Five Common Instagram Bio Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Your Instagram bio is one of the first things people see when they land on your profile. It should tell them exactly who you are, what you do, and how you help in just a few lines.

But let’s be real,  bios are often a missed opportunity.

Here are five common mistakes I see all the time, and what to do instead👇🏼 

1. Only Using Your Name in the Name Field

The name field is searchable, which means if it only says your name or business name, you’re leaving visibility on the table.

💡 What to do: Add keywords like your job title or what you offer.
Examples:

• “Ava | Virtual Assistant”

• “Taylor | Social Media Help”

• “Bridget | Branding Photography”

This helps new followers find you and understand what you do instantly.

2. Filling the Bio With Fun Facts

We love your iced coffee obsession and your golden retriever, but your bio is not the place for it 🫣

👏🏻 What to do: Use that space to talk about:

• Who you help

• What service or product you provide

• Why someone should follow or hire you

You can still show personality in your posts, stories, and reels!

3. No Link or Outdated Link

A missing or broken link? Noooo. That’s a missed opportunity to connect or convert.

🔗 What to do: Add a relevant link to your:

• Website

• Most popular offer

• Free resource or service page

And check it every few weeks to make sure it’s still working!

4. No Location Mentioned

Even if you serve clients online, your location still matters. It helps Instagram connect your content to the right people.

📍 What to do: Add your city, region, or service area to your bio.
Think: “Serving Fargo-based businesses” or “Virtual support, based in Austin.”

Even a simple mention goes a long way.

5. No Business Category

That tiny gray label under your name is more powerful than it looks. It tells Instagram what kind of account you are and it tells people too.

💡What to do: Choose a category that clearly reflects your business.
Examples: “Coach,” “Product/Service,” “Consulting Agency,” “Photographer.”

This little detail boosts clarity and helps people know you’re a professional.

Your Bio Glow Up Checklist

Here’s what your updated Instagram bio should include 👇🏼
✅ Keywords in the name field
✅ Clear summary of what you do
✅ A working, relevant link
✅ Location (yes, even online biz besties)
✅ Accurate business category

Need a little help rewriting your bio? Want a quick review from your social media bestie?

👉🏼Let’s get your profile polished and converting 💬🫶🏼