Are you an Instagram™ beginner? Or are you looking to learn how to start taking Instagram™ seriously for your business? With the right strategy, your Instagram™ can be discoverable even if you’re a beginner.
In this blog post:
#1 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: Find Your Confidence
Before we dive into the technical aspects of setting up your Instagram™ account as a beginner, let’s start with something that’s basic but often overlooked. I’m talking about finding your confidence.
Whether you’re brand new to Instagram™ or have a loyal following, it’s always important to lean into your authentic self. No matter what updates Instagram rolls out, remember why you’re on the app.
Sue B. Says: Step into your confidence and own it. Remind yourself that you’re on Instagram™ to make a big impact and leave your legacy.
#2 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: Pick the Perfect Username
Now let’s talk about the technical aspects you need to know when you're a beginner on Instagram™. When you’re picking your Instagram™ username make sure it matches your name or your business name.
Even better, pick a username that’s consistent across all of your social media accounts. Then it’ll be even easier for people to discover your account no matter which platform they’re on.
Sue B. Tip: Avoid using numbers or confusing abbreviations for your username.
#3 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: How to Take a Profile Picture that Stands Out
In addition to picking a discoverable username, deciding on your profile picture is one of the most important things to keep in mind when you're a beginner on Instagram™.
A great place to start is picking a photo with a solid background. That minimizes distractions and ensures that all eyes are on you. Additionally, you can add props to your photo that represent your brand. In an instant your followers will know exactly what your brand is about.
One investment that I also suggest making when you’re new to Instagram is taking professional photos. All it takes is a couple of wardrobe changes and you have evergreen photos that can last you all year.
Sue B. Tip: Don’t change your Instagram™ avatar all the time. People will come to recognize your avatar as a distinct part of your brand, and the last thing you want is to confuse them.
#4 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: Create a Boss Instagram™ Bio
Now, let’s talk about making a boss bio – one that's so good people won't even know you're a beginner on Instagram™. You have 150 characters to tell people exactly who you are and what your business is about.
Sue B. Tip: To create an even more stylized Instagram™ bio, I suggest lining up your four lines of text in the notes app. Then all you need to do is copy and paste to have an eye-catching Instagram™ bio.
While some people describe an Instagram™ bio as a business card, I think of it as an elevator pitch. You only have a second to grab people’s attention, and you don’t want to waste it. Even better, use a Linktree link in your Instagram bio so you can drive people to multiple places on your website.
#5 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: Set up Two-Factor Authentication
Of course, if you’re going to put this much time and effort into your Instagram account you want to make sure it’s secure. Trolls are always looking for opportunities to steal Instagram™ accounts.
By setting up two-factor authentication you can be sure that your Instagram profile and sensitive information are always protected.
If you’re not sure how to set up two-factor authentication, check out this YouTube video.
#6 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: What to Do Before You Start Engaging and Promoting Your Business
I’ve always said that whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, engagement is the secret to finding business success on Instagram™. It’s not enough to just post it and forget it, people need to know there’s a real person behind your avatar.
But before you start engaging and promoting your business, make sure you have nine posts on your feed. That way people will know that your account is active and what your brand represents.
#7 Instagram™ for Beginners Guide Tip: My Final Tip for Instagram™ Beginners
Now, here’s the final tip you need to know when you’re an Instagram™ beginner. Make sure you update your name field. Both your username and name field are combed by search engines, so updating both ensures you’re more likely to show up in search results.
Even better, your Instagram™ account username and name field don’t have to be the same. Take a look at Riva’s Instagram™ account as an example.
As a functional medicine doctor, she helps people live their healthiest lives. Riva was recently featured on a podcast, and can you guess how they found her. They discovered her through search!
Just keep in mind that you can only update your name field twice in 14 days.
Discover How to Transform Your Instagram™ Profile into a Buyer Magnet
Even if you’re an Instagram™ beginner, it’s never too early to make Instagram™ into your #1 marketing platform. That’s why I created this FREE Instagram™ training. Discover exactly how to leverage your Instagram™ to attract potential buyers … without spending hours each day creating content.
