How to Become Insta-Famous (Without Faking It Till You Make It): A Guide to Instagram Verification for Companies with a Not-So-Kardashian-Level Following
Let's face it, that little blue checkmark next to your company's name on Instagram feels like the ultimate social media status symbol. It's like graduating from the kiddie pool of accounts to the Olympic-sized swimming pool of influencers (except hopefully with less pool noodles and awkward synchronized swimming routines).
But my friends, the path to verification isn't paved with thirst traps and boomerangs (although, a well-placed boomerang every now and then can't hurt). Fear not, fellow marketers! This guide will equip you with the knowledge (and hopefully a few laughs) to navigate the murky waters of Instagram verification.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.![]()
Step 1: Polish Up Your Profile Like It's About to Meet the Queen (of Engagement)
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.![]()
- Bio that Slays: Craft a bio that's witty, informative, and avoids sounding like it was written by a robot overlord. Pro Tip: Emojis are your friend, but use them sparingly. You're a business, not a teenager texting their crush.
- Profile Pic on Point: Let's ditch the blurry logo from 1999. Invest in a high-quality profile picture that clearly reflects your brand.
Step 2: Content is King (or Queen, We Don't Discriminate Here)
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.![]()
- Post Regularly and with Purpose: Don't be that ghost account that haunts people's feeds with radio silence. Develop a content calendar and stick to it.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Think behind-the-scenes glimpses, funny product demos, or user-generated content.
Step 3: Be More Searchable Than a Lost Pair of Socks
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.![]()
- Keywords are Key: Research relevant keywords and incorporate them strategically in your bio, captions, and hashtags.
- Optimize Your Hashtags: Don't just throw random words with "#" in front of them. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to reach your ideal audience.
Step 4: Prove You're the Real Deal (Not a Catfish Account)
- Get Featured in the News (Bonus Points for Not Being a Clickbait Article): This shows Instagram you're a legitimate company and not just some random dude in his basement.
- Get Verified on Other Platforms: If you're already rocking the blue checkmark on Twitter or Facebook, that can help your case on Instagram.
Step 5: Submit Your Request and Play the Waiting Game (Which Feels Like Watching Paint Dry)
- Head to Settings > Account > Request Verification. Fill out the form truthfully and provide any requested documentation.
- Then...wait. There's no magic formula for how long this takes. Instagram can be tight-lipped about the verification process, so just be patient (and maybe refresh your email every 2.5 seconds).
Remember: Verification isn't the holy grail. Focus on building an authentic brand, creating stellar content, and engaging with your audience. The blue checkmark might just be the cherry on top of your social media sundae. But hey, a cherry with a side of bragging rights? Now that's something to celebrate!