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. However, if you have an existing Instagram account or the username with your name and surname already exists, then make sure you add your full name and surname in your Instagram name.
For example, Zuko Tisani who is the founder of Legazy has his Username as both his name and surname. However, his Name is his nickname.
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 .
Reabetswe Ngwane, who is the co-founder of Atyre, has both a long name and surname. Therefore, she used a shortened version for her username and her full name is placed under her Name.
#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.
Vere Shaba, Founder and CEO of Green Design Africa Reabetswe Ngwane, Co-Founder of Atyre
Vere Shaba and Reabetswe Nwagne are both entrepreneurs. By viewing their profile photos, you are already able to see the difference in their characters and the type of people they are. You can see that Vere is more whereas Reabetswe is more laid-back. You will also see the difference in the two ladies’ posts later in this article.
#3: Your bio
While browsing different entrepreneurs’ Instagram accounts, we’ve noticed three similarities that each bio consists of:
- Their achievements e.g. FORBES Africa 30 Under 30
- 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.
Below are examples of South African entrepreneurs’ Instagram bios. Note that they are both similar; however, the layout is different.
#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.
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.
Vera Shaba posted this post on Instagram. Also, note her story, which is in her caption.
Vera Shaba an entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Green Design Africa made a post on Instagram where she was featured in Forbes Magazine. Also, note her story, which is in her caption.
As you can see, there are different ways of posting content. Zuko Tisani, a successful entrepreneur, who’ve been featured in Man magazine, posted a photo of himself with the magazine and included a brief caption. Captivating his followers to read more about him in the magazine.
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.
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.
As we mentioned previously, your profile photo’s gives a teaser to what your feed might look like. Here’s an example of Vere and Rea’s Instagram feed.
#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:
- Go to your profile and tap in the upper right corner.
- Tap
- Tap Account.
- Tap Switch to Professional Account.
- 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.
