PROFILE OPTIMISATION

CHECKLIST.
When you onboard a client as an SMM, you’ll have to audit your
clients’ Social Media platforms and optimize them in order to
make their handles do better. In this chapter, we’ll discuss Insta-
gram.

An Instagram bio is the first thing anyone is going to see when

they check out your clients’ handle. It’s the most important thing
you must have for their Instagram. It’s the top section of an Insta-
gram profile that acts as an introduction to the outside world.

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Let’s look into every single element that makes for a
good Instagram Bio:

• The Profile Picture: It’s basically the first thing anyone sees when
they land on an Instagram account. So, it’s best to use a well-lit
picture. When someone searches for an account on Instagram, the
profile picture appears in a very tiny circle and so it becomes all the
more necessary to grab the attention immediately. So usually pick
a very clear image with not a lot of things going on in the back-
ground, preferably you could add a solid colour to the background.
You can use https://www.remove.bg/ to remove any background
clutter from your pictures and add a solid colour using any tool like
Canva.
• The Handle: It's the unique identity an Instagram Account has. It’s
the text that follows the ‘@’ symbol with which a user finds an ac-
count. Some tips you must follow are:

a. Try to keep your handle as close as possible to your name.

b. Avoid numbers in the username, they look spammy and seem like
bot accounts.
c. Avoid adding any special character in the beginning
d. If a name isn't available, check to see if ‘thenameofficial' is avail-
able.
e. If ‘thenameofficial' is also not available, then try to add a special
character between the name and surname.
f. If nothing works, try for a name that's unique to the clients’ work
and identity.

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• The Name: This name shows below the profile picture and is not
unique to an Instagram account. Some key points to note are:
a. There is a 30-character limit here.
b. Try to add your clients’ names + some other keywords that can get
the SEO rolling.
c. If the name is too long, you may skip adding the surname here, pro-
vided the handle has the surname already.
d. The goal is to use up as many of the 30 characters as possible
e. When choosing keywords, avoid adding self-made words. Use
words that are generally used by people.
f. When choosing the keywords, think of how your ideal client will
search for you.
• The Category: A feature available only for public business ac-
counts. Choose the category that speaks the most about your
client and resonates the most with the audience that’s being tar-
geted.
• The Profile Description: This is the section below the name that
speaks about the account holder. Points worth noting are:
a. The character limit here is 150.
b. Consider breaking things down in pointers. Use emojis but don't
overdo it.
c. Start with the professional mission statement.
d. Follow it up with some achievements.
e. Next, add a personal touch about the client.
f. And lastly, end it with a Call To Action - a step that you’re asking
people to take.

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• The Link in Bio: This is used to drive people from Instagram to any
other websites where you are present. Some key pointers to note
are:
a. Share links to the clients’ lead magnet.
b. Or, share links to any Youtube video / Podcast episode.
c. Share any other link where your client would like to direct the traf-
fic.
d. You can also consider using sites like Milkshake or LinkInBio to build
a mini-site where you can add multiple links in one link.
• The Buttons: You have the option to customise these buttons in the
setting section. For example:
a. You can add a 'book a call' button if you're a freelancer
b. You can add options for people to email you.
c. You can add your phone number as well if you take orders on
Whatsapp.
d. Or you can remove all other buttons on let there just be a 'follow'
button. This would totally depend on your personal preference and
need.
• The Highlights Section: Stories disappear after 24 hours, so high-
lights allow you to make evergreen pieces of content available at
all times. Some tips here are:
a. Make the best stories permanent to give new followers a chance to
know your client.
b. Create cohesive highlight covers using Canva.
c. Highlights act as great pieces of content on days when the client is
not active on stories.
d. You can add testimonials, the journey, struggles, milestones, mini
trainings, about the client, other favourites, some best pieces of
content, and FAQS etc..
•
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