For entrepreneurs just getting started in their business, Instagram is one of those platforms that everyone insists upon. But honestly, it can be one of the more overwhelming platforms to try to stay on top of while managing all of your marketing tasks on your own.

If you’re not sure where to start or you want to revisit the basics, this post is for you.

Why Instagram For Business?

As per Social Pilot, “Social media marketers or business owners can use [Instagram] as a platform for promoting their brands and products. Instagram users love exploring brands, and about 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business account.

In just ten years, Instagram has transformed itself from a video and picture-sharing application to a big community for business promotions. Millions of businesses sell their products through Instagram promotion using its features like Stories, feed, and live Instagram broadcasts.”

Instagram Business Account Benefits

First off, what is an Instagram business account, and how is it different from a personal Instagram account?

As per Meet Edgar, “An Instagram account for business enables brands to track their engagement and interactions. Instagram business profiles offer more analytical tools than personal accounts. These tools can help you better understand your customer and improve your business’ reach.

Unlike personal accounts, business accounts come with two main advantages:

Lead generation tools
Audience insights

If you’re using Instagram primarily to find inspiration and connect with friends and family, you only need a personal profile (aka a basic account.)

On the other hand, an Instagram business profile is public, and anyone on Instagram can see it. This is excellent news if you want to reach new audiences (which, who doesn’t?).

Advantages and Benefits of a business account are:

Insights
Ability to boost posts
Contact Button & Quick Reply
Shopping button
Scheduling abilities
Engagement tools ( Pools, questions, interactive stickers, etc.)

No matter what type of business you have, if you are a brand, influencer, blogger, or small business owner, having an Instagram business account should be at the top of your list!

A Step-by-step Guide To Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account

1. Download the app

If you are new, head over to the App store on your phone and download the app to your phone.

You can also use Instagram (www.instagram.com) via your computer or iPad.

2. Create an Instagram account

The next step is to set up your account. You will need an email address (one that isn’t already associated with an IG account) or your phone number. Remember to use a strong password for your account. If you are interested, you can also log in with your current Facebook account. I recommend using your business email to create your Instagram account.

3. Choose a username

Your username is your Instagram handle, which helps people to search for you. It starts with the “@” sign. Remember that this is part of your branding, and you want potential customers to be able to find you easily, so use a username that is as close to your business name as possible. Choose your name; once it’s accepted, hit next and voila! You have a profile.

4. Switch to a business account

Now that your account is created, you need to switch to the business account. You do this by :

Go to your Settings and click on “Account.”
Then click on “Switch to Professional Account.”
Select a category that suits your business description. Then select either “Business.” or “Creator.” depending on what you offer.

Now your Instagram Business profile is created, now it’s time to fully set up your account and start following other accounts.

Building Up Your Instagram Profile

Now that your business account is functional, you need to build your profile to match your business and your branding.

Your profile is the first thing a user will see when they visit your business page, so you need to make sure that you are giving them a great first impression so build your account to represent your brand the same as if you were meeting someone for the first time at a networking event.

Follow these steps:

1. Add your business name

Your name can be different from your Instagram handle, so choose something that describes you or will make your profile easier to search. For example, mine is ‘KA Social Media - Social Media For Small Business’ to make it searchable.

2. Write your business bio

The Instagram bio describes your business, and it’s the first thing people will see when they reach your account. Make sure it’s a great first impression! Write a catchy one-liner about your business/product/service/brand to let your followers know who you are and what you sell or represent. Don’t forget to add your website link with a Call to Action button.

3. Add your profile picture

The profile picture for your business is SO important! Use a recent headshot of your face or your brand’s logo to establish your brand’s identity and make it easy for followers to know who you are

4. Add your contact information

Don’t forget to add your business address, contact number, email and other relevant contact information. Make it easy to be contacted and discovered.

5. Set up your highlights

Since Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, keep the best of them in the Highlights section. It gives your audience a quick look into your business. You can set these up when you start your profile and give them custom-designed covers to represent your brand, so it’s easier to sort them later.

6. Add friends, family, clients, and local businesses

Now that you have your account properly set up, it’s time to invite your friends to your account!

Even though you want to start having conversations and start pitching to everyone, it’s best to start with your friends and family! You can click on ‘Invite Facebook Friends’ from the settings, then everyone in your Facebook network will get a notification that will inform them that you are now on Instagram as your business.

Best Practices Using Instagram For Business

To make sure you’re using this platform to your advantage, follow these best practices:

Use eye-catching pictures and tell your brand/business’s story on Instagram.
Choose a filter you love and apply it consistently to give your feed a cohesive feel.
Use your brand colours on graphics.
Use custom hashtags to make your content searchable. (Example: #KASocialMedia or #ConnectAndConquer.)
Use Instagram stories regularly to chat with your audience.
Create engaging captions that help connect with your audience.
Follow accounts regularly.

Be Consistent On Instagram

Once your profile is set up and you have posted a couple of times, take some time to follow other Instagram accounts, maybe the chamber of commerce in your region, a business association or someone you have been wanting to connect with for a while.

Instagram is a social media platform for every business. With over a billion users, 90% of whom follow at least one business account, Instagram offers an opportunity like no other for marketers. So make sure you’re posting and engaging consistently, follow the best practices above, and you’ll be making connections in no time!

Still confused about Instagram and how your business can benefit from it? Let’s book a strategy session to give you the best chance you can get to find success on Instagram!

Back to basics: Instagram guide for business