442. That's the number of Instagram audits I've written as an Instagram expert and social media coach. The most interesting thing about having done so mnay audit - is you get to find out what the most commonly made Instagram mistakes are!
So, to let you in on all the tea, as well as making sure you fix any of these mistakes you might be making... Here are the top 10 Most Common Instagram Mistakes for 2024:
10 - Too Much 'White Space' in their Profile Picture
Having a profile picture with a lot of 'White Space' (empty space between you/your text and the profile pic border). This can be problematic when these pictures are seen in its smaller versions (such as in comment sections, search results and above new posts). As the white space will the picture appear physically smaller and take up less space, it may be less recognisable. The more recognisable your picture is in these smaller spaces, the more immediate attention and engagement you will get with people who already like you as a business, as they will immediately recognise it as a comment or post associated with you.
9 - Keyword Stuffing
Keywords in your captions can be used to essentially ‘train’ the algorithm into knowing exactly who we are, what we post about, and who our posts are for. By using keyword strategically throughout our captions – we can 'teach' the algorithm. It will then be able to categorise our profile and our content correctly and show it to the right people who it knows will be interested in the content we put out.
Keywords should be placed naturally and sporadically throughout the caption of your posts. You should avoid ‘keyword stuffing’, which is essentially just putting a bunch of random keywords at the end of your caption. This could be seen as spammy and reduce your reach!
8 - Using Non-Native Fonts in the Bio or Bio-Name
I see many people still opting for using non-native unreadable fonts in their bios and bio-names. I typically advise against using fancy fonts in your bio for two reasons:
It doesn’t look very professional
It makes it harder for people to read
Stick to the OG Instagram fonts!
7 - Not having any Key-Words in their Bio-Names
The bio-name (other than your username) is the only part of your profile that is directly searchable. Because of this, you need put in key words or short key search terms (something your ideal follower might search for) to increase visibility & discoverability. Think or what your ideal audience member might be searching for (this will also rank you on google – not just Instagram!).
6 - Not Using CTAs in the bio / content
Call-to-actions (CTAs) are short catchy phrases that prompt your audience to take the action you want them to take next (like to tap on your link, comment a keyword or follow you). CTAs should be present both in your content and in your bio. The CTA you use in your post (stick to one CTA per post) should correlate with whatever your goal is for that specific post. Do you want to start conversations? Ask a question and for your audience's input. Want to grow your account? Ask them to follow you! I suggest putting two different CTAs in your bio:
A FOLLOW call to action (i.e. "FOLLOW me for more Nutrition Tips"
A link call to action (i.e. "Grab your FREE healthy food guide 👇")
5 - Writing Terrible Bios
There are a few very important rules when it comes to writing a bio, the most important one being to keep it short, sweet, and straight to the point! Here are the others:
Use emojis at the start of each line (improves readability)
Don't include your email, any hashtags, or URLs
Only make one point per line
Keep your bio to 4 lines max
The CTA to your link should be on the LAST line
Take out any industry jargon/acronyms
4 - Using Instagram's Multiple Link Option instead of a Link Page
Instagram’s built in multiple link option isn’t the most visually appealing way to display links, there is no easy way to make them stand out amongst each other. I would suggest instead to look into a link page alternative. This could be a Linktree, a Stan Store, a Link Page made in Canva, whatever floats your boat / looks cool!
3 - Not having the most Important Link at the TOP of their Link Page
The links in your link tree should be arranged in order of importance! This means having the link to whatever the CTA in your bio is talking about at the TOP. Followed by whichever ones people view most regularly (i.e. services, freebies, booking forms). Typically, social media links will be the least important - so link to your TikTok / LinkedIn / Facebook LAST!
2 - Having FAR too many Highlights
Having too many highlights in your highlight roll can cause choice paralysis. Have maximum, between 5-7 highlights. It is unlikely people will scroll to see any further than this on your page. Also make sure that the most important highlights are always towards the front of your highlight reel!
1 - Using the Wrong Post Dimensions
And number ONE - the one I see far more than I'd like to - is people still posting in the original square (1080 x 1080 px) format. These days, Instagram allows you to post longer 'Portrait' Posts (With Dimensions of 1080 x 1350 px). This takes up SO much more real estate on the page - and is far more likely to 'stop the scroll'...
So, there we have it - the Top Ten Mistakes People are Still Making on Instagram in 2024!!
I hope you enjoyed it!
If you want me to audit your entire Instagram account, and give you a step-by-step plan to improve YOUR IG game, then grab one of my >> PERSONALISED INSTAGRAM AUDITS
MY Instagram audits are usually between 4-7 Pages long and will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about your current Instagram profile, content and strategy!
Inside I'll go over your:
Profile Picture
Bio
Bio name & Username
All Content
Feed Posts
Reels Posts
Captions
Profile highlights
Page Optimisation
CTAs, Links & SEO
Link Pages & Landing Pages
Niche & Branding
Non-IG Actions
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