Have you considered switching to an Instagram business account but haven’t taken the dive yet? There are so many reasons why you should make the switch from your personal account. If you’re in the business of buying and selling things, it’s just kinda smart, you know? “Monetizing your followers” sounds gross, but let’s be real: We’re all looking to create for a living and avoid the pitfalls of “having a real job.”
Check this stat: 84% of Instagram users are eager to discover new products on the platform. They’re so motivated that over 66% take the initiative to visit new business profiles they aren’t already following. Your Instagram profile is like a living sales ad, if you think about it. Social media marketing works like that, so let’s just say it: it’s Brand Awareness 101.
Instagram’s support for businesses is solid, too. With features like in-depth analytics, the ability to add links to Stories, and even selling products directly through the platform, business accounts on Instagram have all the tools needed to thrive. A personal Instagram just doesn’t have all of the tools. There is power in the Instagram DMs and Instagram Stories, so why not utilize that? Instagram influencers are. Social media marketing is a powerful avenue to get people clicking that Instagram post. Brand awareness drives people into the sales funnel and boom, they’re Instagram shopping. An Instagram Reel can pique interest in that new product faster than an Instagram ad in many cases; it just depends on the power of your followers.
Here’s another way to think about it: If personal Instagram accounts were sedans, business accounts would be Bugattis. 🚀 With all these features, it’s no wonder many brands, small businesses, and influencers use business accounts.
If you’re a creator looking to grow your brand, build your audience, or monetize your Instagram Stories and Instagram Reels, switching to an Instagram business account is a smart move. While personal accounts offer the basics — like posting photos, videos, and Stories — business accounts unlock a cadre of tools that can take your social media marketing to the next level. Here are the top reasons why you should make the switch:
Access to Advanced Insights and Analytics
With a business account, creators gain access to Instagram Insights, a powerful analytics tool that offers data on audience demographics, content performance, and engagement when it comes to your Instagram followers. Insights show key metrics such as follower growth, post reach, impressions, and the times when your followers are most active.
These analytics allow you to fine-tune your content strategy based on what resonates with your audience — helping you post the right content at the right times for maximum impact. (Followers love that stuff, BTW. Gotta love that brand awareness.)
Improved Reach with Paid Promotions
A business account kicks off the ability to promote posts and run ads through Instagram, rather than personal accounts. You can target specific demographics — like age, location, or interests — and reach users who don’t already follow you. This is especially helpful when launching new products, announcing collaborations, or trying to gain visibility for your content.
Without a business account, these features remain out of reach, limiting your growth potential to organic reach alone. And that sucks when you’ve got the Instagram content that’s awesome and should earn you some money, especially for Instagram influencers that blow up.
Unlock Contact Tools and Professional Features
With a business profile rather than a personal profile, you can add contact buttons to your bio, making it easier for brands, fans, or potential collaborators to get in touch with you via those Instagram DMs. These include options like “Email,” “Call,” or “Get Directions” within the Instagram feed. Having a streamlined way for people to contact you can open doors for partnerships and collaborations — key drivers for creators looking to monetize. (You can also do a lot more when you install Manychat, just saying. Make those Instagram DMs work for you. Your personal Instagram just doesn’t have the juice.)
Instagram business accounts also unlock the ability to add links to Stories, a feature that helps you drive Instagram followers to external platforms such as your website, YouTube channel, or online shop.
Access to Instagram Shopping and Monetization Tools
If you sell merchandise, digital products, or offer services, a business account lets you set up an Instagram Shop, where followers can browse and purchase directly from your profile. You can tag products in posts and Stories, giving followers a killer — and easy — shopping experience via those Instagram stories — remember that Instagram user loves you and wants to help you grow.
Even if you’re not directly selling products, other monetization tools — like Creator Studio and brand partnerships through Instagram’s branded content feature — are exclusive to business and creator accounts. These tools make it easier to manage your content calendar, partner with brands, and measure campaign performance.
Build Stronger Relationships with Your Audience
A business account allows you to use tools like automated responses for DMs or keyword triggers to engage with your audience instantly. These features are invaluable for creators with growing fanbases, as they help maintain engagement without getting overwhelmed. You can also track and respond to mentions quickly, ensuring you stay connected with your community in real time.
Engagement is key to business success on Instagram — the algorithm favors creators who interact frequently with their audience. With tools like Instagram Automation, you can stay active and responsive without spending all day glued to your phone.
Collaborate with Brands More Easily
For creators looking to grow their income, partnerships with brands are often essential. Business accounts make it easier to collaborate with companies by allowing you to run branded content ads. These ads help brands promote the content you create for them, giving you additional exposure and making your partnerships more valuable.
Many brands prefer working with creators who have business accounts since the analytics and engagement data allow for better tracking of campaign success. Having a business account can make you more attractive to potential collaborators.
The Difference Between Personal and Business Instagram Accounts
The most noticeable difference between personal and business accounts to your followers is often the contact button. Business accounts can display contact info like phone numbers or emails, whereas personal accounts don’t have this feature. But that’s the beginning. Business accounts give you access to Instagram’s monetization and marketing tools, while personal accounts focus more on individual use and content sharing.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two:
Personal Account:
- Limited insights
- No contact info
- No ad capabilities
Business Account:
- Access to Instagram Insights
- Ability to promote posts and run ads
- Contact options for followers (email, phone, or directions)
- Shoppable posts and links in Stories
Instagram Business Account Benefits
If you’re wondering what these extra features mean for you, here are five key benefits of using an Instagram business account:
Deeper Audience Insights
A solid Instagram marketing strategy starts with knowing your audience. Business accounts offer analytics that help you understand who’s engaging with your posts, which hashtags work, and what content drives the most engagement. These insights allow you to adjust your strategy and target your most engaged followers.
Better Audience Targeting
Beyond understanding your audience, business accounts let you dive deep into follower demographics. Insights like age, location, and when your audience is most active help you refine your content and ad strategies, ensuring you reach the right people at the correct times.
Expanded Reach Through Ads
While personal profiles don’t have the option to run ads, business accounts can promote posts and reach users who aren’t yet following your brand. Running ads increases visibility and helps grow your audience, leading to more engagement and potential sales.
Enhanced Engagement Tools
What do you want from your Instagram presence? Likes and comments are great, but business accounts allow you to go deeper by adding contact buttons for calls, emails, or directions — making it easier for followers to take meaningful actions. You can also add links to Stories, driving traffic to your website or shop directly from Instagram.
Selling Directly
Instagram’s Shopping feature lets you create an online storefront within the platform. Tag products in your posts or Stories, and users can browse and buy without leaving the app. This seamless shopping experience can drive sales directly from your feed.
How to Switch to an Instagram Business Account
Ready to switch to a business account? Here’s a quick guide:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Choose Account and then Switch to Professional Account.
- Select Business and follow the prompts to set up your account details, such as business category and contact info.
And that’s it! You’re all set to start enjoying the benefits of an Instagram business account.
FAQ
- Is a business Instagram account free?
Yes, it’s completely free to switch to a business account. - Can I have both a personal and business account?
You can have up to five Instagram accounts and manage personal and business profiles separately. - Why can’t I switch to a business account?
Double-check that your account isn’t set to private — business profiles cannot be private. You’ll need to make it public before switching.
With all the tools and insights available, switching to a business account is a no-brainer for anyone looking to grow their brand on Instagram. From increased reach to seamless sales, Instagram business accounts offer a range of features to help you thrive. Any other questions, comments, concerns, hopes, or dreams? Hit us up. Manychat loves all the people. We’re here to help.
