Over the last few years, social media profiles, especially Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, have gained popularity. Although the initial aim for Social Media was to connect people around the world, it has now become the biggest form of online marketing. Used to promote products, influential people and most importantly business. Social Media has become an online market.

As an entrepreneur, it is important to have a social media presence. When people are interested in a business, they become interested in the person who started it all. They want to know who you are and what your life is now like. Instagram is the ideal platform to do this. Why? In this generation, the majority prefer seeing what a person’s life is like through photos rather than reading about them. So, how do you write your story through Instagram?

Being an entrepreneur puts you in the limelight of being an inspiration to others. Your job is to use that inspiration and motivate the youth. Posting about the events you attended, the countries you travelled, the magazines you featured in and much more. This will give them a glimpse of the life of an entrepreneur. The blurb to your autobiography.

 

We will be looking into a few features to guide you to write your story through Instagram:

 

  • Username
  • Profile photo
  • Biography
  • Posts

 

We have taken examples out of South Africa’s very own young and ambitious entrepreneurs.

 

#1: Your username

 

Your audience must be able to find you. Make sure your username consists of both your name and surname or your full companies name. However, if you have an existing Instagram account or the username with your name, surname already exists, then make sure you either add your name, surname or companies name in your Instagram name and look for a symbol to add to it, you’re likely to get your desired name this way available this way but remember to keep it simple a hyphen (-) or underscore are easy-simple symbols to explore.

For example, Claudio Chiste who is a leadership author, keynote speaker and coach has his username as both his name and surname. However, has added an underscore to his username, which tells us he most likely couldn’t find his full name.

Some prefer to have their username shortened and their full name placed under their Instagram name, making their username easier to search, but also recognisable for people to find them.

Gary Vaynerchuk, who is the CEO of Vayner media and a few other businesses, has both a long name and surname. Therefore, he has a shortened version for his username and his full name is placed under his name.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk (@garyvee)

 

#2: Your profile photo

 

When it comes to your profile, it is important to show people who you are. Your profile photo gives your audience a glimpse of what to expect. Whether you’re a professional or a more laid-back person. It is important to use a good quality photo. This will make your profile stand out and give it a sense of professionalism.

Chris Do, Founder and CEO of The Futur has a well-curated profile picture on Instagram.

 

By viewing Claudio’s, Chris and Gary Vee’s  profile photos in the instagram profiles listed above, you are already able to see the difference in their characters and the type of people they are.

#3: Your bio

While browsing different entrepreneurs’ Instagram accounts, we’ve noticed three similarities that each bio consists of:

  • Their achievements e.g. TEDx Speaker
  • Stating they are an entrepreneur
  • A link to their website

Showing people what you have achieved as an entrepreneur, gives followers hope of what they can achieve in the future.

 

#4 Your posts

As an entrepreneur, your feed tells your story, showing people what you’ve achieved, the places you travel to and the events you attend. This can inspire upcoming entrepreneurs, showing them what they’re capable of if they work hard for what they want. It gives them a glimpse of the life they could live if they decide to ever start their own business and become an entrepreneur. Below are a few posts from some of South Africa’s Under 30 Entrepreneurs.

International DJ, Uncle Waffles:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FORBES AFRICA (@forbesafrica)

Entrepreneur, Mpoomy Ledwaba:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mpoomy Ledwaba (@mpoomy_ledwaba)

 

4.1 Featured posts

It is great to show your audience which magazines, newspapers or online articles you’ve been featured in. It also gives yourself exposure for your audience to read the article, thus getting more information about you.

Claudio Chiste posted a recent interview with Expresso on Instagram:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Expresso Show (@expressoshow)

 

4.2 Experiencing the world

One of the greatest experiences of being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to travel the world. When people view your profile and see that you travel, it motivates them to work for something so that they will one day be able to travel the world.

Here’s a good representation of entrepreneur, Chanti Loraine-Grews showcasing beautiful photos of places she’s travelled around the world:

 

4.3 Eventful nights

For entrepreneurs, especially in small businesses, it is important to continually grow your company. Attending and being invited to events are important ways to do so.  Posting about them increases your exposure.

 

#6: How to change from a public to a professional account on Instagram

On Instagram, you can convert your personal profile to a professional account to access features that can help you grow your business.

To switch your profile to a professional account, follow these easy steps:

  1. Go to your profile and tap in the upper right corner.
  2. Tap
  3. Tap Account.
  4. Tap Switch to Professional Account.
  5. Tap Business.

With a professional account, you’ll be able to access business features and Instagram Insights. These tools can help you understand who is engaging with your business on Instagram.