This is one of the most common questions I’ve been getting recently. In this episode, I’ll explain exactly how I would approach it and how I’ve been doing it myself.
If you’re on Instagram, you’ve probably seen a lot of people posting content every day. Maybe you’ve tried it yourself—being consistent, posting as everyone suggests—but you haven’t seen much growth, sales, or bookings. I’ve been there too.
When I started posting on Instagram four years ago, I thought consistency and niche content would automatically get me clients. But in reality, it doesn’t work like that. Yes, a lot of content can get you views, maybe even followers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your business will grow. It took me a long time to figure out what to post on Instagram so that every piece of content attracts the right followers and clients, not just views.
Now, every post I create as a stylist and style coach serves a purpose. It brings me not only followers but, most importantly, paying clients. Over the past few years, I’ve welcomed over 2,000 clients into my paid programs—most of them through Instagram, organically. In this episode, you’ll learn the exact steps to turning your followers into buyers.
Welcome to the Business Mindset Style Podcast
This is a show for women in business who want to make an impact, grow a profitable online business, and live a rich life filled with freedom and fulfillment. I’m Nina Walder, your host, and I can’t wait to dive into today’s episode!
The Biggest Instagram Myth
First, let’s address a key misconception: Instagram is not about having a lot of followers. Your goal should be to build a warm, nurtured audience that you can convert into paying clients.
For example, in my Stylist Accelerator program, I worked with a stylist who had less than 300 followers—about 270 or 250 people. A small account. But once she started applying the strategies I’m about to share, she got three new clients immediately.
Many beginner coaches believe they need to grow their audience before they can make sales. But I’ve seen it with my students—and in my own experience—you can start getting clients even with a small audience. I got my first clients before reaching 5,000 followers.
It’s not about having more followers. It’s about positioning yourself correctly and knowing how to convert the ones you already have.
Step 1: Optimize Your Instagram Bio
When someone lands on your profile—whether through search, location tags, or Reels—the first thing they see (besides your photo) is your bio. Those three to four lines need to communicate exactly who you are, what you do, and how you can help them.
Most people make mistakes here. I’ve worked with over 25 stylists, and nearly all of them needed to refine their bios before they could attract and convert the right clients.
Your Instagram bio should include:
- Who you are – For example: “Nina Walder, Style Coach for High-Achieving Women.” Be clear and specific.
- How you help people – Instead of generic statements like “I love fashion,” say: “I help you create a capsule wardrobe for every area of your life” or “I help you dress with confidence.”
- A Clear Call to Action (CTA) – Your CTA should be specific. Instead of “DM to book,” say: “Download my free checklist to elevate your style” or “Watch my free webinar: 5 Mistakes Ruining Your Style.”
People won’t take action unless you make it easy and clear for them.
Step 2: Leverage Instagram Highlights
Your Highlights (those little circles under your bio) are powerful tools for converting followers into buyers. Yet, many coaches treat them like personal scrapbooks instead of strategic business assets.
To optimize your Highlights:
- Your Story – Share why you do what you do and your transformation (before & after, if relevant).
- Client Results – Showcase testimonials, case studies, and success stories.
- Your Offer – Pin details about your main offer and how people can work with you.
- Lead Magnet – Include a highlight for your free resource (e.g., checklist, webinar) to move followers into your sales funnel.
- Personal Glimpse – Add a peek into your personality (travels, hobbies) to create a deeper connection with your audience.
Avoid having too many Highlights or making them too long. Each Highlight should have no more than 15-20 stories, and always end with a CTA.
Step 3: Pin Strategic Posts
Instagram now allows you to pin three posts at the top of your profile. This space is valuable real estate for converting new visitors into leads.
What should you pin?
- Your Signature Offer – A post that explains your main offer, with testimonials and results.
- Your Most Popular Lead Magnet – A post that directs people to your webinar, checklist, or freebie.
- Your Personal Story with a CTA – A carousel post showing your journey, struggles, and how you help others.
Some visitors will check your Highlights, while others will check your pinned posts. By aligning these strategically, you increase the chances of conversion.
Step 4: Guide Followers to the Next Step
Once a new lead lands on your page, the goal is to move them down your funnel. They shouldn’t just follow you—they should take action.
If you offer 1:1 services, your funnel might be:
- Post -> DM me “CALL” to book a discovery call.
- Highlight -> Watch this webinar to learn how to work with me.
If you sell courses, your funnel might be:
- Post -> Download my free style checklist.
- Highlight -> Join my free training.
The key is to remove friction so that people take action right away.
Final Thoughts
That’s the first step in turning your Instagram into a sales machine. The next step? Posting content that actually sells. We’ll cover that in the next episode!
For now, download my free checklist with visual examples to optimize your Instagram for conversions: ninawalder.com/checklist.
If you found this helpful, please rate and review the podcast on iTunes—I’d really appreciate it! Have an amazing week, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
— Nina
