5 Instagram Profile Mistakes That Are Costing You Photography Clients (And How to Fix Them)
Your Instagram profile is more than a portfolio, it’s a conversion tool. If you’re not getting inquiries from Instagram, it’s likely because a few small (and totally fixable) things are standing in the way. In this post, we’re walking through the five most common profile mistakes we see photographers make, plus smart, simple ways to fix each one.
Whether you’re brand new to using IG for your business or just wondering why your DMs are quiet, this is for you.
1. A Bio That Doesn’t Convert Your bio is prime real estate. In 150 characters or less, it needs to clearly communicate:
Who you are
What you do
Where you do it
How someone can hire you
What to avoid:
Cutesy quotes, emojis, or hobby lists ("Coffee lover, toddler wrangler, Target enthusiast")
Funky fonts or confusing formatting
What to do instead:
Use clear, readable text
Mention your niche and location (e.g., Houston Newborn Photographer)
Add a direct CTA with a link: "Houston studio sessions. Booking now →"
2. Hashtags That Go Nowhere Hashtags still matter—but only if they’re used with intention.
What to avoid:
Generic tags like #photographerlife or #portraitphotography
What to do instead:
Use niche-specific, local tags like #ChicagoFamilyPhotographer or #NashvilleMaternityPhotos
Research what your ideal client might search (think: city + service)
This boosts discoverability and gets your work in front of the right people.
3. Skipping Location Tags Location tags help the algorithm know where to show your content—and help clients know where you work.
What to do:
Tag your desired city or neighborhood in every post
Use a mix of broader cities and hyperlocal areas (e.g., "Atlanta" + "Inman Park")
Pro tip: If you want to book in a specific location, tag it.
4. Captions That Don’t Connect A great photo will grab attention, but a great caption drives action.
What to avoid:
One-liners like "This family was so sweet"
What to do instead:
Use your brand voice to tell a story, spark emotion, or explain your process
Add strategic CTAs like:
"Booking fall sessions now → link in bio"
"Want studio wardrobe access? Send a DM."
Use Instagram Stories and Highlights to support what you post. Categories like "Pricing," "Studio Wardrobe," and "Client Reviews" can help seal the deal.
5. Inconsistent Grid + Ghosting You don’t have to post daily, but you do have to show up regularly.
What to do:
Pick a realistic schedule and stick with it (e.g., twice a week)
Keep your editing and visual style cohesive
Make sure your feed reflects your best, most recent work
Showing up consistently builds trust. And trust books sessions.
Bonus Tip: Use Highlights That Help People Hire You Here are 5 highlight categories we recommend:
Maternity/Newborn/Family (your core services)
Pricing (or "What to Expect")
Behind the Scenes
Client Reviews
Studio Wardrobe (or prep tips)
If your Instagram hasn’t been converting followers into clients, start here. Clean up your bio. Get clear on your message. Post with intention. These small tweaks make a big difference.
And if staying consistent feels overwhelming? That’s exactly why we built MOTIV. It’s the tool that helps photographers simplify, stay on track, and get more inquiries (without burning out).
→ Listen to this full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
→ Ready to simplify your business and book better clients? Try MOTIV free for 7 days.
