Properly Setting Up Your Influencer Instagram Profile

Have you ever asked yourself “I wonder if my Instagram profile is properly set up as an influencer or am I providing all the information necessary to convert new followers and collaborations?”. Chances are…probably not, which is why I thought it would be a great topic to cover in a blog post. After all, choosing the right username, maximizing your bio and creating an aesthetically pleasing grid is crucial to your success as an influencer on Instagram. Trust me, this post will prove useful, even if you’ve already created your account, have a username, bio and you’ve started posting. Think of this as your checklist to make sure you’re properly set up to be found, instantly hooking your idea follower(s) and, of course, nailing potential collaborations with your favorite brands. In this blog post, I’ll cover all the elements that go into making a killer first impression!

Before we jump into it, I’d like to cover the most basic but necessary setting, which is to make sure your profile is set to public. As obvious as this may seem, I still come across influencers who have their accounts set to private.  You only have a few minutes (if that), from the moment someone lands on your profile, to grab their attention and get them to hit that follow button. And if you have your profile set to private, you’ve just dramatically decreased, if not completely lost the chance of gaining a new follower and most definitely lost a collaboration opportunity.

Alright! Now that we’ve covered that, let’s jump right into it!

1. Username: Picking the perfect username maybe one of the toughest parts of setting up. Mostly because it’s the first thing, other than your photo and bio a potential follower sees and is how people recognize you on instagram. It needs to both speak for you, your brand and to a potential audience. A few options and tips to help you nail down your ideal username include:
   • Using your personal name. If your name isn’t already taken on instagram, I would recommend using either your full name, first and middle name or a shortened version of your name. It’s the most representative option, especially considering that as an influencer you are your brand. Account examples of these are @PaolaAlberdi,  @Sivanayla, and @garyvee.
   • Clever and Unique: I love me a good clever influencer/blog name. This method expresses creativity at its best! Think of a clever pun that has to do with your niche or the topics you’ll be covering. Another great option is putting your own unique twist to a specific phrase or mixing your name with a verb! A great example of this is @BeautyandTheBlog or @ChasingDenisse.
   • Combining two or more words: Connecting two descriptive words with the word and. This option automatically communicates to a potential follower what your blog/account is about before they even read your Instagram bio. You’ll want to think of two descriptive words that are representative of your personality and/or topics you’ll be covering. A great example of this is @champagneandchanel.
   • Keep it Simple: I know that’s easier said than done, especially when it seems like every name and combination is already taken. Remember to keep it short and to the point. Instagram has a 30 symbol limit on usernames to help with this, however other options to consider, especially when options seem scarce, are using different spellings or abbreviations, incorporating numbers, periods and underscores. Examples of accounts that showcase these tactics are @LittleMixico, @Styling360, @RubyHolley_, and @Katherine_Bondd.
2. Profile Photo: As an influencer, your profile photo should only consist of YOU and only you. Considering how small the profile avatar is, you’ll want to choose an image that’s both captivating and showcases who you are as an influencer. I would recommend using a photo of yourself smiling, that’s either waist up or from the shoulders up. Also, you’ll want to make sure it’s a high quality photo.
3. Name/Title: This is not to be confused with your username; it’s the bold text below your profile photo. The name field can prove to be a powerful search tool, that is if it’s used strategically and correctly. Reason being is – your username and name field are the only searchable (SEO) fields on instagram. For example, if you’re an influencer who specializes in thrift shopping and your username is @jenniferpuente but your name field is Jennifer | Thrifty Blogger, and a user, who’s looking for someone who thrift shops, types in the keyword thrifty blogger in the search bar, chances are you will more than likely pop up as a result. This is especially useful if you’re very niched. However, if you feel like your niche is too generic, like “fashion blogger” it’s okay, keep it simple and list your full name especially if your username is your blog name like mine. My username is @stilettoconfessions and my name field is Jennifer | Style Blogger.
4. Instagram Bio– Your instagram biography maybe limited but boy is it equipped with just the right amount of space and opportunity for you share who you are, what you have to offer and why someone should follow you or work with you! The goal is to be as specific and keyword focused, since you only have 150 characters to work with. Your description should include a mix of these key elements:
   1.  Keywords, Phrases & Emojis: Sell your amazingness in keywords, quick phrases and emojis to keep it short and to the point. This is where you share all the goods and tell them why they need to follow you. Make sure to touch on your niche, occupation (other than influencer/blogger of course, if you’d like to mention), hobbies, experience, share anything personal, accomplishments, and, of course, let your personality shine through. Include any additional account/s or hashtags you’ve founded, created or manage. Share where else they can find you, for example are you active on youtube, twitter or do you link all of your looks on a specific affiliate like @21buttons or @liketoknow.it – INCLUDE IT! Your bio will and should be ever changing depending on any life updates, where you’re headed to next and if you’re introducing something new via your link in bio, so don’t be afraid to update as frequently as possible.
   2. Email: YES, include your email in your bio, even if you have a business account and use the email button function. Chances are brands and/or casting agents are working off of their computers, not there phones, so not including your email in your bio could be costing you collaborations aka money.
   3. Location– this is especially important for potential collaborations. A brand could be looking to promote a new product launch or is opening a new store in your area and are in need of local bloggers to hire to help promote their product. Same goes for collaborations with local businesses, especially if you have a local following. If you tend to travel a lot make sure to update this with a 📍pin emoji to showcase where you’re currently located. If you live and travel back and forth between two different areas – make sure to add both locations.
   4. Link in Bio – You only get one clickable link “link in bio” opportunity so use it wisely. What I mean by that is – depending on how much information you offer your audience, you might need to consider looking into other online tools like Linktree to help you make the most of your Instagram traffic. I currently use Linktree to help me provide as much information and value to my audience all at once. For example, as you can see, once a follower clicks on my Linktree link https://linktr.ee/stilettoconfessions , which is located in my bio, it takes them to a menu where they can choose between visiting my blog, my profile on @21buttons or @liketoknow.it and/or check out what I’ve been up to on Facebook. Pretty soon I will be adding another option which will be Youtube! Another great feature Linktree offers is analytics which will help you identify which platform your audience gravitates the most. Signing up for Linktree is free (there are paid versions with more customization and features) and quite simple. If linktree is a little too much for you, don’t sweat it, simply link your newest blog content or whatever you want to focus on and your set. Regardless of what you link, always make sure to include a call to action towards the bottom of your bio to encourage your audience to take action!

As you can see, although limited, your profile can certainly be power and effective when it comes to branding yourself, building an audience and attracting brands.

In my next blog post, I’ll be covering the second half of a thriving profile, which is an influencer’s grid and the importance of following a cohesive theme.

For now, take a look at your bio to see it’s working for you. Don’t be afraid to change things up as you go and test out different ways to express your brand.

I hope this was helpful and bought up some useful points you hadn’t thought of before. If so, let me know! You can always reach out to me via @StilettoConfessions or shoot me an email at jennifer@stilettoconfessions.com!

Thank you for visiting me here and feel free to leave me your thoughts below!

XOXO,

Jennifer Puente