Level Up Your Instagram Profile Today: 3 Simple Changes for Artists

If people are visiting your Instagram but not following, DMing, or buying, your profile may not be doing the job it should in those first few seconds. Think of your profile as a handshake. When someone lands there for the first time, you want it to be instantly understandable, credible, and follow worthy.

The three changes to make right now

• Refresh your bio so it tells people exactly who you are and who your work is for.
• Create three pinned posts that act as a welcome mat and answer visitors questions immediately.
• Start using hooks in your captions and reels so scrollers stop and engage instead of keep scrolling.

1. Bio best practices

Your bio is the tiny real estate that needs to communicate a lot quickly. Keep it clear, scannable, and focused on the person you want to attract.

• Use keywords: Include one or two identifiers people will search for. Examples: watercolor artist, oil painter, pet portraitist, digital illustrator.
• One clear CTA: Choose the most important next step for visitors. Examples: shop the new series, commissions open, join my newsletter, view portfolio.
• Make it scannable: Short lines, simple language, and selective use of emojis can help with quick reading.
• Optional trust signal: If you have space, add a brief credibility point such as shows exhibited or number of clients served.

Keep your bio at a simple reading level. Short, direct language wins. Always update the bio and links to reflect what you want people to do right now.

Bio examples

• Abstract painter - vibrant color fields. Art for modern homes and bold color collectors. Exhibited locally. Ships worldwide. Shop the new series
• Digital illustrator - cozy fantasy creature art for book lovers and role playing game fans. Commissions open. Wait list available. Click to see portfolio
• Botanical watercolors - natural elements for minimalist spaces. Perfect for plant lovers and calm color palettes. View prints

2. Three pinned posts that function as your welcome mat

Pinned posts live at the top of your profile and will be one of the first things a visitor sees again and again. Use them to answer the key questions a new visitor has: Who are you? What do you make? Is this for me? How can I work with you?

Pin 1: My art and who it is for

Make a carousel of 5 to 8 best pieces. On the first slide call out the vibe or niche clearly, for example: Bold abstracts for color lovers. In the caption, expand slightly on style, materials, who the work is for, and include a CTA.

Pin 2: About the artist

Show your face or a studio shot and add a little personal context. This is where you build connection: why you make art, what drives your work, a bit about process or values. Keep it human and a little deeper than a headshot. Add a CTA like follow for process videos or click to commission.

Pin 3: Choose one of these options

• Social proof or testimonials - carousel of client photos and quotes when you sell commissions or services.
• Current collection or sale - highlight seasonal collections or what you most want people to buy today. Update as needed.
• Process or behind the scenes - time lapses and studio clips show skill and build trust.
• How to commission - simple steps, starting prices, turnaround so visitors know how to work with you.

Together these three pins answer the majority of first time questions and let you post and share more freely below them. Your profile becomes the reliable baseline so your reels and posts can be more experimental and authentic.

3. Use hooks so people stop scrolling

A hook is the first line or moment that makes someone stop scrolling and pay attention. It can feel awkward at first, but hooks are one of the most effective ways to increase engagement and reach.

What a hook does

A good hook creates a break in the scrolling lull. It sparks curiosity, promises value, or puts the payoff upfront so the viewer knows what they will get by watching or reading.

Types of hooks you can use

• Payoff upfront - Tell them the result immediately. Example for reels: Final reveal after two years.
• Start at the climax - Open with the most interesting moment and then explain. Example: I ruined it at layer seven then saved it.
• Direct command - Short prompts like Stop, Wait, Watch this.
• Question - Ask something that makes them curious. Example: Have you ever wondered why watercolor blooms?
• Curiosity gap - Tease a surprising mistake or lesson. Example: The mistake that made this my best painting.
• Bold statement - Challenge a common practice. Example: Stop using this brush for acrylic.

Practical hook tips for carousels and reels

• Use bold text on that first slide or within the first second of a reel so the hook is unmistakable.
• In reels, use movement in the first second to grab attention. A quick camera move or unexpected action helps.
• Always deliver on the promise of your hook. If you ask a question, answer it. If you tease a reveal, show the reveal.
• Keep the tone human and conversational. Hooks do not have to be clickbaity. They should promise clear value or emotion.

Hook examples you can adapt

• New painting. Here it is. vs I almost quit this canvas and here is what changed at hour five.
• From blank wall to gallery ready in 12 hours.
• The mistake that made this my best painting.

This profile setup makes visitors think "This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for."

Quick action plan

1. Refresh your bio: add 1 to 2 keywords, a single CTA, and make it scannable.
2. Create your three pinned posts: art and who it is for, about the artist, and one functional pin (testimonials, current collection, process, or how to commission).
3. Practice hooks: write 5 hooks for your next 5 posts. Try starting at the climax, asking a strong question, or putting the payoff up front.

Do these three things and your profile will start working harder for you. Once the baseline information is clear and visible, you can post authentically and experiment on everything else because visitors will always be able to understand who you are, what you make, and how to work with you.

If you do one thing today, start with your bio. If you do two things, add the three pinned posts. If you do all three, practice hooks until they feel natural. Small changes, big difference.