5 Profile Fixes (Give Me 6 Min) to Explode Your X Followers
4 Common Questions About X Profile Optimization
1. What should you use for your X profile picture?
Don't use a logo or random selfie. Use a clean headshot ideally from the chest up with a neutral background and confident expression. It should make people think "this person looks credible." Examples include professional headshots that are clean and high quality, like those used by successful founders who've optimized their profiles for authority building.
2. What are the two banner strategies that work on X?
Professional banners like Ben Fitterman's that are clean, explain what the business does, and provide social proof. Personal banners that provide background about you - for example, showing your past as a Division 1 ice hockey player gives profile visitors context about your background and personality.
3. What's the best bio formula for X profiles?
Use this formula: who you are + what you do + who you do it for . Example: "Two time founder, Dartmouth alum helping 30+ founders build personal brands and drive new clients from X and LinkedIn with a done for you service." This clearly follows the formula and adds social proof about helping 30+ founders.
4. How should you optimize your link in bio and location field?
Your link should drive people exactly where you want them to go next - ideally a lead magnet, newsletter, or specific business offer. Don't use the location for your actual location - change that text to a CTA like "build your online identity" or "leads on autopilot" that drives people to your link.
Author: Collin Rutherford
Company: FounderBrands
The 5 Components That Decide Your Fate on X
There are five elements that determine whether someone follows you or keeps scrolling:
- Your profile picture
- Your banner
- Your bio
- Your pinned post
- Your link in bio
Let’s break them down one by one.
1. Your Profile Picture - Stop Using Logos
Your profile picture should build trust instantly.
- Don’t use a company logo.
- Don’t use a random selfie.
Use a clean, professional headshot, chest-up, neutral background, confident expression.
It should make people think,
“This person looks credible.”
2. Your Banner Strategy
You can go one of two directions with your banner:
- Professional: Clean, explains what your business does, and provides social proof.
- Personal: A visual that gives context about who you are, something that adds personality and backstory.
The key is that your banner reinforces credibility and curiosity.
3. Crafting the Perfect Bio
Think of your bio as a one-line elevator pitch. Use this formula:
Who you are + What you do + Who you do it for
Example:
“Two-time founder, Dartmouth alum helping 30+ founders build personal brands and drive new clients from X and LinkedIn with a done-for-you service.”
It’s clear, credible, and includes social proof.
Avoid generic lines like
“I help people grow their brand.”
That doesn’t tell anyone what you actually do. Instead, add numbers, credibility, and specifics.
4. The Pin Post Strategy
Your pinned post should
sell the follow.
Make it a mini landing page:
- Tell a story
- Share a case study
- Teach something valuable
The goal is to make people think, “I should follow this person.”
5. The Link in Bio (Your Most Wasted Opportunity)
Most people slap a random Linktree or website in their bio and call it a day. That’s a mistake.
Your link should drive people exactly where you want them to go next:
- A
lead magnet
- Your
newsletter
- A
specific offer
That way, you’re turning followers into leads, not just collecting likes.
Bonus: The Location Field Hack
Don’t waste your location field on your actual city.
Use it as a
call-to-action that drives clicks.
Examples:
- “Build your online identity”
- “Leads on autopilot”
- “Let’s chat”
Each one reinforces your offer and directs attention to your bio link.
The Complete Profile Optimization System
To recap, here’s your five-step system to convert profile visitors into followers and clients:
- Professional headshot (not a logo)
- Strategic banner (professional or personal)
- Formula-based bio (who + what + who for)
- Pin post that sells the follow
- Optimized link and location CTA
These are the exact strategies we use with clients at FounderBrands, and the results speak for themselves.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Your X profile isn’t just about follower count. It’s about:
- Converting visitors into leads
- Building authority in your niche
- Creating a 24/7 system that grows your business
We’ve helped 30+ founders implement this framework, and it works across every niche.
Ready to Optimize Your Profile?
If you want help implementing these fixes and building a personal brand strategy that actually converts, we can do it for you.
VisitFounderBrands.io to get started or connect with me directly onX orLinkedIn.
Your profile is your first impression.
Make it count.
How long does it take to see results from engagement?
You should start seeing follower growth within the first week of consistent daily engagement. The key is commenting on posts from accounts with engaged audiences who match your target market. Focus on quality comments that add value rather than generic responses.
What type of content performs best when starting out?
Personal stories, industry insights, and educational content perform well when you're building from zero. Share your authentic experiences and lessons learned rather than trying to sound like an expert immediately.
Should I engage with competitors or complementary businesses?
Engage with both, but focus more on complementary businesses where collaboration is possible. Comment thoughtfully on competitor content, but prioritize building relationships with accounts that could become referral partners or collaborators.
How do I know if my engagement strategy is working?
Track your follower growth weekly and monitor profile visits in your analytics. If you're getting 5-10 new followers per week through consistent engagement, you're on the right track.
What's the biggest mistake people make with the pinned post strategy?
They pin the same type of content repeatedly instead of testing different post formats. Experiment with educational posts, personal stories, and promotional content to see what generates the highest engagement when pinned.
