With over 800 million monthly active users, Instagram’s dominance as a powerful marketing channel continues to strengthen. Since 2016, when Instagram launched their business profiles, many have been asking whether they should switch from their personal profile to a business profile. We’ve assembled a handy list to help you make the decision and a quick how-to if you decide a business profile suits you best.
What’s the purpose of a business profile?
With a business profile, your account will be more likely to be recognized as an official account, and the added contact details will make it easier for customers to get in touch with you. Instagram Analytics for business can also be helpful for your marketing efforts.
Does a business profile account look any different?
The way to tell whether an account is a business account or not is by the grey ‘category’ text that appears under the name of the account. The category is set by whatever category was selected when setting up the Facebook page for the business.
But what about falling engagement with businesses on Facebook?
Some businesses made complaints last year when Facebook appeared to make it harder for brands to reach people organically through their content. It’s natural to be concerned that something similar might happen on Instagram, however there are fundamental differences as to how content is explored on Instagram such as through the use of hashtags and search.
Setting up a Business Profile on Instagram in 3 steps
1. Create a Facebook Page for your business if you don’t already have one.
(Within your personal account, select ‘Create Page’ from the menu. When you create a Page, you automatically become the Page’s admin. Only an admin can assign roles and change others’ roles.
2. Link your business’ Facebook Page to your Instagram account.
In Instagram, click on Settings (the gear icon) and select ‘Switch to Business Profile’. When you select ‘Switch To Business Profile’, you will be prompted to login to your Facebook Page if you are not already logged in. Click on the appropriate Facebook Pages to link. *Note: you must be listed as an admin on the Facebook Page to do this.
3. Complete your Business Profile in Instagram
Add your contact information, including a phone number, physical address, or email. Now you’re good to go!
As an official Instagram Partner, Local Measure is committed to helping you use Instagram to its fullest capabilities and in keeping with best practices. Every interaction you have with your customers on social media forms part of their customer experience and impression of your brand.
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