Picture this: A potential customer finds your business on Instagram, Facebook, or Google. They click your profile, scroll for a few seconds, and think, “This looks dodgy.” They leave without buying, or worse, they warn their friends. Your sales suffer, your reputation takes a hit, and you wonder why no one trusts you online. The harsh truth? Many small business profiles unintentionally scream “scam”, even when you’re 100% legitimate.
The good news? You can fix most of these issues in under 5 minutes.
In this quick guide, I’ll show you the common red flags that make profiles look scammy, why they hurt your business, and simple steps to make your profile look professional, trustworthy, and credible.
Why Your Profile Might Look Like a Scam (Even If It’s Not)
Scammers create fake profiles all the time to trick people. Real businesses sometimes copy bad habits or skip basics, making them look similar. Customers are cautious these days – one wrong signal, and they bounce.
Here are the biggest red flags that scream “scam” on business profiles (Instagram, Facebook, Google Business, LinkedIn, etc.):
- Blank or incomplete profile: No bio, no contact details, no photos, or just a stock image as profile picture.
- New or inactive account: Created yesterday, zero posts, no followers, or posts from months ago.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Typos everywhere in bios, posts, or descriptions; looks unprofessional or non-native.
- Generic or suspicious profile picture: Stock photos, celebrity images, AI-generated faces, or nothing personal.
- Over-the-top promises: “Get rich quick”, “Guaranteed results”, or urgent pressure like “Limited time only; act now!”
- No real engagement: Fake followers, bought likes, or zero comments/interactions on posts.
- Missing proof: No website link, no reviews, no testimonials, no business address or phone.
- Weird usernames: Too many numbers (e.g., @business123456), misspellings, or random characters.
- No “About” section or vague info: Empty bio, no story, no refund policy, no credentials.
These make people think: “Is this real? Should I risk my money?” Result? Lost trust, fewer sales, and your hard work wasted.
Fix It in 5 Minutes: Step-by-Step
Grab your phone or laptop. Open your main business profiles (start with Instagram/Facebook, then Google if you have one). Follow these steps:
Add a Professional Profile Picture (30 seconds)
Use a clear, high-quality photo of yourself (if personal brand) or your logo/product. Smile, good lighting, no filters that look fake. Avoid stock images; they scream scam.
Quick fix: Upload a real headshot or branded logo right now.
Write a Clear, Honest Bio/About Section (1 minute)
Tell who you are, what you do, and why people should trust you. Include:
- Your name/business name
- What problem you solve
- A touch of personality
- Contact info (email/phone)
- Website link
- Emojis sparingly for appeal
Bad example: “Buy now cheap products!!! DM me” Good example: “Ngozi | Helping busy Lagos mums build side hustles online. Real tips, no fluff. Lagos-based. DM for coaching or visit my site 👇”
Keep it short, error-free, and genuine.
Add Contact Details and Location (30 seconds)
On Instagram/Facebook: Add email, phone, WhatsApp link, and address if local. On Google Business Profile: Verify address, add hours, phone; claim it if not done.
People trust businesses they can reach. A business with no contact = big red flag.
Post Real Content and Engage (1-2 minutes now, ongoing)
Upload 3-5 recent posts: Behind-the-scenes, customer stories, product shots, or value tips. Reply to any messages/comments. Show you’re active and real.
Tip: Pin a welcome post explaining your business; builds instant trust.
Add Proof of Legitimacy (1 minute)
- Link to a simple website (even a free one like Linktree or Carrd)
- Share testimonials/reviews (screenshot real ones)
- Mention any certifications, years in business, or “Lagos-based since 202X”
- On Google: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews
These small proofs turn “sketchy” into “solid”.
Bonus: Extra Trust Boosters (Do These Next)
- Get a custom domain email (e.g., hello@yourbusiness.com) instead of Gmail.
- Enable two-factor authentication on accounts to prevent hacks.
- Monitor for fake reviews/messages, report spam.
- Post consistently, even once a week keeps you looking active.
JUST SO YOU KNOW
Your business isn’t a scam, don’t let your profile make it look like one. These 5-minute fixes build trust fast and stop losing customers before they even ask a question.
Ready? Open your profile now and make those changes or contact Prowess Digital Solutions to help you. Your future sales will thank you.