Podcast Summary: Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades

Episode: 115 - Your Instagram Profile Is Costing You Followers. Here’s How to Fix It for 2026
Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Katelyn Rhoades
Powered by: Stan, your all-in-one Creator Store

Episode Overview

In this episode, Katelyn Rhoades delivers a highly actionable guide on optimizing your Instagram profile to attract the right followers and boost conversions into loyal community members. She dissects each component of the Instagram profile—from profile photos and usernames to bio copy, links, and story highlights. The episode is packed with practical, step-by-step advice, real-life bio examples, and honest hot takes to help creators and service-based business owners stand out and monetize in 2026.

Key Segments and Insights

1. Instagram’s Latest Feature Update [03:00–06:15]

• Topic: Instagram is testing a feature where creators can send unpublished Reels drafts to friends for feedback.
• Initial Reaction: Katelyn finds it silly at first, questioning usefulness:
  "What friends would I even send my drafts to? That's not what they do for a living. That's not their expertise." [04:00]
• Change of Heart: Recognizes value for agency owners and social media managers who need content approval:
  "This actually could be game-changing for us content creators… Now my thoughts on this have completely changed." [05:30]
• Takeaway: Sometimes, on-the-fly thinking leads to fresh insight as platforms evolve.

2. Why Profile Optimization Matters [06:45–08:15]

• Instagram as a Business Tool: Your profile should function to attract right-fit followers, not just boost your numbers.
• Against Bots & Going Viral:
  "This is why it's so important to attract followers that are interested in what you have to say… When you get this influx of followers that aren't interested… your engagement is at an all-time low." [07:30]
• Algorithm Effect: Low engagement reduces reach, so aiming for quality, not quantity, is key.

3. Six Key Profile Elements [08:16–09:45]

• Profile picture
• Username
• Page name
• Bio
• Link in bio
• Story highlights

Katelyn breaks down each and gives targeted advice on using them to maximize impact.

4. Profile Picture Strategy [09:46–11:30]

• Tip:
  "If you are the face of the brand, I want to see a photo of you—a high-quality photo or professional headshot." [10:00]
• Pop with Color: Use bright backgrounds via Canva/Photoshop for more visibility in stories.
• Personal Experience: Experimented with a red background, reverted to gold for brand alignment.

5. Username and Page Name—The “Keyword” Secret [11:31–15:15]

• Username:
  "My Instagram handle, Social Marketing Queen… I think it's helpful for my brand… because I've got 'social' and 'marketing'… both of those are keywords when it comes to my industry." [12:15]
• Advice:
  • Pick short, searchable, industry-relevant names (e.g., “RealtorRhodes”, “TherapistKelly”)
  • Avoid insider jargon as your page name; use terms your customers would Google.
  • Research Google or Instagram Search for inspiration.

6. Crafting the Bio: Structure & Real-Life Examples [15:16–24:40]

• Framework: Use 150 characters in 3–4 lines:
  1. What you do
  2. Who you help
  3. Why to follow
  4. Any accolades/experience
• Formatting:
  "Break it down by lines so it's easy to read and use a little emoji." [17:05]
• Notable Real-Life Bio Examples:
  • Host’s own (Call Her Creator): [17:35]
    • Call Her Creator Podcast
    • Turn your passion into a profit powerhouse
    • Tips to make six figures with social media
    • For creators & aspiring entrepreneurs
    • Host @socialmarketingqueen
  • Pretty Little Marketer: [18:10]
    • Making social media simple
    • Strategy, marketing insights, events, community
    • “Join the Insiders Club”
  • Sit with Kelly (Anxiety Therapist): [19:00]
    • "Helping anxious overachievers like me."
    • "Dog mom, travel and silliness."
  • DietitianWithTwins: [20:10]
    • “Creator of the 903050 method”
    • “Helping 2000 members transform their metabolism…”
    • Call-to-action: “Summer Reset. Now enrolling.”
  • My Therapist Kelly: [20:50]
    • “Licensed therapist. Anxiety.”
    • Location tagged
    • "San Diego Child/Teen/Family therapist."
    • Owner of LaJolla Therapy Center

Pro Tips:

• Use relevant contact info and let Instagram auto-link business address, hours, phone, etc. if you have a physical location.

• Use accomplishments and cross-promotion to boost authority and funnel audience.

• “If you don’t have a website, you can use your Stan Store.”

• Category Hack: [22:30]

  • Entrepreneur category unlocks all of Instagram’s music library (for those struggling with limited trending audio options).

7. Link in Bio: Monetize Like a Pro [23:00–25:15]

• Why Stan Store Wins: "When I changed from using a link in bio to a Stan store, my revenue increased dramatically." [24:05]
• Alternatives: Cross-promote other social channels if you have no website/store.
• CTA: Try Stan with her affiliate link for a free trial.

8. Story Highlights: Strategic Must-Haves [25:16–32:00]

• Where to Start: Use Canva for free story highlight covers to match your branding.
• Four Core Highlights:
  1. Start Here/Intro – quick intro & elevator pitch.
  2. Services/Products – detail your offer suite.
  3. Tips – provide valuable, niche insights.
  4. Testimonials – feature reviews to build trust, “especially for people on the fence.”
• Additional Ideas: Meet the team, blog posts, saved Lives, awards, events, community work, recommendations, and how-tos.
• See What Rivals Do:
  "You can always go look at your competitors… you might get some inspiration." [31:55]
• Host’s Highlights Example: [32:02]
  • “Start here” (intro)
  • The Club (membership)
  • Links (tech/tools/clothes)
  • How I Help (services)
  • Q&A (saved from IG stories)
  • Testimonials

9. Parting Inspiration & Call to Action [33:00–34:30]

• Memorable Quote:
  "If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree." [33:10]
• Katelyn’s Message:
  “If you are feeling stuck… you are allowed to choose to do something else. We all have the power to change our path… You are up to you.”
• Podcast CTA:
  "I hope this episode helps you guys. I hope you go optimize your profile right now… and I'll see y' all next week." [34:20]

Notable Quotes

• On Instagram’s Feedback Feature:
  "This actually could be game-changing for us content creators… Now my thoughts on this have completely changed." [05:30]

• On Attracting the Right Audience:
  "When you get this influx of followers that aren't interested… your engagement is at an all-time low." [07:30]

• On Keyword Strategy:
  "When you're coming up with your username, try to find a way to throw a keyword in there if you can." [12:10]

• On Bio Clarity:
  "Break it down by lines so it's easy to read and use a little emoji." [17:05]

• On Monetizing with Stan:
  "When I changed from using a link in bio to a Stan store, my revenue increased dramatically. Like, there was a huge difference." [24:05]

• On Taking Action:
  "If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree." [33:10]

Quick Reference Timeline

• Feature Update Hot Take: 03:00–06:15
• Why Followers Matter: 06:45–08:15
• Profile Element Rundown: 08:16–09:45
• Profile Picture Tips: 09:46–11:30
• Username/Page Name/Keyword Chat: 11:31–15:15
• Bio Structure & Examples: 15:16–24:40
• Link in Bio Monetization: 23:00–25:15
• Story Highlights Deep Dive: 25:16–32:00
• Personal Experience & Examples: 32:02–33:00
• Inspirational Close: 33:00–34:30

Summary

This episode gives creators a masterclass in Instagram profile optimization for 2026, with real, practical tips and a personal, energetic tone. Katelyn combines technical know-how, creative ideas, and motivational insight—demonstrating precisely how to turn your Instagram into a business asset that grows your bottom line and your community. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refresh your image, the blueprint is all here.

“You are up to you. So I hope that quote inspires you. I hope it sticks with you...” [34:10]