How to Give Your Instagram Profile an Overhaul (That Actually Attracts Readers)
Let’s be honest: your Instagram profile is doing a lot of heavy lifting. It’s often the first impression potential readers (or agents, editors, and collaborators) will get of your author brand.
And in today’s scroll-happy world, you only have a few seconds to make it count.
If your profile doesn’t clearly show who you are, what you write, and how people can connect with you, you’re missing a huge opportunity to grow your platform and sell more books.
Here’s how to give your profile a strategic refresh that works for you (instead of confusing or repelling your ideal reader).
Step 1: Know Who You’re Talking To
Before you rewrite your bio or overhaul your feed, ask yourself:
Who is my ideal reader?
What are they looking for on Instagram?
What tone or vibe do they respond to?
If you write cozy mysteries, your tone and visuals will be different than if you write spicy fantasy romance or dystopian thrillers.
Understanding your reader helps you speak their language from the very first click.
Step 2: Update Your Bio With Clarity and Connection
Your bio isn’t just about you—it’s about helping readers know they’re in the right place.
Here’s what your bio should answer:
Who are you?
Give your name or author pen name, plus a keyword like "romance author" or "YA fantasy writer."What do you write?
Mention your genre or series. Bonus points for saying how your books make people feel (e.g. bingeable, heartfelt, swoony).Who do you write for?
Example: “For readers who love badass heroines and magical rebellions.”What should they do next?
Include a clear call to action. That could be:“Start the series for free 👇”
“Join my reader list”
“Grab your bonus chapter”
And don’t forget to link to it in your bio!
Pro Tip: Use emojis and line breaks to make it scannable. Avoid writing a big block of text.
Step 3: Brand Your Highlights Like a Pro
Your story highlights are prime real estate. They act like your website menu—and can give new visitors everything they need to decide if they want to stick around.
Recommended highlight categories:
Start Here (welcome message or story intro)
Books (covers, blurbs, reviews)
Freebie (bonus content or opt-in link)
About Me (author Q&A or fun facts)
BTS (writing process, aesthetics, playlists)
Use custom icons or covers that reflect your brand (same colors/fonts as your books or website).
Your Instagram profile should tell readers who you are, what you write, and what to do next—all in less than 10 seconds.
Step 5: Reframe Your Content Strategy
Once your profile is optimized, let’s make sure your content supports it.
Ask yourself:
Are my posts speaking to the readers I want?
Do they reflect my genre and author personality?
Am I mixing storytelling with strategic CTA’s?
Start weaving in:
Reader-centered content (quotes, vibes, tropes)
Behind-the-scenes writing process
Personal stories that connect to your themes
Invitations to join your email list or pre-order your book
You don’t have to post every day—just post with intention.
What Makes a Profile "Work"?
It’s not about having a perfectly curated feed or thousands of followers.
An effective profile:
Makes your reader feel seen and welcomed
Builds curiosity around your books
Gives a clear next step (email sign-up, freebie, preorder, etc.)
It’s a digital handshake that says: "Hey, this is who I am. If you like [insert your genre/feelings], you’ll love it here."
Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s dodge some common pitfalls:
Mistake #1: Vague bio
"Writer of things." Cool. But what things? And who are they for?
Mistake #2: No CTA
If you don’t tell people what to do next, they won’t take action.
Mistake #3: All about you
Your profile should balance you with why it matters to the reader.
Mistake #4: Dead link
Check your link-in-bio regularly and update it to reflect current promos, launches, or freebies.
A Sample Instagram Profile Makeover
Meet Nadine Snow
Nadine Snow is a North Carolina–based author of magical realism whose stories weave together the quiet beauty of small towns, the pull of family, and the whispers of folklore and nature. Her debut novel, The Lantern Keeper’s Promise, captures her signature blend of wonder and warmth — where ordinary life hums with traces of the extraordinary. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading by lamplight with a mug of tea close by and two mischievous cats plotting nearby.
Before: Unoptimized Instagram Setup
Username: @nadinewritesstuff
Display Name: Nadine ✨
Bio:
Author | Dreamer | Tea Drinker
Lover of cats, cozy blankets, and rainy days ☕️
Follow for book updates and more!
What’s Wrong Here:
Username isn’t searchable — “writesstuff” doesn’t clearly connect to her author name or genre.
No keywords for genre or readers (“magical realism,” “fiction,” etc.).
Doesn’t clarify what she writes — it’s all personality, no positioning.
No call-to-action (CTA) or reason for readers to click the link.
The vibe is cozy, but it could belong to any author or bookstagrammer.
After: Optimized Instagram Setup for Discoverability & Brand Cohesion
Username: @NadineSnowAuthor
Display Name: Nadine Snow ✨ Magical Realism Author
Bio:
✨ Magical realism stories rooted in nature & folklore
🌿 North Carolina dreamer with tea & two cats
📚 Start with The Lantern Keeper’s Promise ⤵️
Link: nadinesnowbooks.com (or Linktree/Bio Site if she doesn’t have a site yet)
Why the Optimized Version Works
1. Search-Friendly Username & Display Name
“@NadineSnowAuthor” includes both her full name and the keyword “author,” so readers searching “Nadine Snow” or “magical realism author” will find her faster.
Adding her genre to the display name (“Magical Realism Author”) reinforces what she writes every time she interacts on the platform.
2. Genre-Specific Keywords
“Magical realism stories,” “nature,” and “folklore” help Instagram’s SEO understand her niche — and tell readers instantly what kind of books she writes.
3. Personality & Authenticity
“North Carolina dreamer with tea & two cats” keeps her warm, relatable, and human — a key part of her brand voice.
4. Clear CTA (Call-to-Action)
“Start with The Lantern Keeper’s Promise ⤵️” guides readers directly toward her first book or freebie.
5. Visual Flow
The use of emojis is purposeful: they create readability and reflect her brand aesthetic (natural, whimsical, and a little cozy).
Let Your Profile Work For You
You’re already putting energy into writing and sharing your books. Don’t let your profile be the thing holding you back.
A few intentional tweaks can:
Attract the right readers
Boost engagement
Grow your email list
Support future book sales
And if you’re inside the Story Flow Collective, you already know we break this down step-by-step, with templates and feedback to guide you.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
If you're ready to build a sustainable author business, connect with readers, and get expert guidance that actually meets you where you are, click here to join me!