The Minimum Viable Instagram Strategy for Wellness Practitioners

It’s mid-June.

The kids are home, the sun is shining, and your calendar is a mix of road trips, family time, and a handful of client appointments.

And yet… there’s that nagging stress buzzing in the back of your mind:

Should I post something today?

Do I need a new Reel?

What even is my social media strategy this summer?

It’s enough to make you want to toss your phone in the lake.

So let’s ask the real question:

Can you keep a purposeful Instagram presence without letting it eat up all your time and energy?

If you’re a holistic health & wellness practitioner, the answer is abso-freakin-lutely.

I call it the minimum viable Instagram strategy, and it’s perfect for you if:

✓ You’re getting clients through other channels like local referrals, podcast interviews, or your email list

✓ But you still want the benefits of social media, like nurturing your audience and growing your list

Now to be clear: this strategy won’t bring in a steady stream of clients all by itself.

But it will keep your Instagram working as part of your larger ecosystem, offering social proof, building trust, and giving people a way to engage with your work.

Because even if Instagram isn’t your #1 marketing channel, people will look you up.

They’ll want to know:

Are you legit?

Are you still active?

Do you seem like someone they’d want to work with?

And when your last post is a holiday promo from December… but it’s now July? It doesn’t exactly scream “thriving practice.”

This blog post is for those who want to keep showing up on Instagram without spending your summer glued to your phone.

Here’s what this minimalist approach will help you do:

• Keep your account fresh and credible
• Free up time for family, fun, and actual client work
• Maintain momentum for when (or if) you want to post more often again

You ready?

Step 1: Update Your Link in Bio

One of the most important goals of social media (especially when you’re keeping it minimal) is to guide people off the platform and into your world.

That’s the job of your link in bio.

If someone finds you through a post or reel and thinks, “This person seems great…,” your link is where they’ll click next. And that click should take them somewhere strategic.

Somewhere that helps them take the next step toward working with you.

At a minimum, that means your link should lead to a place where they can enter their email address. For example:

• A free lead magnet (like a guide, quiz, or checklist)
• A video training or mini-class
• A free discovery call
• An application to work with you
• A low-priced mini course or workshop
• Or a “links” page with 2–3 of these options

Whatever path you choose, the most important thing is that it aligns with your bigger marketing strategy.

If you’re running a freebie funnel, point to your freebie.

If you’re signing clients for a program, link to your application.

Your link in bio is not just a placeholder. It's your best shot at turning a casual scroller into a qualified lead.

Step 2: Refresh Your Profile Bio

Think of your Instagram bio like the headline of your website.

It’s short, but it needs to immediately communicate who you help and how you help them.

Most people aren’t going to read all your posts, but they will glance at your bio. 

That's where they'll quickly decide whether to follow you, click your link, or bounce and never return.

So here’s how to make it count:

1. Start with a Clear Title

Make sure your name and title are front and center. Something like:

April Smith | Holistic Nutrition

This adds clarity (no one wants to follow a nameless account) and makes you easier to find when people are searching for your services.

2. Then Write a Strong Bio Line

A simple and effective formula:

Helping [ideal client] go from [pain point] to [desired outcome].

Here are a few examples:

Helping busy moms recover from burnout and feel like themselves again

Helping women with PCOS regulate their cycles naturally—without restrictive diets

Helping high-achieving professionals heal chronic gut issues and reclaim their energy

Alternatively, you can go with a short, benefit-focused list format:

• PCOS support
• Regulate cycles naturally
• No restrictive diets
  
  

3. Add a CTA

Include a clear call to action that points people to your link:

Grab the PCOS guide 👇

Book a free discovery call ☎️

Watch the free video series ⬇️

Your bio should do the heavy lifting of positioning you.

That way, your content can simply reinforce what’s already clear from the moment someone lands on your profile.

Step 3: Pin 3 Key Posts

If someone stumbles across your Instagram profile and doesn’t want to dig through your content, your pinned posts are what they’ll see first.

Think of them as your Instagram homepage.

They should answer three core questions right away:

• Who are you?
• What are your services?
• How can they get started?

Here’s a simple, effective 3-post lineup to pin:

1. “Who I Am” Intro Post

Share a personal, relatable intro that highlights your story and your “why.” This helps potential clients feel connected to you right away.

Example: “I’m a holistic nutritionist who helps tired moms feel like themselves again. Here’s how I got here…”

2. Overview of Your Services or Approach

This could be a post that walks people through what you offer, your unique method, or the types of clients you work with. Keep it clear and client-focused.

Example: “3 Ways to Work With Me” or “My Functional Approach to Women’s Hormone Health”

3. A Freebie or Lead Magnet

Feature a post that introduces your freebie or low-cost offer and points people directly to your link in bio. This post should highlight the benefit and outcome.

Example: “Struggling with PCOS? Download my free Cycle Tracker & Reset Guide—link in bio!”

Once pinned, these posts sit at the top of your feed to establish your credibility and guide people to take the next step.

You can leave these pinned for as long as they’re still relevant and reflect your current offers and messaging.

Step 4: Post Once a Week

I know you might think I’m crazy.

But hear me out.

Have you ever fallen off the content bandwagon and suddenly realized it’s been three months since your last post?

That Halloween promo is still sitting at the top of your feed in February…

Or your “Ready for Summer” reel is lingering while everyone’s out shopping for school supplies.

Posting once a week is a thousand times better than that.

It’s just enough to keep your account looking current and credible.

Plus? It’s actually sustainable.

If you’re not sure what to post, here are 4 easy options:

• A Bold Quote Post
  I'm not talking about "Your health is your wealth" quotes. I’m talking about a bold statement or micro-messaging point that comes from you. Something you say all the time or something you wish more people understood about your work. These are great for sparking connection or curiosity.
• A Reel with Trending Audio
  This is one of the easiest types of content to create. Grab a short video clip from your camera roll, pair it with a trending audio, and add a text overlay as a hook. Use the caption to share something deeper or point to a next step.
• A Carousel
  These are ideal for educating more deeply. Think: step-by-step tips, myth-busting, mini tutorials, or even recipes. Carousels encourage people to swipe (hello, engagement) and are often saved for later if they’re genuinely helpful.
• A Talk-to-Camera Reel
  Let people see your face and hear your voice. Talk about something that happened in clinic, a question a client asked, or a topic you’ve been thinking about lately. These help build trust and familiarity fast.

And if you're feeling inspired?

You don’t have to STOP at one post per week just because that’s the minimum viable amount. Feel free to post 2, 3, or all 4 of these content types in a week.

Just make sure it’s at least one.

Step 5 (Extra Credit): Spontaneously Post to Stories

This part is totally optional, but it’s a fun one.

If and when you feel inspired, pop into Instagram Stories.

Stories are perfect for low-pressure, real-time moments that help your audience feel more connected to you.

There’s no algorithm stress, no need to be polished, and no expectation to post daily.

And since they disappear in 24 hours, there’s zero pressure to be perfect.

Need ideas? Here are some easy Story prompts:

• A peek behind the scenes at your day (your desk, your lunch, your walk to the clinic)
• A quick client win or something that made you smile
• A myth you’re busting or a “did you know?” moment
• A product, supplement, or recipe you’re loving right now
• A screenshot of a new blog post, podcast, or offer you just released
• A poll, quiz, or emoji slider to get engagement (e.g., “Do you take vitamin D in the summer?”)
• A simple face-to-camera check-in or tip
• Resharing a recent feed post to drive more eyes to it

Stories are where people get to know you—your energy, your quirks, your vibe.

And if you share something valuable (like a client testimonial, a tip, or a freebie reminder), don’t forget to save it to your Highlights so it lives beyond the 24-hour mark.

You can create Highlight categories like:

• Free Resources
• Testimonials
• Start Here
• FAQs
• My Approach

Remember: this is extra credit.

There’s no right way to “do Stories.” Just show up when it feels fun or natural.

Want More Support?

I hope I’ve convinced you that showing up on Instagram doesn’t have to take over your life.

With a strategic foundation and one solid post per week, you can maintain visibility and stay relevant.

And when you’re ready for your content to feel even easier, here are the ways I can help:

• Customize ChatGPT for focused & organized content creation with the FREE Chat Made Simple guide & tutorial. Grab it for free →  
• Train ChatGPT in your voice, message, and vibe using the BrandVibe AI Starter Pack. You’ll get step-by-step guidance to turn Chat into your brand copywriting assistant.
• Get ready-to-use content inside Nurture Unleashed, with pre-written captions, Canva templates, and monthly bundles created just for wellness practitioners. Try it for $1 →  

One thing I always say is that motivation follows action.

So follow this minimum viable Instagram strategy and see where it takes you.