When it comes to using social media for business, visuals are key. Consumers are 10 times more likely to engage with brands on Instagram than on Facebook (over 84 times more likely than on Twitter!). But how can you optimize your profile to stand out from your competitors in Instagram’s search tool? Here are some tips to make the most of your profile, all accessible via the “Edit Profile” button on Instagram:

1. Make the switch to IG Business

Instagram began testing business-specific accounts in 2016, and there are many pros to making the switch from a personal profile. If you haven’t updated your listing, don’t worry — the process is easy. You won’t lose any content, and you get the option to add info like business hours, location and a phone number — super helpful for your customers!

 

2. Choose the right profile image

Like Facebook and Twitter, your profile avatar should be easily recognizable, feature a logo that’s legible at a small size, and format to fit within a circle (otherwise it might get cropped out!).

3. Use your business name

Character limits on Instagram might mean that your handle looks like @ginospizzanyc when your business name is Gino’s Pizza. Customers will be searching using your business name more often than your @username, so you should update your “name” accordingly.

4. Get the most from your bio

Like Twitter, Instagram has a tight limit for their bio: 150 characters. Make the most of the space by explaining who you are, what you do, and using targeted language (including hashtags, when appropriate) to give off the best first impression.

5. Add a Call-To-Action Button

What better time to remind your customers that you’re just a quick delivery order away than when they’re scrolling through your super-tasty Instagram feed? With IG Business, you can add a “Start Order” button to your profile that links directly to your Slice menu.

 

– Kayla Moses