Ever noticed that there are some accounts on Instagram you just HAVE to follow?
I mean, even if you’re not into cats on Roombas (who isn’t, though?), there is SOMETHING about the account’s profile that draws you in and lets you know they’re going to brighten your feed every day.
This is not an accident, my friends. And there are things you can do to create that same desire to follow and like in others!
We’ve put together some of these tips and tricks on how to make your Instagram profile more attractive below!
You know what they say about first impressions, right? This is true in life AND online. It all starts with a profile that pops. Here are eight tips on how to create the perfect Instagram profile and make sure yours is among them!
Start by making sure you have an Instagram Business account. Some of the suggestions below will not work on a personal account.
Plus, you’ll want access to analytics and maybe someday – advertising options.
All set? Here’s how to start the Instagram profile optimization process!
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #1
Use a Photo That’s Really You
This is the photo other Instagrammers see when you share an image, make a comment, appear in notifications, or when someone checks out your profile.
So, should you use your logo or a photo of your own irresistible mug?
It all comes down to which one is most recognizable as your brand!
If your brand IS you, Are you fun and a little zany? Or maybe you need to be seen as trustworthy and serious.
Whatever the case, your Instagram bio photo really needs to encapsulate all that in one teeny tiny photo. No pressure. 😉
Also, don’t forget to keep it 100% genuine! The best Instagram profiles are authentic ones.
Tailwind member Color Me Courtney does a great job with her Instagram profile overall, but it’s her photo that really draws you in. Don’t you just want to be her BFF?
Then there’s superstar Marie Forleo. She’s approachable, funny, confident. And that’s reflected in her Instagram profile photo. Get the idea?
Obviously, there will be some exceptions where using a face wouldn’t make sense.
For example, if you’re a larger company with a recognizable logo, you almost need to use your logo to reassure people that they have found the correct account!
Whatever the case, make sure the photo is bright enough to be seen on mobile, and never use a poor-quality or fuzzy photo.
First impressions, remember?
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #2
Pick an Identifiable Username
Our next tip on how to create the perfect Instagram profile is to be particularly mindful when choosing your username.
Your username is that one-word lowercase “handle” that serves as your Instagram URL. So, for @tailwindapp, the URL for the account would be https://instagram.com/tailwindapp.
You have up to 30 characters here (no symbols or spaces). It’s also what people will use when they mention you in a comment.
So try to make it memorable – it’s your identifier and a crucial part of the Instagram profile optimization process.
If you already have an established Instagram account and want to change your username, think long and hard about it – you’ll need to make changes to any place you’ve used that username in the past – guest blog posts, business cards, etc.
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #3
Choose a Searchable, Meaningful Instagram Name
Your Instagram name, on the other hand is your display name on your profile.
You have a bit more flexibility here (30 characters/spaces to be precise) to work in your keywords and improve your Instagram profile.
The name on your Instagram account does not have to match your username exactly.
In fact, for most people, expanding on the username to use keywords or explain what you do makes a lot of sense. For example, “AMRAP Life | Active Wear”.
If you’d like to capitalize on search, try logging out of Instagram and search the name you’re considering using.
Do you have a chance of appearing in the results? Might people actually search for that term in Instagram? If so, go for it!
It may be the perfect opportunity to not only improve your Instagram profile but also drive more visibility to it.
Changing your Instagram name doesn’t require you to go back to fix links (as would changing your username), so while it’s not something you want to change often, if you need to optimize it to create the best Instagram profile possible, feel free.
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #4
Write an Instagram Bio that Sizzles
A thoughtfully curated bio is crucial to creating the best Instagram profile possible.
You get 150 characters here, so make them count! Tell people what you do, who you are, and what they can expect to see from your Instagram updates. Most importantly, tell people WHY they should follow you.
Obviously, your business type will dictate how personal you get in your Instagram bio.
Love the sass from Jenn’s Trends.
But wait! Many people get a bit squeamish at the thought of writing their own Instagram bio.
If you’re one of them, ask a friend or a few – what do I do? What am I good at? What words pop into your head when you think of me?
Use those to formulate a really fun bio that gets people excited to learn more.
Don’t forget to use emojis to add a little fun, and format your bio to make it easier to read!
When it comes to the Instagram profile review process, this step is a big one and we recommend you take the time to craft the most genuine and personalized bio possible!
Still a little lost on how to write a bio that stands out? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to create the perfect Instagram bio here!
How to Format Your Instagram Bio
- Write your bio in an online character counter tool and keep it to 150 characters or less. Use an emoji dictionary to make sure you choose universal emojis.
- Add in line breaks where needed.
- Copy and paste to your Instagram bio on desktop. If copying from your online character counter tool, try pasting into Notes, Notepad, Evernote, or even a Facebook status update before you paste it to your profile in Instagram.
Note: You will not see the formatting on desktop, but when you switch to your phone you will!
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #5
Choose a Business Category
Though this may not SOUND particularly glamorous, adding a category to your business account allows you to tell viewers more about you.
Basically, (“I’m a fashion model” or “I’m a local restaurant”) without taking up any of your precious bio real estate.
You’ll need to set this information from mobile, not on desktop. Here I’ve chosen News & Media Website.
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #6
Set Your Instagram Contact Options
Another tip on how to build your Instagram profile to its fullest potential is to make it easy for people to contact you directly by adding contact options to your Instagram profile!
With a business account, you can add an email address for click to email, a phone number for click to call, and a physical location people can tap to get driving directions.
Add as many as make sense for you!
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to add your actual address (if you work from home, for instance), consider adding at least your city and state.
When you do, your location will be shown in your bio. People love to know where you are – and you could easily attract the attention of people who prefer to shop local!
This step may not necessarily lump into how to make your Instagram profile interesting, but is very important to making you and your business more accessible to followers and customers!
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #7
Make the Most of Your One Instagram Link
Instagram only allows one link in your bio – and if you’re wondering how to create a good Instagram feed, this is an important link!
After all, this link is valuable real estate to drive traffic from Instagram.
Maybe you’re planning on promoting blog posts, selling products or simply directing your followers to your site.
Whatever your purpose, you can shave tons of time off your Instagram planning by using a link in bio tool!
And guess what? We have a FREE one, and it’s the most advanced link in bio tool out there!
Smart.bio by Tailwind allows you to:
- Personalize evergreen button links at the top of your page with custom CTAs and titles
- Use your brand colors on your own unique landing page
- Schedule Instagram post links to go live in real-time when you use Auto-Schedule for business accounts!
- Analyze in-depth insights to find out where – and what – your followers are clicking on the most!
And did we mention it’s totally free? Claim your personalized Smart.bio URL below!
Instagram Profile Optimization Idea #8
Create an Instagram 9-Grid that Dazzles
Looking for a visual tip on how to make an attractive Instagram profile?
A beautiful and cohesive Instagram grid (the combination of your last nine posts), can be a powerful motivator for potential new followers.
But it can be difficult to picture how attractive new content will look in your feed before you post it.
Don’t worry – Tailwind has your back. Our Instagram post planner app will allow you to see how content will fit into your feed before you hit “share” – right from iOS and Android phones!
Ready for your own Instagram Profile Makeover? Snag our “Instagram Profile That Pops” check list, see how yours stacks up, and optimize it today!
In Conclusion: How to Create the Perfect Instagram Profile
For such a tiny piece of online real estate, your Instagram profile is a powerful little property!
Make the most of the space you’re given by utilizing all the fields Instagram offers to business profiles.
Spend the time to make it pop with the eight tips on how to create the best Instagram profile above and you’ll make a beautiful first impression and attract all the right people! PS – Don’t forget to get your checklist!
Check out this live (and lively) discussion with me and Jeff Sieh of Manly Pinterest Tips.
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