A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Instagram Business Account
Instagram, with its vast user base and visual appeal, offers an incredible platform for businesses to connect with their audience. By creating an Instagram business account, you'll gain access to valuable features that can help you reach and engage with potential customers. As of 2023, there are over 2.35 billion active users per month on Instagram. Needless to say, this is a market that your business needs to tap into, if they haven't already. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up an Instagram business account.
Step 1: Download and Install the Instagram App
If you don't already have the Instagram app on your mobile device, you can download it from your device's app store. Instagram is available for both iOS and Android.
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In
- If you're new to Instagram, tap "Sign Up" and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. You can sign up with your email address or phone number. The nice thing about Instagram is that you do not need to link your personal or existing account in order to create a business account. You can simply create a business account from scratch.
- If you already have a personal Instagram account and want this to be your new business account, simply log in with your existing credentials (Follow Step 3).
Step 3: Switch to a Business Account
- Once you're logged in, go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right.
- From your profile, tap the three horizontal lines at the top right for the menu.
- Scroll down and tap "Settings."
- Under "Account," select "Switch to Professional Account."
Step 4: Choose a Business Category
- Select the category that best represents your business. Instagram will use this information to provide you with relevant features, and will help the algorithm when Instagram knows what category your business falls under.
Step 5: Connect to a Facebook Page (Optional)
- If your business has a Facebook Page, you can connect it to your Instagram account. This step is optional but recommended as it allows you to use additional features. Since Meta owns both Instagram and Facebook, this also gives you the opportunity to automatically post any Instagram posts to Facebook as well. Double the content for a single action!
Step 6: Complete Your Profile
- Add a profile photo, typically your business logo or a professional headshot / image.
- Write a compelling bio that introduces your business and encourages visitors to follow you.
- Include contact information, such as your email address, phone number, and physical address if applicable.
Step 7: Explore Instagram Insights
- With your business account, you'll have access to Instagram Insights. You can view metrics on your account's performance, audience demographics, and post engagement. To access this, go to your profile, tap the three horizontal lines, and select "Insights". This will likely be blank at the start since you haven't posted anything, unless you are just switching your personal account to a Professional one.
Step 8: Start Posting and Engaging
- Begin sharing content that reflects your brand and engages your audience. This could include photos, videos, stories, and more.
- Use hashtags strategically to increase the discoverability of your posts. In 2023, Instagram recommends the use of 3-5 hashtags to boost the algorithm, as they now consider any more to be "scammy".
- Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly, and don't forget to engage with their content as well!
Step 9: Consider Advertising
- Instagram offers many advertising options for businesses. You can create targeted ad campaigns to reach a broader audience and drive specific goals, such as website visits or product sales. If your page is linked to a Facebook account, you can also take advantage of Meta Business Suite, where you can create, display, and monitor ads on both Instagram and Facebook.
Creating an Instagram business account is a smart move for any business looking to leverage the power of this visually-driven platform. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to establishing a strong online presence, connecting with your target audience, and hopefully achieving your marketing goals on Instagram. Stay consistent with your content and engagement, and watch your business thrive in the world of Instagram.
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