85. Red Flags My Messaging Was Off (& How That Proved I Didn’t Have a Good Instagram Bio)
- Brittany Miller
- Feb 11
- 12 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Is your Instagram bio truly doing its job, or could it be quietly pushing potential clients away? This is a question I found myself facing recently after a series of clarity calls with prospective clients left me scratching my head. It became painfully clear that my messaging wasn’t landing the way I thought it was. And at the heart of it all? My Instagram bio. It was a wake-up call that reminded me how crucial a good Instagram bio is—not just as a quick intro, but as a powerful tool to connect with your ideal audience and convert followers into clients and that I can't ignore my own.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the red flags that alerted me my messaging was off, how I traced it back to my Instagram bio and content strategy, and the exact steps I took to fix it. Whether you’re struggling with engagement, inquiries, or sales, this deep dive into my own marketing journey will help you identify where your messaging might be falling short and what you can do about it.
If we haven't met yet, I’m Brittany, an online marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire and build a life you love.
Table of Contents
Why a Good Instagram Bio Matters More Than You Think
Instagram bios are prime real estate. It’s often the first thing people see when they land on your profile, and it sets the tone for how they perceive you and your business. But it’s more than just a quick intro—it’s your chance to clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and how you can help your ideal clients. A confusing or vague bio can silently repel potential clients before you even get a chance to connect with them.
My experience over the last few months showed me firsthand how important this is. Despite having a solid audience and consistent content, I kept getting calls from people who didn’t really understand what I do or how I could help them. That was a huge red flag that something was wrong with my messaging, and it all started with my Instagram bio.
The Red Flags: Signs My Messaging Was Missing the Mark
Let me set the scene. It was early in the new year, and I had a few new clarity calls pop up on my calendar. I was excited, thinking my marketing was working well, and I was ready to potentially work with some new clients. But the calls didn’t go as expected.
Call #1: The person immediately asked for social media management services. I had actually discontinued that service in mid-2024, so I referred them to a friend who offers social media management. The call was short and didn’t progress.
Call #2: This time, the client didn’t want to share much about their business. They just wanted me to explain what I do and how I could help. That’s not how a clarity call should go. Ideally, the client should already know what service they want and be ready to invest. This call ended similarly with me referring them elsewhere.
Call #3: The same situation repeated. The client asked me to explain what I do and how I could help them, showing they were unclear about my services.
These were huge red flags. If people don’t understand what you do or how you can help, they won’t invest their time or money in your services. And if this confusion is happening repeatedly, it’s a clear sign you need to revisit your messaging.
Why Were These Calls So Confusing?
Often, business owners come into conversations thinking they need one thing, but the real solution lies elsewhere. In my case, many people thought they needed social media management, but what they really needed was coaching, email marketing support, or website tweaks to generate more consistent sales.
However, many weren’t willing to explore that deeper conversation and instead wanted the quick fix they thought they already knew.
That disconnect is a classic example of what happens when your marketing isn’t crystal clear. Your audience might think they want one thing, but you need to guide them towards the true value you provide.
The Three Front-Facing Issues I Discovered in My Marketing
After reflecting on these calls, I identified three main issues with my marketing that were creating confusion:
People didn’t know I no longer offered social media management. Despite announcing this change months ago, some of my followers still thought it was a service I provided.
I wasn’t posting enough content about my current services. I needed to share more about how I help clients with email setups, podcast management, and social media coaching, not management.
My Instagram bio and overall marketing collateral were outdated and vague. My bio still said “social media” without clarifying what that meant, leading to misconceptions.
Issue #1: Not Clearly Communicating Service Changes
Dropping social media management was a big shift in my business, but I hadn’t fully communicated what I do now in a way that stuck. That’s a common challenge when you pivot or evolve your business. People who’ve been following you might not catch every update, especially if you don’t post about it often or your bio still reflects older messaging.
To fix this, I knew I had to be more intentional about sharing behind-the-scenes content showcasing the work I do now, like email marketing setups and podcast management. This helps people visualize what working with me looks like and what outcomes they can expect.
Issue #2: Lack of Content Focused on Current Services
I realized I wasn’t posting enough about my current offerings. Content is how you educate your audience and keep your messaging top of mind. Without consistent posts about what you do now, your audience can easily get confused about your services.
To address this, I started planning Q1 content that highlights client transformations and specific services like email setup and podcast management. I also took inspiration from some amazing creators who excel at sharing client work publicly, which helps build trust and clarity.
Issue #3: An Outdated and Vague Instagram Bio
When I audited my Instagram bio, I realized it was a major contributor to the confusion. My bio simply said “Brittany | social media, email marketing, and podcasting,” which was too vague. To most, “social media” automatically means social media management, which I no longer offer.
My bio also included phrases like “making content creation fun and easy,” which could be misinterpreted as me doing content creation for clients rather than coaching them to do it themselves. Plus, the freebie I was promoting wasn’t aligned with my current business focus.
How I Edited My Instagram Bio for Sales and Clarity
Fixing my Instagram bio was a priority because it’s one of the first things potential clients see and can make or break their decision to follow or inquire. Here’s the step-by-step process I went through to create a good Instagram bio that actually connects and converts:
Step 1: Research Keywords That Describe What I Do
I did SEO research to find keywords people actually search for to find services like mine. “Business marketing strategist” was one of the best descriptors that captured what I do and what people search for. This was important to make my profile more discoverable both on and off Instagram.
Step 2: Be Laser-Specific About My Services
Instead of just saying “social media,” I broke it down to “social media coach,” “email manager,” and “podcast manager.” This clarified that I don’t do social media management but do offer coaching and management in related areas.
Step 3: Align Bio Messaging With My Business Focus
My new bio now says: "Brittany, business marketing strategist for busy entrepreneurs", followed by specific services and a clear value proposition: “Tips to scale your business without the hustle.” This communicates not only what I do but also how I help clients and the mindset I promote.
Step 4: Update My Call to Action (CTA)
My CTA now invites people to DM me for a free Instagram profile template. This is a valuable, relevant freebie that aligns with my current business goals and helps me build my email list.
Why These Instagram Profile Changes Matter
These bio tweaks are designed to:
Make it crystal clear what services I offer and don’t offer
Use keywords that help people find me organically
Set expectations about the type of help clients can get
Encourage the right people to reach out and engage
While I can’t say the bio change alone caused an immediate spike in followers (I also started running paid ads recently), I’m confident that over time this clarity will help attract the right audience and improve sales.
Refreshing My Marketing Collateral: Beyond the Instagram Bio
Fixing my Instagram bio was just one piece of the puzzle. I realized my other marketing materials were also sending mixed messages:
Car stickers: I have stickers on my car promoting “social media” and “email marketing,” but they’re over a year old and don’t mention podcasting or coaching. They reinforce the outdated messaging.
Business cards and print materials: These also need updating to reflect my current offerings.
Website and long-form content: I have over 50 pages on my website, many of which still mention social media management and older calls to action. Updating this content is a massive job but essential for consistency.
Updating all these touch points ensures that no matter where someone encounters my brand, they get the same clear message about what I do and how I can help.
The Challenge of Keeping Everything Updated
If you’re a business owner, you know how much work it is to keep your website, marketing materials, and social media content current. Life happens, business evolves, and sometimes updating your digital presence takes a back seat.
For me, balancing running my business, parenting five kids, selling a house, and managing everything else means these updates take time. It might take me until the end of the year to fully refresh my website and collateral. But being aware of the problem and working on it steadily is key.
How Unclear Messaging Hurts Your Business
Here’s the hard truth: unclear messaging and marketing will kill your sales. If potential clients don’t understand what you offer or how you can help, they won’t spend time trying to figure it out. They’ll move on to someone who makes it easy for them.
In my case, I was fortunate that three people who booked calls even though they didn’t understand my services. Most people wouldn’t even get that far if the messaging was more confusing. So, this lack of clarity was silently hurting my business.
What Makes Messaging Clear?
Clear messaging involves two main components:
Copywriting and Brand Voice: The words you use to describe your services must be simple, direct, and resonate with your ideal clients.
Visual Branding and Marketing: Your visuals—photos, videos, website design, and marketing collateral—should align with your messaging and tell a consistent story.
When these elements work together, you create a cohesive brand experience that builds trust and encourages clients to take action.
Four Signs It’s Time to Change Your Instagram Bio
If you’re wondering whether your Instagram bio needs a refresh, here are four signs to look out for:
You’ve changed your products or services. If you’ve dropped or added services, your bio should reflect that.
You’ve changed your niche or target audience. Whether you’ve niched down or expanded, your bio should speak directly to the clients you serve now.
You’re entering a new season in your business. This might mean updating your freebie or call to action to match your current goals.
Your followers are confused about what you do. If you’re still getting questions like “So what do you do?” after months or years in business, that’s a big sign your bio isn’t clear enough.
Updating your Instagram bio isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s something you should revisit regularly to ensure it stays aligned with your evolving business. I like to make a task in Asana to review my Instagram bio and pinned posts seasonally so they are always fresh and relevant.
Practical Tips to Create a Good Instagram Bio That Converts
Based on what I’ve learned, here are some actionable tips to help you create a good Instagram bio that connects with your audience and drives sales:
Use clear, keyword-rich job titles: Think about what your ideal clients search for and include those terms in your bio.
Be specific about your services: Avoid vague terms like “social media” if you don’t offer management. Instead, use precise descriptions like “social media coach” or “email marketing strategist.”
Communicate your value: Include a short phrase that explains how you help clients or the benefits they’ll get from working with you.
Have a clear call to action: Invite people to DM you, click a link, or download a freebie that aligns with your business goals.
Keep it updated: Revisit your bio every 3 to 6 months or whenever your business changes significantly.
Complement your bio with consistent content: Share posts and stories that showcase your services, client results, and behind-the-scenes work to reinforce your messaging.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Unclear Messaging Hold You Back
My experience with these clarity calls was a valuable reminder that even seasoned business owners can have messaging blind spots. If your audience doesn’t understand how you can help, your marketing and sales will suffer.
Take the time to audit your Instagram bio and overall messaging. Be intentional about what you say, how you say it, and the visuals you use. Remember, a good Instagram bio is your first impression and your best chance to turn visitors into loyal clients.
If you want to dive deeper, I highly recommend checking out resources like my Instagram bio template and free masterclass, Grow Your Following Faster, which walk you through how to write bios that convert. And if you’re ready to take your messaging and marketing to the next level, my coaching and courses are designed to help busy entrepreneurs like you create clarity and confidence in your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I update my Instagram bio?
A: Ideally, review your bio every 3 to 6 months or whenever you make significant changes to your services, niche, or business goals. Keeping it current ensures your messaging stays relevant and clear.
Q: What are some must-have elements in a good Instagram bio?
A: A good Instagram bio includes a clear job title or descriptor using keywords, a concise value proposition, specific services you offer, and a call to action that encourages engagement. It should also reflect your brand voice and personality.
Q: How can I make my Instagram bio more discoverable?
A: Use keywords that your ideal clients are searching for within your bio. Conduct SEO research to find relevant terms related to your services and include them naturally in your profile to improve your chances of showing up in searches.
Q: What if I offer multiple services? How do I list them without cluttering my bio?
A: Prioritize the most important or profitable services and group similar offerings together with clear descriptors. You can also highlight other services in your Instagram Highlights, pinned posts or link to a detailed page on your website in your link in bio.
Q: Can I still promote a freebie in my bio if I change my services?
A: Absolutely! Your freebie or call to action should align with your current business goals and the audience you want to attract. It’s a great way to build your email list and nurture potential clients. I change my to align with whatever I'm presently launching in my business.
Q: How important are visuals in supporting my Instagram bio messaging?
A: Visuals are extremely important. Your photos, videos, and overall aesthetic should reinforce your messaging and brand identity. Consistent visuals help build trust and make your profile inviting to potential clients.
Resources to Help You Craft a Good Instagram Bio
Free Instagram Bio Template – A simple, effective template to help you write a bio that converts.
Free Instagram Bio Masterclass – Learn how to create a profile that attracts your ideal clients and grows your business.
DIY Content Audit Guide – A step-by-step guide to reviewing your content and ensuring your messaging is on point.
Izzy Wait Design and Val Cassola Writes – Inspirational creators who share excellent client work and marketing content.
Ready to Fix Your Instagram Bio and Messaging?
Don’t let unclear messaging and an outdated bio hold your business back any longer. Take control of your marketing by creating a good Instagram bio that clearly communicates your value and connects with your ideal audience. Stay consistent with your content, update all your marketing collateral, and watch your engagement and sales improve.
If you want support along the way, I’m here to help. Whether through coaching, courses, or free resources, I’m passionate about helping busy entrepreneurs like you make life and business work together with marketing that feels authentic and effective.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with clear messaging and intentional marketing, you can build a thriving business that attracts the right clients and makes your entrepreneurial journey a little easier.
Here’s to getting clear, getting seen, and going great!
Go Get Great Episode 85 References
Download a free, simple Instagram bio template
or check out a free masterclass on how to write an instagram bio
Great Accounts to Follow for Sales Content:
Your DIY Content Audit Guide
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Hit follow and please leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! The kids and I might even bust out a happy dance! 💗 - Brittany
00:00 Intro
2:00 Early warnings - red flags in your messaging
6:00 Marketing trouble
7:00 Front facing issues
11:00 How to edit your Instagram bio for sales
15:00 Refreshing your content
21:00 Summary
24:00 Wrap up
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