So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Instagram business accounts. You might think it’s a tangled web of clicks and confusion. But fear not! Setting up an Instagram business account is as easy as pie — assuming that pie is from a bakery you found on Instagram.
Why bother with a business account, you ask? Instagram isn’t just a place to share your brunch pics anymore. With over two billion users, it’s a bustling marketplace where 90% of users follow at least one business. Think of it as a goldmine for brand visibility and revenue.
What Is an Instagram Business Account?
Think of an Instagram business account as the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of your personal account. Whether you’re a service provider, running a brick-and-mortar shop, or rocking the e-commerce scene, you can hop on this train.
Why switch? Because a business profile tells Instagram, “Hey, I’m here to market!” and unlocks a treasure trove of features your personal profile can only dream of. Here’s what you get:
- Calls to Action: Nudge users to visit your site, book your service, or snag your product with a click.
- Ad Campaign Manager: Manage your Instagram ad campaigns through Meta Ads Manager.
- Instagram Shopping: Tag products in your posts and create a product catalog — yes, please!
- Swipe Up Links: Need more than 10k followers? You can add those juicy links to your Stories!
- Partner Accounts: Collaborate with influencers by letting them post on your behalf.
- Insights and Analytics: Get the 411 on your account reach, follower demographics, and post impressions.
And don’t fret about content visibility! Instagram doesn’t play favorites between business and personal accounts. Your posts will get the same love from the algorithm.
What About Instagram Creator Accounts?
Ah, the Instagram creator account. These are for the influencers, artists, and content creators who may not be selling products but are still slaying the game. Creator accounts have a few bells and whistles that differ from business accounts:
- No access to Instagram Shopping.
- No ad creation capabilities.
- Easier access to partner with brands for sponsored content.
Creators have their perks but also face a few limitations.
Can Instagram Business Accounts See Who Views Their Profile?
Nope! Instagram keeps it mysterious — no one can see who’s lurking on their profile, whether it’s a personal or business account. You’ll get general stats like follower count and profile visits over the last week, but that’s it.
On the bright side, you can see who’s watching your Instagram Stories for 24 hours. Plus, if you tag other accounts, you can check how many people clicked on those tags. Just steer clear of those shady third-party apps that promise to reveal your secret admirers. They’re just after your data!
Are Instagram Business Accounts Free?
You bet! Just like your personal account, business accounts are free as a bird. Anyone can convert their personal account to a business one. Just keep in mind, if you decide to run paid promotions, you’ll need to link a credit or debit card for the cash flow.
Why You Need Instagram for Business
An Instagram business account is like a Swiss Army knife for marketing. Here are the juicy benefits:
- Audience insights: Get the skinny on your audience’s behavior. No more guesswork — find out which posts are hot and what’s just lukewarm.
- Top-performing content: Check what’s getting the most love in posts, IGTV, and Stories.
- Follower growth: Track who’s hopping on and off your follower train.
- Interactions: Keep tabs on likes, shares, comments, and saves.
- Accounts reached: See how your content is being discovered.
- Demographics: Understand the age, gender, and location of your audience.
These insights are gold for shaping your future strategy.
Advertising like a boss
Once your business account is set up, you can tap into Instagram ads and promote posts to reach a wider (and more relevant) audience.
To get started, your business profile needs to be linked to a Facebook page. Facebook owns Instagram, so it’s all connected in this marketing universe.
To promote a post, just hit the “Promote” button on your profile and select where you want to send users. Simple, right? Choose your audience, set your budget, and watch the magic unfold!
Instagram shopping
Did you know 74% of users have bought something after seeing it on Instagram? With a business account, you can turn your feed into a digital storefront. Thanks to Instagram Shops, you can tag products directly in your posts and create a shoppable catalog.
Since 44% of Instagram users shop on the app weekly, this feature is a game changer for e-commerce brands.
Add an Action Button
Your business profile can feature an action button — a shiny blue button that encourages followers to take action right after they’ve been browsing your feed. Depending on your business, you can choose from options like:
- Book Appointment
- Place Order
- View Shop
- Call
- Message
Create “swipe up” links
Here’s the catch: Instagram doesn’t allow direct links in your posts. But wait! With a business account and at least 10k followers, you can add “swipe up” links in your Stories. This feature lets your followers click through to landing pages, special offers, or whatever shiny thing you want them to check out.
Split DM Inbox
As your follower count grows, so will your DMs. To keep it all organized, Instagram provides a Filter tool to manage your inbox.
You can filter by Unread or Flagged messages. Plus, you can divide DMs into Primary and General channels. Prioritize those crucial conversations while keeping the less urgent ones in check. No one likes a cluttered inbox.
How to Create an Instagram Business Account
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to create your Instagram business account from scratch.
1. Get the app: Download the Instagram app for Android, iOS, or Windows.
2. Sign up: Open the app and tap “Sign Up.” Enter your email and password.
3. Use an admin email: If you want multiple team members to access it or to link to your Facebook Page, sign up with an admin email. Or just use your Facebook account for a quick setup.
4. Complete the setup: Hit “Next” to finish your account setup.
Converting your personal account to a business account
If you already have a personal account, converting is a cinch:
1. Tap the three lines: Go to your Instagram account and tap the three lines in the top right corner.
2. Settings: Open Settings and select “Account.”
3. Switch to professional account: Click “Switch to Professional Account.” If you haven’t linked your Facebook account, you can do it here for more customization options.
4. Choose your category: Select your business category and add your contact info.
5. Hit “done”: Boom! You now have an Instagram business account.
The Power of Ephemeral Content
Don’t sleep on Instagram Stories. These short, engaging clips disappear after 24 hours, making them the perfect medium for showcasing time-sensitive promotions, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or user-generated content. With interactive features like polls and questions, Stories help you understand your audience better. Use them strategically to create a sense of urgency, guiding potential customers to your Instagram shop or promoting a new product launch.
Use Reels for Maximum Exposure
If you’re looking to ramp up your Instagram marketing game, you can’t ignore the power of Instagram Reels. These short, entertaining videos allow you to highlight your products or services creatively, reaching new audiences through the Explore page. By crafting engaging Reels that align with current trends, you can tap into a wider network of potential customers. Plus, the algorithm favors Reels, meaning they’re more likely to land on the feeds of users who don’t yet follow you, making them an invaluable tool for growth.
Optimize Your Facebook Business Page
Integrating your Facebook business page with your Instagram account can amplify your marketing efforts. By linking the two, you streamline your advertising process and gain access to comprehensive analytics. This connection allows you to promote posts across both platforms seamlessly, ensuring your message reaches a broader audience. With Meta Ads Manager, you can spy on your campaigns, adjust on the fly, and basically make sure your dollars are working harder than a coffee-fueled intern.
Make the Most of Your New Instagram Business Account
Setting up an Instagram business account is a piece of cake. Now, get in there, use Instagram’s analytics, launch ad campaigns, and start selling.
Psstt, don’t forget — Instagram Automation by Manychat can help you grow your following and boost sales.
