Profile Power: Crafting the Best Social Media Profiles & Links for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs

As I continue our Wednesday blog series in May focusing on Marketing, today we are going to talk a little about social media. I have talked a lot about how you should be presenting yourself in your social media posts and your brands personal stories, and those are what are going to keep people coming back and following you for more, but what's going to guide them to the next step: working with you or purchasing your products.

Imagine your social media profiles as your digital storefront, your first impression if you will, your handshake, and your welcome mat. But instead of a plain door, you want an entrance so inviting and distinctly you that visitors don’t just stop by, they stay and engage.

For LGBTQ+ business owners, your social presence isn’t just marketing, it’s a declaration of authenticity, community, and trustworthiness. This comprehensive guide dives into expert strategies for creating standout profiles on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Blue Sky, plus a bonus on YouTube branding. You’ll learn what links to include and discover valuable tools to craft profiles that captivate and convert. Ready to make your profiles shine? Let’s dive in!

1. LinkedIn: Craft a Professional and Personal Profile That Connects

Why LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is the powerhouse platform for B2B connections, thought leadership, and growing your professional network. It’s where credibility and authentic storytelling come together to open doors.

Key Profile Elements to Optimize:

• Professional Headshot: Use a crisp, friendly photo with a subtle nod to your LGBTQ+ pride if you like (think rainbow pin or colored background). "Professional Headshot doesn't have to mean stuffy suit and tie, unless that's your brand and you are trying to build trust and professionalism. However, if your job or profession is not a banker, insurance agent, etc., then let your personality show through, but have a professional take the shot when possible, don't rely on a selfie.

• Banner Art: Incorporate brand colors, tagline, and clean design.

• Headline: Don’t just use your job title! Speak directly to your audience and value. Example:“Empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to build bold brands | Marketing Strategist | Community Builder”

• About Section: Tell your unique story with warmth and confidence. Share your mission, your expertise, and how you serve your community. Sprinkle in relevant hashtags (#LGBTQentrepreneur #BrandStrategy) to increase visibility.

• Featured Section: Highlight your best content like articles, blog posts, videos, or speaking engagements.

• Experience & Achievements: Use measurable outcomes to illustrate your impact.

• Contact Info & Links: Include your website, booking/calendar link, and business email.

Hot Tips:

• Personalize your LinkedIn URL to align with your brand.

• Use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature if you offer services or consulting.

• Engage with posts and stories frequently for authentic connections.

💡 FACT: LinkedIn profiles with photos get 14x more views; profiles with completed About sections receive 5x more visits

2. Instagram: Your Brand’s Vibrant Bio and Visual Storytelling Hub

Why Instagram?

Instagram connects audiences with visual storytelling and community engagement. For LGBTQ+ business owners, it’s a vibrant stage to showcase culture, creativity, and connection.

Optimize Your Profile:

• Profile Picture: Choose your brand logo or a friendly branded photo.

• Username and Name: Keep them consistent and easy to find.

• Bio: Craft a concise, warm statement under 150 characters that shares your mission and invites interaction. For example:

  “Building community & bold brands for LGBTQ+ leaders 🌈 | Let’s grow together!”

• Link in Bio: Use smart link tools like Linktree or Beacons to include multiple destinations (website, shop, blog, booking).

• Story Highlights: Organize highlights with branded covers for easy navigation —e.g., “Client Wins,” “Tips & Tools,” “Behind the Scenes.”

• Call to Action: Use a clear CTA like “👇 DM for collabs” or “Book a free consult.”

Engagement Boosters:

• Use emojis strategically to reflect your personality and catch the eye.

• Incorporate a blend of community and industry hashtags for visibility.

• Create Reels and Stories for dynamic reach and engagement.

💡 FACT: Instagram bios with emojis and CTAs drive 30% higher engagement rates. Your Instagram bio is your elevator pitch, so make it irresistible.

3. Blue Sky: A Fresh Space for Genuine Communities and Conversations 🌟

Why Blue Sky?

Blue Sky offers a fresh, less-algorithm-heavy platform fostering authentic connections through open conversations—a perfect fit for community-focused brands.

How to Optimize Blue Sky Profiles:

• Profile Photo: Use a clean, approachable photo similar to LinkedIn.

• Display Name & Handle: Keep consistency across platforms.

• Bio: Short and sweet (max 160 characters), clear about your mission. Example:

  “Championing LGBTQ+ business brilliance | Marketing tips and inspiration”

• Links: Include your website and a link hub for multiple resources.

• Pinned Posts: Highlight key content for easy discovery.

Hot Tips:

• Engage in community hashtags and groups focused on LGBTQ+ business owners.

• Share original posts to spark meaningful connections.

• Use Blue Sky’s “Views” feature to curate and share community content.

💡 FACT: Early adopters experience higher engagement due to Blue Sky’s fresh approach.

4. Bonus: YouTube Channel Branding for Lasting Video Impact 🎥

Why YouTube?

Video content reigns supreme with SEO power and evergreen brand authority.

Essential Profile Must-Haves:

• Channel Icon: Use your logo or brand photo.

• Banner Art: Incorporate brand colors, tagline, and clean design.

• About Section: Share your brand story with keywords to boost SEO.

• Links & Contact: Embed links directly on your banner to key sites.

• Playlists: Organize videos for easy audience browsing.

Hot Tips:

• Design custom thumbnails with brand colors and fonts.

• Include your social media links in every video description.

• Feature a welcome or trailer video outlining your channel’s unique value.

💡 FACT: Professional channel branding accelerates subscriber growth by up to 40%.

What Links Should Your Profiles Include?

Include these essential links to guide your audience:

• Your primary business website (HTTPS secure)

• Booking or consulting schedulers (Calendly, Acuity)

• Multi-link hubs (Linktree, Beacons) to organize options

• Newsletter sign-ups, freebies, or event invites

• Social proof like testimonials or press mentions

• Partnerships, advocacy causes, or community org links

Tools & Resources for Crafting Stellar Social Profiles

• Canva: Free, user-friendly templates for social banners and thumbnails

• Linktree / Beacons / Lnk.Bio: Effortless link management tools

• Grammarly: Refine your profile and bio copy for clarity and professionalism

• VidIQ / TubeBuddy: Optimize YouTube content and SEO

• Buffer / Later: Schedule posts, analyze engagement, and manage content calendars

Wrapping It Up:

✨ Your social media profiles are the heartbeat of your online brand. Strategic, authentic, and visually unified profiles build trust, draw in dream clients, and foster loyal community.

At Left of Str8 Media and Consulting, we specialize in turning these best practices into YOUR unique, vibrant reality. From crafting magnetic social profiles to powering organic growth through expert content strategies, we help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs build bold, unforgettable brands.

Ready to elevate your social presence and make every post count? Book your free Brand Glow-Up Call today!

scott@leftofstr8.com | www.leftofstr8.com @leftofstr8

💡 FACT: Brands optimizing social profiles professionally report 60% more engagement and client conversions