Creating a Killer Instagram Bio in 7 Steps

by Angus Fraser · August 3, 2022

When you implement the tips in this article, your Instagram Bio can help you stand out from the crowd and create a lasting impression on your audience.

Because your Instagram bio is one of the first things people see when they visit your profile, it’s crucial that you make a good first impression. Give people an idea of who you are and what your Instagram account will offer them. Show off your personality and attract followers to your brand.

You can also include a call to action in your bio that encourages people to join your email list or any other action you would like them to take. And you can use your bio to promote special events such as contests, live webinars, your latest blog post and so forth.

Step 1: Tell users what you offer.

This seems like such a basic step and yet many Instagram users never tell others what they do.

For example, if you have a business or service, tell people what it is. “We help brand new authors get their first book published.”

Or perhaps, “I help small business owners to double their revenue through social media advertising.”

Maybe you’re a blogger: “I write about the latest news and discoveries in organic chemistry.”

Or perhaps you’re a coach: “I guide new entrepreneurs on building their first profitable business within 6 months.”

Step 2: Add a call to action.

This could be anything you like, such as downloading your report or book, visiting your blog, entering your contest, joining your free membership or following you on another social media.

Be sure to include the link that takes them where you want them to go.

Step 3: Use keywords and hashtags.

Keywords are vital on Instagram because people search by keywords. If you sell stuffed animals, then be sure to use “plushies” and “stuffed animals” in your bio so people looking for those can find you.

Hashtags are similar to keywords. If you sell paintings or art supplies, you might be using the hashtags #art, #painting, #art supplies, #acrylics and so forth.

Hashtags improve your chances of showing up in hashtag search results, allowing the people most likely to buy your products to find you.

You can also include your own branded hashtag in your Instagram bio. That might be your name or the name of your business or product, such as #CatsRUs. Using your own hashtag enables audience members to connect with each other and with you.

Step 4: Use emojis for more personality.

Using emojis makes your brand more expressive and visually appealing. They’re also a great way to communicate in a quick and easy way, and they add an element of fun and humor, too.

As examples, if you’re making a joke or pun, you might use the winky face or grinning face to help get your point across. If you want to communicate that you care, you might use a heart.

Step 5: Place links at the beginning and end of your bio.

Did you know that people tend to remember the first and last things said in a conversation, a presentation or a movie? Your bio is no different. By placing your links at the beginning and end of your bio more people will take notice of them and click them, too.

You can use the same link twice or even have two different links.

For example, if you offer a free book or report, you might place that at the end and a link to your special sale at the beginning.

You also have the option of using a tool such as Linktree or Tailwind’s Smart Bio to create a single page with multiple links that you then link to your Instagram bio.

Step 6: Less is more.

You only get 150 characters for your Instagram bio. That’s why you want to be choosy in what you say. Don’t try to fit in too much or resort to abbreviations people might not know. Short sentences and a call to action are what you’re after.

Think of your bio as a teaser to make the reader want to learn more, and then provide that additional information through the link(s) you use.

Step 7: Add a bit of levity.

By adding a bit of humor to your bio, you’ll send the message that you are someone fun and interesting and you don’t take yourself too seriously, either.

I’m going to give you plenty of examples below of what this might look like. Keep in mind that you can use any of these as a template for your bio humor.

For example…

“I don’t believe in skills. Passion is my thing!”

…could become…

I don’t believe in a desk. Travel is my thing!

I don’t believe in exercise. Laziness is my thing!

I don’t believe in drugs. Caffeine and wine are my things!

And…

“Waiting for an app that delivers six-packs.”

…can become…

Waiting for an app that cleans my house.

Waiting for an app that delivers rich hunky men.

Waiting for an app that beams me to Saturn.

The #1 rule of using humor is to NOT make anyone feel bad. Calling people stupid, for example, won’t win you a lot of friends. It’s fine for you to call yourself a name, just not anyone else.

Here’s my list. Please use this to inspire your own bit of humor for your bio: