I've said it before and I'm going to say it again for the record:
KEEP YOUR EYES ON INSTAGRAM!
With more than 71% of brands actively using Instagram, you can expect a whole lot more in terms of ensuring brands are getting a solid return on their investment from the platform.
With that, I come across a LOT of brand profiles which simply aren't optimized for the platform. The thing about Instagram is, if they are offering it as feature for you to use, it's in your best interest to develop a strategy that makes sense for your brand and use it. This includes optimizing your Instagram profile so that your brand has a better chance of being found on the rapidly growing platform.
Here are 3 things you can do right now to optimize your Instagram profile:
1. Convert your personal profile to a business profile.
Converting your personal profile to a business profile does a couple things, first, it unlocks the door to a host of metrics and analytics that you can use to strengthen your content strategy. Second, it provides users a method to contact you if they are interested in learning more about your brand, your products or your services.
2. Upload a CLEAR profile photo.
Whether your profile photo is a logo or photo, you'll want to make sure the image is clear. The space for your profile photo is tiny so close up photos are better because they use more space and are much more easily recognizable as users are scrolling through their timelines.
3. Put a link to your website or blog in your profile.
If somebody gave me a dollar for every blogger or entrepreneur or YouTuber, etc. I come across on Instagram with NO LINK to their blog, website or YouTube channel, I would be a very rich woman. Driving people off of your Instagram profile and onto a monetized or lead generating asset, is a very basic step for brands using the platform.
It's cool if you're using Instagram casually and just for fun. But if you're looking to grow your brand on the platform it is essential that you utilize these basic elements to optimize your profile.