How to optimise your Instagram profile.
Instagram is always evolving, and whether you’re a seasoned user or just starting, it’s crucial to regularly optimise your profile to maintain engagement and build your brand. In this episode of the Courageous Creatives Podcast, host Georgie Morrison shares updated strategies to ensure your Instagram profile stands out and supports your goals. Let’s dive into these essential tips!
1. Profile Photo
Your profile photo is the first impression visitors get of your brand:
For Service-Based Profiles: If your profile photo is a casual selfie or a personal picture, consider switching to a professional headshot. Ensure it’s clear, high-quality, and reflects your brand’s identity.
For Businesses: Make sure your logo is up-to-date and aligns with your brand's visual identity.
Keeping your profile photo fresh and professional can enhance your credibility and make a stronger first impression.
2. Optimising Your Bio
Your bio should be concise but impactful, showcasing who you are and what you do. Here’s a recommended structure:
First Line: Who you are and your role (e.g., Creative Freelancer, Social Media Strategist).
Second Line: What you offer (e.g., Content Creation, Personal Branding Tips).
Third Line: A call-to-action (CTA) with an emoji pointing to your website or booking link.
3. Instagram’s New SEO Features
Instagram is becoming increasingly searchable, similar to Google, with keyword-based search capabilities. Ensure you use keywords in your name and bio to improve your discoverability. For instance, instead of just your name, add your profession or niche (e.g., “Name | Sydney Brand Designer”).
4. Hashtags and Engagement Strategies
Instagram’s recent updates suggest using only 3-5 relevant hashtags instead of the previous advice of using all 30. Focus on niche hashtags relevant to your audience to maximize reach and engagement. Test different hashtags and analyze their effectiveness in your insights to refine your strategy.
5. Content Strategy: Embracing Video
Instagram continues to prioritise short-form videos like Reels and Stories. If you want to increase your reach:
Experiment with Reels: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, tips, or mini-tutorials that align with your brand.
Leverage Stories: Use Stories to connect with your audience daily. Polls, Q&As, and interactive stickers can boost engagement and help you understand your followers’ preferences.
6. Highlights: An Underutilised Tool
Instagram Highlights are valuable for showcasing your best content or providing essential information:
Update Regularly: Ensure your highlights feature your latest offers, services, or key moments.
Consistency in Design: Create highlight covers that match your brand’s aesthetic using tools like Canva.
7. Reviewing and Refreshing Your Feed
Maintaining a cohesive and visually appealing feed is essential for attracting followers:
Archive Outdated Posts: If you have posts that no longer represent your brand, don’t hesitate to archive them. Keep your feed clean and professional.
Plan Your Content: Instead of posting spontaneously, plan your content to ensure it aligns with your brand’s message and goals.
With Instagram focusing more on video content, ensuring your grid includes a mix of videos, photos, and graphics can help maintain variety and engagement.
8. Conducting a Follower Audit
To maintain a healthy and engaging community, review the accounts you follow:
Unfollow Inactive or Irrelevant Accounts: Prioritize those who actively support and engage with your content.
Build a Supportive Network: Follow accounts that inspire and align with your values, and engage with them regularly to strengthen connections.
Staying Ahead of Instagram’s Algorithm Changes
Instagram frequently updates its algorithms, which can affect your visibility:
Reels and Carousels are Key: With the platform’s focus on short-form video content, staying consistent with Reels and Stories is crucial for growth.
Keyword Optimisation: Include relevant keywords in your captions and alt text to improve the discoverability of your posts.
By staying adaptable and informed about Instagram’s changes, you can make the most of the platform and grow your audience effectively.
Conclusion
Optimizing your Instagram profile isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that involves regularly updating your bio, photos, highlights, and content. Keeping up with trends like Reels and leveraging the platform’s search features will help you connect with your audience and achieve your social media goals.
Let us know if these tips helped! DM us at @courageouscreativespodcast to share your thoughts and experiences. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we chat with an inspiring creative entrepreneur. Until then, be courageous, creative, and keep thriving!
about Courageous Creatives Podcast
Courageous Creatives Podcast is for creatives, small business owners, and side-hustlers ready to build successful, modern careers on their own terms. Hosted by Georgina Morrison, a multi-creative business owner who has forged her own successful path, this podcast is on a mission to bust the ‘starving artist’ myth and empower you to thrive in your creative business — no matter your postcode.
Tune in for actionable tips on small business growth, breaking through industry gatekeeping, and overcoming obstacles. Let’s transform your creative career! Welcome to the Courageous Creatives Podcast.
