlights into categories like:
Start Here: A brief introduction to your brand.
Testimonials: Social proof from satisfied customers or clients.
Offers: Showcase your products, services, or special deals.
Free Resources: Promote your lead magnets, such as eBooks or free courses.
Having 5-10 well-organized Highlights can significantly enhance your profile’s effectiveness by guiding visitors to the most important aspects of your brand.
6. Curate Your Feed with Purpose
Gone are the days when every post on your feed needed to be meticulously curated. However, there should still be a sense of coherence and brand recognition throughout your posts.
The first three pinned posts on your feed should serve specific purposes:
Storytelling Post: Share your journey or a relatable story that connects with your audience.
Lead-Generation Post: Offer a freebie or lead magnet to collect email addresses or other contact information.
Conversion Post: Directly promote your products or services, making it clear how followers can benefit.
Make sure that the titles for both static and video posts are clearly visible, providing a quick overview of the content for anyone scrolling through your feed. This helps new visitors quickly grasp what your profile is about and why they should follow you.
Wrapping Up: How to optimize your Instagram account
Optimizing your Instagram profile is a straightforward yet powerful way to enhance your visibility and attract more followers. If you’ve been struggling with low engagement or slow growth, taking the time to audit and refine your profile could be the game-changer you need.
Need help? Introducing the Ultimate Instagram Auditor—a free GPT tool designed to audit your entire Instagram profile and pinpoint areas for improvement! Don’t miss this opportunity to take your Instagram game to the next level. Click here to get it for free!
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