A lot of business owners set up their Instagram profile once and never look at it again. But your bio is one part of your Instagram strategy that’s easy to overlook, and it might be quietly costing you new customers.
It only takes a few minutes to make sure everything in your bio is still accurate and up to date. People actually read it.
They’re looking for quick details about what you do, and if they can’t find what they need or feel confused, they’ll probably move on to someone else.
You could be missing out on potential customers simply because your bio isn’t doing its job.
So what should you focus on? Let’s go over the key parts of an Instagram bio that actually help your business.
Get Your Name/First Line Right
The first line of your Instagram bio is actually searchable, which means people can find your profile based on what you write there. That’s why it’s worth being intentional about it.
Use clear, specific language that shows exactly what you do. Include the main keywords your customers would use when searching for a business like yours.
For example, if you own a bakery in Lafayette, instead of writing “Sweet treats and good vibes,” try “Custom Cakes & Bakery in Lafayette, LA.” If you’re a real estate agent, skip the quote and write “Residential Real Estate Agent – Denver Metro Area.”
Think about what someone would type into Instagram’s search bar to find your services. Those are the words that belong in your first line. This small change can help more people discover your business.
Write a Bio That Actually Says Something
Your bio should give people a quick, clear idea of who you are and what you do. You don’t have much space, so make every word count.
People skim fast. They want to know what your business is about in just a few seconds. If you offer services, say what they are. If you sell products, mention what kind. If you’re local or ship nationwide, include that too.
And don’t forget your link. Most businesses link to their homepage, but it helps to send people where you actually want them to go. If you’re a service provider and bookings are your main goal, link directly to your booking page.
If you’re running a promotion or have a new product launch, link there instead.
You can always change this link as your business priorities shift.
If you’re a local business, add your address. Instagram lets you display your location on your profile, which makes it easier for people to find you online and in person.
Use Your Highlights
Instagram Highlights are one of those features many businesses either skip or set up once and forget about. But they’re a great way to show off your services, products, or anything that helps people understand your business.
Think of Highlights like your FAQ section. What questions do people ask all the time? What do new customers usually want to know before buying or booking?
Create Highlights that answer those questions so people can get what they need without sending you a DM or scrolling through your posts.
Ask yourself what’s most important for people to know about your business. Maybe it’s your menu if you’re a restaurant, your portfolio if you’re a photographer, or client reviews if you want to build trust.
Keep your Highlights organized and current. If you’re still showing a promo that ended months ago, it’s time for an update.
Read also: Instagram Content Formats Explained: What to Use and When
Don’t Let Your Bio be an Afterthought
Your Instagram bio is often the first impression potential customers get of your business. It should do the heavy lifting because you’re competing with a lot of other businesses for attention.
A well-optimized bio helps people find you, understand what you do, and take action.
Set aside ten minutes this week to review your bio and Highlights. Make sure everything is up to date, clear, and helpful to someone who’s never heard of you before.
We’re a digital marketing agency working with businesses across Louisiana, Colorado, and beyond to make sure their social media actually drives results. Our team can help you make sure your Instagram is set up to work for your business, not against it.
Contact us for a free social media audit and we’ll show you exactly what’s working and what needs to be fixed.
