Since this is for beginners you might be wondering if you need an Instagram at all. I'm going to say you do because there is an Instagram writing community, just like in the Twitter world. There are some great friends you might like to meet, and encouraging words are not far behind. 

Suppose you are wanting to reach as many people as you can. In that case, you need to be sure you are running your social media accounts on as many platforms as you feel comfortable on and can keep up with. Do not start an Instagram and let it sit. Followers don't fall out of the sky unless you are a celebrity. 

1. Your Handle (@mewriter)

Make your handle your name, your name +writer, or a variation of this combination. 

Examples: 

• anniesmithwriter 

• anniesmithwrites 

• annie_smith_writes

This is how people will identify you in feeds on Instagram.

Keep this in mind. 

2. Your Name

Fill in the correct name, such as the one you want to be known by.

If you use a pen name, this is where you put it.  

One thing to think about…

Go by the same name on all your social media sites. This helps followers not to be confused if they follow you on multiple socials.  

3. Your Name | Title 

You have your name in there now, I want you to, but this | line in the same section where you typed your name. This is a title of whatever you want to be known for. Keep it short!

Examples: 

• Annie Smith | Poet 

• Annie Smith | Editor 

• Annie Smith | Publisher

• Annie Smith | Coach

• Annie Smith | Author

• Annie Smith | Blogger

• Annie Smith | Romance

• Annie Smith | Humor

• Annie Smith | Sci-Fi

• Annie Smith | Ya Fantasy

• If you are unsure what this extra Title should be, it can be added later. 

4. Bio (150 characters)

As a potential follower, I want to know who you are as fast as you can. You are already telling me, as a potential follower, a story through your posts, but what do you think is crucial for me to know? 

Another way to see this is it what is a theme that shows up in your writing?

How are you trying to help people?

My best advice on how to get a feel for what to write if you are hitting a brick wall is to look at other writer's bios. 

Things to think about :

• Some writers use emojis.

• Others choose to use whole sentences, phrases, or single words. 

• Link other accounts they might blog or regularly write for.

• Use differnt fonts (this can be googled)

  Don't copy them word for word, but you can get an idea of what to do. 

  Don't be afraid to change up your bio as time goes and you change. 

5. Links

If you don't have LinkTree, you need to stop now and go sign up. I'm not kidding. I don't promote it unless I use it myself. LinkTree is a program that gives you a link to use in your bio that can send your followers to more than one link which huge link!

LinkTree Links: 

• Blog

• Published Works

• Books to Sell

• Your Twitter account

• Website

• Newsletter 

• Classes

•  If you are like, no thank you LinkTree, you only get one link, so you better make it count.

One link option:

• Website

• Published Book

• Social Media Account (you are on more)

• Newsletter

• Blog

• Class 

  Don't forget to test all of these links after posting them, so you know they work.

These are just a few tips to get your bio ready to go as a new Instagram writer. Next week will feature more social media tips for writers.