How To Make a Lasting Impression With Your Instagram Bio | Later (2024)

Research suggests you have just seven seconds to make a first impression — and it can be even shorter online.

The secret sauce? A good Instagram bio.

Whether it's incorporating relevant keywords or using a free link in bio tool, we're breaking down our top Instagram bio tips to level-up your profile.

What Is an Instagram Bio?

Your Instagram bio is the section below your profile picture that gives users a sneak peek into the content on your feed.

This space includes:

• A display name

• Page category

• Pronouns

• 150 character description

• External links

• Contact info

And because your bio is typically the first point of contact for new visitors, it’s got everything you need to describe who you are and what you do, right off the bat.

What Makes a Good Instagram Bio?

A good Instagram bio can make all the difference between a visitor hitting follow, or tapping away.

It’s short, informative, and gives potential followers a well-rounded idea of what they can expect from your content.

How can you achieve it? Our top tips for the perfect Instagram bio await, below.

FYI: You can create a clickable version of your Instagram feed with Linkin.bio by Later. Sign up today to level-up your Instagram bio:

10 Tips for the Perfect Instagram Bio

When done right, your Instagram bio can catapult your growth on the platform. Here are 10 ways to make those 150 characters count:

1. Keep It Short & Sweet

2. Include Relevant Keywords

3. Use a Link in Bio Tool

4. Show Your Personality

5. Include a Call-to-action

6. Add Your Contact Info

7. Add Your Branded Hashtag

8. Use Emojis Sparingly

9. Use Instagram Stories Highlights

10. Update Your Bio Regularly

#1: Keep It Short & Sweet

Brief, yet captivating is the golden standard for a good Instagram bio.

This makes long phrases and emoji overload a huge no-no.

Instead, stick to short, easy-to-read phrases that get the point across quickly.

Aka, don’t overcomplicate it — for the most part, your content speaks for itself.

#2: Include Relevant Keywords

ICYMI: a strong Instagram SEO strategy is one of the best ways to increase your reach on the platform.

And while this mainly involves the captions you write — your account’s name and bio can play a role too.

So, take a moment to brainstorm keywords your target audience may search for on Instagram, and pop them into your name field.

See how Aley Arion uses the keywords “content creator” and "writer" to boost her account’s discovery:

Now, if someone searches any of these keywords, Aley has a better chance of popping up as a result.

Want more tips for increasing your reach on Instagram with relevant keywords? Check out this blog post: Instagram SEO: 5 Ways to Increase Your Discoverability.

#3: Use a Link in Bio Tool

With the ability to add only one external link to your Instagram bio, how do you narrow it down?

Hint: you don’t have to.

With Linkin.bio by Later, you can create a landing page with button links and a clickable version of your Instagram feed:

This makes it easy to direct followers to specific web pages referenced in your posts, your other social accounts or websites, a product page — you name it.

A streamlined experience for your audience without having to frequently update the URL in your Instagram bio? Talk about a win-win.

Ready to optimize your Instagram bio with Later's Linkin.bio tool? Sign up and get started today:

#4: Show Your Personality

After all, your Instagram bio is all about you or your brand — so don’t shy away from sharing your story and giving a peek into your personality.

Use this space to speak directly to your target audience and highlight your skills, background, or a common phrase you use.

This way, potential followers will immediately understand what you’re all about.

See how Alexandra Nikolajev introduces herself in four short lines:

#5: Include a Call-to-action

A good Instagram bio will drive followers to perform an action — whether it's participating in a survey or listening to your latest podcast episode.

And that means including an effective call-to-action (CTA).

Just remember the golden rule: be clear and specific.

For example, Girlboss invites followers to subscribe to their newsletter, Girlboss Daily in a simple one-liner:

And to encourage even more profile clicks, make use of Action Buttons.

Depending on your account, you can include: Order food, Book now, Get quote, Reserve, View shop, or Learn more.

Simple: ask and you shall receive.

#6: Add Your Contact Info

With an Instagram Business profile, you unlock the ability to add contact information to your Instagram bio.

This includes your email address, phone number, and brick-and-mortar address — no additional character count required.

Rug tufting business Fuzzy Lab and marketing community Pretty Little Marketer both have contact information available for new visitors and their followers:

The takeaway? Make it easy for a visitor or follower to reach out with the click of a button.

P.S. Did you know that Later is an official Instagram partner? Sign up today to start planning and scheduling your content in advance:

#7: Add Your Branded Hashtag

Another tip for a good Instagram bio? Two words: clickable hashtags.

Whether you’re promoting an Instagram contest or a UGC (user-generated content) campaign, including a clickable branded hashtag in your Instagram bio is a huge engagement tactic.

See how clothing brand NOIZE encourages UGC with their branded hashtag:

Now, the brand has a dedicated space of organic customer content that they can engage with, repost, and (by request) repurpose.

NOTE: While a branded hashtag can help you spotlight and collect UGC, placing hashtags in your Instagram bio doesn’t make your profile discoverable via hashtag search.

#8: Use Emojis Sparingly

A splash of color (or emojis) is a great way to add some personality into your Instagram bio — but don’t overdo it.

Why? It has the potential to affect the accessibility of your content for those with visual impairments.

So, it’s best to keep things short and sweet.

Use emojis sparingly to highlight any CTAs (call-to-actions) or to add some pizzazz to your bio, like Later:

Salute emoji. 🫡

#9: Use Instagram Stories Highlights

Instagram Stories Highlights are perfect for sharing FAQs, roundups, and community spotlights.

They also have the potential to make your Instagram bio more appealing and click-worthy.

Think: product launches, booking info, and anything else worth the 24-hour shelf life extension.

And if you want to add a little spice, you can create a set of on-brand covers to ensure a consistent look and feel.

Nail artist Christina uses Stories Highlights to organize appointment availabilities, price lists, art inspo, and more:

In other words: timely, clean Instagram Stories Highlights = boosted Instagram bio views + a stronger brand aesthetic on your profile.

TIP: To create your own Instagram Stories Highlights covers, read this Later blog: How to Create Instagram Stories Highlights Covers (+ Free Icons!).

#10: Update Your Bio Regularly

An up-to-date Instagram bio gives viewers the most current info about you and your happenings.

On the flip side, an outdated bio can be misleading and result in the loss of potential followers.

So, if you haven’t updated your Instagram bio in a while, this is a sign (or 10) to give it a refresh.

Bonus: Free Instagram Bio Planning Worksheet

A good Instagram bio is your ticket to a boost in reach, trust, and a loyal following.

And while there’s a lot to remember to get it right, we’ve got you covered with these top tips (+ a free Instagram Bio planning worksheet to guide the way).

Ready to make a lasting impression with your Instagram bio? Download Later’s free Instagram Bio Planning Worksheet to level-up your bio today.