How to Set Up Your Instagram Profile So People Follow It

A person decides whether to follow within a few seconds, looking at your profile header and the first rows of posts. If it isn't clear from the header who you are and how you are useful, no ads or promotion will help. Here is the checklist.

Name and username

• Username: short, easy to remember, without extra dots and numbers.
• The "Name" field takes part in Instagram search. Add what you do there: "Honey Bakery · Cakes London".

Profile bio

A three-line formula:

1. Who you are and who it's for: "Flowers delivered across London in 2 hours".
2. What makes you different: "We build a bouquet from your photo reference".
3. What to do next: "Orders in Direct or via the link 👇".

The link in your profile should lead where people can act right away: a catalog, an order form, Telegram.

Avatar

• A face or logo that reads well in a small circle.
• A contrasting background, no small text.
• The same avatar on Instagram, TikTok and Telegram, so you are easier to recognize.

Story highlights

4-6 covers in a consistent style: "Prices", "Reviews", "Delivery", "How to order", "About us". This answers the questions people take to Direct and saves your time.

The first 9 posts

The first three rows of the grid are your "storefront". Make sure it includes:

• an introduction post: who you are and how you are useful;
• 2-3 useful posts worth saving;
• a review or a result of your work;
• a Reels video showing the product in motion;
• a post with a clear call to action: how to order.

Business tools

Switch to a professional account: you get analytics, contact buttons and the ability to run ads. Fill in the category, contacts and address if you have a physical location.