How to Create a Business Instagram Account

Creating an Instagram Account

To create an Instagram account, first download the app from the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device. 

Launch the app and choose a username. Usually, it’s best to choose your business name. If your business name is already taken, try using underscores or periods to separate words or adding “company” or “brand” to the end.

Ensure security by selecting a strong, unique password. Then, hit the next button—and you’re done creating your account!

You can also add in your phone number and email account for an easy account recovery option. 

After successfully creating your account, customize your profile by using the ‘Edit profile’ button.

You should upload a visually appealing profile picture, such as a logo or professional headshot. Craft a concise and compelling bio that effectively communicates your business offerings, unique selling points, and brand personality while including important keywords that your customers will be searching for. This description provides visitors with a clear understanding of your business, the geographical area you cover (if applicable), and/or your company’s mission and values.

Switching to a Business Instagram Account

Now that you have successfully set up a personal Instagram account, it’s time to switch to a business account and unlock the features specifically designed to benefit businesses. To make this transition, follow these simple steps. First, navigate to your profile by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Then hit the three white lines at the top right of your profile.

Then, locate and select the ‘Settings and privacy’ tab.

Then, scroll until you see an option that says ‘Account type and tools’.

Then, hit the ‘Switch to Professional Account’ option.

From here, you will be presented with several options for what type of business most closely resembles you.

Then, you’ll be given two choices from which to pick: ‘Creator’ and ‘Business’.

1. Creator Account

The creator account is tailored for individuals who are content creators, influencers, photographers, artists, or those who primarily focus on personal branding. This account type offers specialized tools and insights to help showcase your creative work and build a strong personal brand presence on Instagram. If you are an individual looking to establish yourself as an influencer or promote your artistic endeavors, the creator account may be the most suitable choice for you.

2. Business Account

The business account, on the other hand, is the preferred option for most businesses. This account type provides a comprehensive suite of features that cater specifically to businesses looking to promote their products or services on Instagram. By switching to a business account, you gain access to valuable tools such as Instagram Insights, which provides detailed analytics about your followers, reach, and engagement. 

Additionally, you can run ads on Instagram, expanding your brand’s reach and driving targeted traffic to your website or landing pages. Another advantage of a business account is the ability to add contact information to your profile, making it easier for potential customers to reach out to you directly through call or email, or even get directions to your physical store. If your primary goal is to establish a professional presence, analyze data to refine your marketing strategy, and drive business growth, then the business account is the most suitable choice.

When deciding which account type is best for your business, it is important to consider your specific goals, target audience, and the features that align with your objectives. If your focus is on personal branding, content creation, and building an audience as an influencer or artist, the creator account may be the right fit. However, if your aim is to promote your products or services, access valuable insights, run ads, and facilitate seamless communication with potential customers, the business account is the recommended option.

By choosing the appropriate account type, you can optimize your Instagram presence and leverage the platform’s business-centric features to achieve your marketing goals effectively.

Utilizing Instagram For Business Marketing

Now that you have a business Instagram account, it’s time to optimize your presence and leverage Instagram’s marketing potential. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started:

1. Scheduling Posts

Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram success. By using scheduling tools like Later, Buffer, or Hootsuite, you can plan and schedule your posts in advance. This allows you to maintain a regular posting schedule and engage with your audience consistently. Create a content calendar, experiment with different posting times, and analyze the performance of your posts to find the optimal schedule that resonates with your audience.

2. Instagram Business Profile

Make the most of the features available with an Instagram business profile. Ensure that your profile is complete and includes relevant contact information. This includes your business address, phone number, and email, making it easier for customers to get in touch with you. Take advantage of the ‘Call’, ‘Email’, or ‘Directions’ buttons that can be added to your profile. These buttons provide a seamless user experience and encourage direct interaction with your business.

3. Instagram Insights

Dive into the wealth of data provided by Instagram Insights to understand your audience and measure the performance of your posts. This valuable tool offers insights into key metrics such as reach, impressions, engagement rate, and follower growth. Use this data to gain a deeper understanding of your audience’s preferences, track the success of your content, and identify trends. With this information, you can refine your content strategy, optimize your posts, and deliver the most relevant and engaging content to your followers.

4. Instagram Ads

Consider running Instagram ads to amplify your reach and target specific demographics. Instagram’s advertising platform provides detailed targeting options, allowing you to reach potential customers who are most likely to engage with your brand. 

Experiment with different ad formats, such as photo ads, video ads, or carousel ads, to find what works best for your business. Create compelling visuals, craft persuasive ad copy, and monitor the performance of your ads using the ad manager. Adjust your targeting and ad settings as needed to optimize your ad campaigns and achieve your marketing goals.

5. Use Reels

A fairly new innovation from Instagram comes in the form of shorter video content called Reels. Reels can be a great way to get new eyes on your business, because, whereas feed posts are shown only to your followers unless you “boost” them or run them as ads, your Reels reach anyone who has viewed similar content to yours in the past, whether or not they follow you. For more information on using Instagram Reels to market your small business, read this article. 

By implementing these tips, you can enhance your Instagram business account and maximize your marketing efforts on the platform. For an in-depth guide to developing a winning strategy for marketing small businesses on Instagram, check out this article.

Creating an Instagram business account opens up a world of opportunities for businesses to connect with their audience, increase brand visibility, and drive growth. By following these steps to create an Instagram account, switching to a business account, and utilizing the platform’s features effectively, you can establish a strong presence and market your business successfully on Instagram. 

Embrace the power of Instagram, experiment with different strategies, and stay consistent in your efforts. With dedication and a well-crafted Instagram marketing strategy, your business can thrive in our exciting digital landscape.

_{Information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be business, legal, tax, or accounting advice. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Lendio. While Lendio strives to keep its content up-to-date, it is only accurate as of the date posted. Offers or trends may expire, or may no longer be relevant.}