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Instagram has become an essential platform for brands, with over 200 million users exploring at least one business profile daily. Creating an Instagram Business Account is the first step to accessing this powerful platform, which has immense potential for businesses looking to expand their reach and drive sales.
Hence, you first need to set yourself up with a business profile offering several unique features for professional IG users. Which isn’t difficult in its own right, but you also know how to use your business profile correctly to get the most out of it. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to create an Instagram business account and leverage its full potential.
What is an Instagram Business Account?
An Instagram business account is a specialized profile for companies, entrepreneurs, and brands. It comes with additional tools to support your online presence and allows you to gain access to valuable insights about your followers and how your posts perform.
Then there’s the shopping feature, which lets you showcase products directly on your profile. You can also check out Instagram ad’s platform, a paid service for highly targeted advertising campaigns. So, in addition to all the benefits of a standard account, you also get the features and promotional tools to reach new customers to grow your business on Instagram.
Various Types of Instagram Accounts
For context, Instagram offers three main account types, each with different users in mind:
- Personal Account: This is the default account type, ideal for individual users sharing personal content with friends and family.
- Creator Account: A professional account designed for influencers, content creators, and public figures who want to build a personal brand.
- Business Account: This Instagram account type is tailored for companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs and offers the most robust set of professional tools.
Each account type has unique features accessible through the same Instagram app based on the goals of its users.
How To Create an Instagram Business Account: Step-By-Step Instructions
The logistics of setting up an Instagram business account are pretty straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Launch the “Instagram app” on your device. If you’re new to Instagram, you’ll sign up and start with a default personal account.
Step 2: Tap the “Profile Icon” to access your profile. Click “Three Lines” in the corner of your screen, then Tap “Settings” to access account options.
Step 3: In the settings menu, tap “Account” and look for the option to switch to a professional account. Select this to begin the conversion process.
Step 4: From the list of categories provided, choose a niche that describes your business. This will help Instagram tailor your experience and connect you with relevant users.
Step 5: When prompted, choose the “Business Category” to specify that you’re setting up a business account rather than a creator account.
Step 6: Enter your business contact information, including email, phone number, and address. This step is optional; you can skip it if you prefer to keep this information private.
Step 7: Linking your Instagram account to your Facebook Page is optional but recommended. This connection allows you to access all business features of Meta, enhancing your cross-platform presence.
Step 8: Complete your profile information by adding a profile picture, bio, and website link. Set your goals for using Instagram, and “Invite Friends” to follow your new business account to kickstart your audience growth.
How To Switch Your Creator Account to Business Account
Likewise, switching over from a creator account to a business account is just as simple. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Navigate to your Instagram profile by tapping the “Profile Icon.”
Step 2: Click “Three Lines” in the corner of your screen and tap settings to open the menu.
Step 3: Tap “Creator Tools and Controls” in the settings menu to switch account types.
Step 4: Choose the “Switch Account” type option and tap “Switch to Business Account” and follow the prompts to complete the switch.
The Benefits of Instagram Business Accounts
Instagram business accounts exist solely to help brands and organizations succeed. Some key benefits of Instagram business accounts:
1. Professional Dashboard
First, you’ll gain access to your own Professional Dashboard, which provides valuable insights and analytics about your account performance. You can track Instagram Key metrics such as reach, engagement, and follower growth. The dashboard also offers audience demographics data, helping you understand who your content appeals to and tailor your strategy accordingly.
2. Call-To-Action Buttons
Business accounts can add action buttons to their profiles, making it easier for customers to interact with your brand. These buttons enable users to call or email you, make reservations, book appointments, or take other specific actions directly from your profile. This streamlines the customer journey, potentially increasing conversions and engagement with your business.
3. Promotional Tools
Paid advertising campaigns on Instagram can help you reach your ideal customers precisely and push your business name into the spotlight. Along with paying to boost posts instantly, you can also use the Instagram shopping feature to tag products in your posts and stories—all great ways to showcase your offerings and drive sales directly through the platform.
4. Post Scheduling Feature
Simple but essential, business users can take advantage of the option to schedule posts in advance. This allows you to plan and organize your content calendar more efficiently, ensuring that you post at peak hours on Instagram. It’s a valuable time-saver that helps you maintain an active presence with minimal effort.
7 Tips to Grow Your Instagram Business Account
Setting up your business profile is just the first step on the journey. You also need to be proactive about how to grow your business account. Whatever your long-term goals may be, this is what you need to do to maximize your Instagram presence.
1. Optimize Your Business Profile Details
Right off the bat, take the time to craft a compelling bio that communicates your brand’s value proposition. Include relevant social links and your website URL to drive traffic to other platforms. Use a recognizable logo as your profile picture to strengthen your brand identity and make your account easily identifiable. Remember – your profile needs to look legit and convincing at a glance.
2. Build your Follower Base
Focus on strategies to expand your Instagram follower count organically and sustainably. Engage with other Instagram users in your niche, participate in community discussions, and create content that holds value for your target audience. Quality beats quantity – followers genuinely interested in your brand are more valuable than empty numbers.
3. Develop Your Content Strategy
Make an effort to share engaging posts that encourage interaction and spark conversations. Commit to high-quality visuals that align with your brand aesthetic and stand out in users’ feeds.
Mix up your content types using photos, videos, reels, stories & Instagram story highlights to keep your feed dynamic and exciting for your target audience.
4. Utilize Niche-Specific Hashtags
Research and use hashtags relevant to your industry and target audience. This helps your content reach users interested in your niche, increasing visibility and engagement.
Balance popular hashtags with more specific ones to maximize your reach without getting lost in crowded spaces. Jump on trending IG hashtags as early as possible, but only if relevant to your content.
5. Maintain a Consistent Posting Routine
Everyone responds positively to consistency. Develop a posting schedule that works for your business and stick to it. Regular posts keep your audience engaged and help you stay fresh in their minds.
Use Instagram’s insights to determine the best times to post for your specific audience and create a buzz ahead of any important posts, launches, or announcements.
6. Engage With your Audience
Actively interact with the Instagram users who engage with your content. Respond promptly to comments, direct messages, and mentions. Host livestreams on Instagram, Q&A sessions, and polls to build community around your brand.
Address them by their name to make them feel truly valued. The more you engage, the more likely users feel connected to your business.
7. Partner With Influencers
Last, collaborating with influencers in your niche can instantly expand your reach and credibility. Choose partners whose audience aligns with your target market for the most effective results.
Develop viable ideas for collaborations and pitch them in a way that clearly conveys how the arrangement will benefit them. Don’t be discouraged if you’re declined—refine your pitch and try your luck elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a Business Account Free on Instagram?
Yes, creating and using an Instagram business account is completely free. There are no charges for switching to a business profile or accessing its features.
2. Can I Have a Personal and Business Instagram Account?
Absolutely. Instagram allows users to have multiple accounts, including personal and business profiles. You can easily switch between accounts from Meta’s Accounts Centre within the app.
3. How Do I Switch My Instagram Business Account Back to Personal?
To revert to a personal account, go to your profile settings, tap “Account,” then “Switch account type.” Choose “Switch to personal account” and confirm your decision.
