Your Profile Is Costing You Followers—Here’s How to Fix It

4 easy tweaks to make your Instagram account unforgettable.

Let’s be real—your Instagram profile is like the window display of your digital storefront. The second someone clicks over to your page, they’re either intrigued or they’re gone. And just like in a bustling shopping district, you’ve got about two seconds to grab their attention and make them want to stick around. So, if you haven’t given your profile some love lately, it’s time for a quick makeover. You want people to see a polished, clear, and totally “you” version of what you’re about—right from the get-go.

Here’s what I recommend for all my clients:

1. Update Your Profile Pic

Let’s start with your profile picture—it’s non-negotiable! Think of it as your digital handshake: it should be clear, high-quality, and instantly recognizable. Whether it’s your logo, a photo of you, or a symbolic image representing your brand, make sure it’s easy to identify at a small size.

Avoid cluttered or busy images—they don’t translate well in such a tiny space. You want people to recognize you immediately when they see your picture pop up in their feed.

If your services are all about you and your personality, go for a well-lit, high-resolution photo that shows your face clearly. A pop of color can help you stand out, and good lighting makes a world of difference!

For brands, using your logo is great, but ensure there’s strong contrast between the logo and the background so it’s readable at a glance. If the brand name is long, consider breaking it into multiple lines for clarity and impact.

2. Change Your Name

Next, let’s talk about the name field—this one’s a big deal! It’s searchable, which means it’s prime real estate for SEO keywords. Instead of just using your name or something quirky, think about what your ideal customer would type into Instagram to find someone like you. Whether it’s “Brooklyn Bakery,” “Travel Agent,” or “Dog Mom Coach,” use keywords that really nail down what you do. You’ve got 64 characters to play with, so make them count!

Here’s the trick: your name and bio are flagged in search, so packing your name field with relevant keywords can help you reach more people. You can see it in action HERE:

If your Instagram handle is already the name of your brand - you don’t even have to include your actual name in the name field (as you can see above, the same information often ends up repeated.) Don’t be afraid to use the name field as a phrase that explains who you are/what you do (eg: @petitpawtisserie above).

Brainstorm a bunch of keywords that connect to your profession, describe your product or service, or highlight your niche. Once you have those, start crafting them into a cohesive (and catchy!) phrase. You don’t need to write a full sentence, but feel free to add some emojis or special characters to make it pop.

The goal here isn’t to be cryptic—your ideal customer should be able to find you at a glance. Use keywords that are straightforward and descriptive, making it a breeze for potential customers to find exactly what you offer.

3. Edit Your Bio

Your Instagram bio is your digital elevator pitch—a quick snapshot that tells users who you are, what you’re about, and why they should follow you. With limited characters (160, to be exact), it’s crucial to be specific and direct: skip vague statements and focus on what makes you unique and valuable. For example, rather than saying, “I help people live their best lives,” try something like, “Helping millennial moms build sustainable routines with daily tips,” or “NYC dog trainer for leash-reactive pups.”

Make sure your bio is easily scannable by putting the most important information front and center. Consider what makes your brand unique, your target audience, and what action you want people to take after visiting your profile. Are you local or global? Do you offer a specific skill or service? Reflect these details in your bio and use a clear call-to-action to guide visitors, whether it’s “Follow for daily tips” or “Click the link for exclusive offers.” This way, your bio not only informs but also motivates people to stick around and engage.

Here’s an example of a profile I recently came across (and loved):

4. Pin the Right Posts

Pinning posts on Instagram is like putting your best foot forward—those posts are the first thing visitors see when they land on your profile, so they pack a punch. For businesses, pinned posts are a great way to showcase your brand’s most valuable content right at the top. By pinning, you can instantly introduce new users to who you are and what you do, creating a curated intro that highlights your brand's best qualities.

Here’s why it’s worth making pinning a priority: it not only boosts the visibility of key posts but also drives engagement on your most important content. Pinned posts are perfect for answering FAQs, sharing your brand story, or highlighting specific products or services.

I always recommend pinning three essential types of posts: one that clearly shows who you are, one that explains what you do, and one that gives a taste of the content followers can expect.

So, if you haven’t started pinning yet, now’s the time! Use this feature to guide visitors and make sure your profile delivers a strong, memorable first impression.

Keep in mind, your profile is prime real estate. You want everything on it to serve a purpose and make it crystal clear why someone should follow you. It’s all about setting expectations upfront, so that the people who are interested in what you’re all about know they’ve found the right place. So, take a little time to freshen up your profile picture, optimize that name field, and polish your bio. A well-thought-out profile is like rolling out the red carpet for your dream followers.

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This week: caught in the act, reconnecting with nature, and going where the wind blows.

HOP ON THESE TRENDS:

If I was your Instagram strategist, here are 3 Reels I’d encourage you to recreate for your brand: