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Financial advisors, are you ready for Instagram? It's a powerful platform to connect with clients, showcase your expertise, and potentially draw in new business. But it can feel like a mountain of a project to start. Once your compliance department has approved the use of Instagram, follow our checklist below to get you rolling on the platform.
Getting Your Instagram Profile Set Up
Switch to a Business Account
Create an Instagram Business or Creator account. If you currently have a personal account, you can update it within Instagram's settings. This gives you access to analytics, contact buttons, and advertising tools.
Connect your Instagram Creator or Business account with your Facebook Page. This connection allows for cross-platform posting and more robust analytics.
The Essentials
- Use a professional headshot or your firm's logo as your profile picture
- Pick a handle that's professional and consistent with other social media platforms
- Write a compelling bio (150 characters max) – here's our guide to crafting an eye-catching bio for Instagram
- Complete the "category" section to appear as "Financial Advisor" in searches
- Develop a branded hashtag for your firm
Staying Compliant
Be sure to follow your compliance department's policy before creating your account and posting.
Creating Content That Connects
Once you've set up your profile, it's time to engage. Here's your monthly game plan.
Post Consistently
Post at least once a week, PLUS post 3-6 stories a week. Mix your content topics and formats to keep your feed fresh.
Content ideas to get you started:
- Use Reels to grow your audience – Instagram loves videos
- Use carousels to connect with the audience you already have
- Share educational, personal, or promotional content
Pro tip: Download Instagram posts, reels, and scripts in FMG's content library and leverage our Canva integration to easily customize and share.
Plan and Schedule
- Plan your content calendar at least two weeks in advance
- Post during peak engagement times (typically 11 am-1 pm and 7 pm-9 pm)
- Use Instagram Insights to determine when YOUR audience is most active
Make It Look Professional
- Use high-quality, professional images with consistent branding (colors, fonts, logo placement)
- Use whitespace effectively
- Add your logo and brand colors to original content
- Use high-resolution photos
Maximizing Your Reach
Hashtags Done Right
- Research and use 5-10 relevant hashtags per post
- Create a mix of popular and niche hashtags
- Include your brand tagline if you created one
- Save groups of hashtags for different content categories
Pro tip: Refresh hashtags monthly, swapping in a few new ones based on your best-performing posts.
Engage With Your Audience
- Respond to all comments as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours)
- Tag relevant accounts when appropriate
- Add relevant industry keywords for discoverability
Tracking Engagement
- See if your likes, comments, or shares are going up or down
- Identify your top posts to see what worked – and do more of that
- Refresh hashtags at least monthly based on your best performing posts
Stay Consistent and Patient
Set aside time each week to post content, engage with your audience, and track what works. Consistency is key. Over time, you'll build a strong presence that not only reflects your professional brand but also connects you with potential clients.
Instagram is more than just a photo app; it's a dynamic community. Jump in, be genuine, and watch your network – and opportunities – grow.
Watch this on-demand workshop with Samantha Russell and Susan Theder to learn social media mistakes to avoid – and proven strategies that drive growth.