A regular Instagram account is for showcasing pictures. A business Instagram account is for making money and is more apt if you’re trying to build a brand with the help of social media. The latter also has all the required tools and ad-tracking metrics to help your brand grow along with other capabilities to boost your audience engagement, but they need a capable steering hand, lest, resources will be in vain.
This guide explains how to switch to a business account on Instagram. It also shows how to connect your professional Instagram account to your Facebook page and some best practices to maximize your reach.
Preparing for the Switch
Before doing anything, make sure that your Instagram account is public, as private accounts cannot be converted to business accounts. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
- Tap on the three-line menu in the top right corner.
- Tap on “Settings”.
- Scroll down and tap on “Privacy”.
- Under “Account Privacy”, tap on the toggle to switch it to “Public”.
- Tap “Switch to Public” to confirm.
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching
Now that your account is public, you can switch to a business account on Instagram using the following steps.
Note: keep in mind that the following steps are accurate in the current update of Instagram. If you’re reading this a bit later on the timeline, you may find that Instagram has shifted a few options around. Nevertheless, the core process will stay the same.
Step1: Access the Account Settings
With your Instagram open on your phone, navigate to your profile by tapping on your profile picture at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Once your profile opens, click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the screen to access the menu.
Step 2: Find the Switch Option
You’ll be greeted by multiple selections. It may get a little confusing, but all you have to do is scroll down to the “For Professionals” category. Underneath, you’ll find a sole opinion that says:
“Account type and tools.”
Step 3: Switch the Account
After you tap on “Account type and tools,” you’ll have the option of adding a new professional account or switching your existing one to a business account. Click on “Switch to a business account.”
If you haven’t switched your account to the public yet, Instagram will notify you that your account will now be public and that everyone will be able to follow you without requesting approval from you.
If you’re okay with that, proceed, and Instagram will take around 15–30 seconds to convert your account into a business or a “professional” one.
Step 4: Choose Your Niche
You’ll be provided a list of various niches that you can select from. It’s not too specific, so you may not find your exact field. For example, if you’re a doctor, you have to choose the Health/beauty option.
Step 5: Choose Between Creator or Business Accounts
Instagram will prompt you to choose between creator or business accounts. Since you need a business account, click on that, then press next.
Step 6: Review Your Contact Info
You’ll be prompted to add your public business information. This includes the business email, phone number, and business address (city, zip code, etc.).
Ideally, you should fill out this information, but you do have the option of skipping this step. You can always fill in the information later.
Step 7: Connect to Your Facebook Page
Instagram will now ask you to connect to your Facebook page. To make this step easier for yourself, have the Facebook app pre-installed on your phone, and your business page logged in at least once.
If you have already done that, Instagram will immediately list the page(s) you have and ask you to select one of them. Once again, you may skip this step if you want to.
Step 8: Finalize Your Professional Account
You’ll now have five steps to complete before you finalize your account, they go as follows:
Get Inspired
The “Get inspired” step will take you to other professional accounts on Instagram. You’ll get an idea of what kind of pictures and approaches others utilize, which should give you some insights of what your professional profile should look like.
To get the best out of this, scroll down until you find someone with the same niche as yours, check their account, and follow them.
Grow Your Audience
The “grow your audience” gives you five options to gain an audience quickly, they are as follows:
- Invite friends via WhatsApp
- Invite friends via SMS
- Invite friends by email
- Invite friends by → (It’ll open all the social applications you have that you can choose from)
- Follow contacts
Note: We highly recommend having some contacts in mind before you get through this step. Don’t set this step as completed before you get the maximum possible amount of exposure.
Showcase Your Brand
Once you click on “Showcase Your Brand,” Instagram will request access to your phone’s camera, gallery, and microphone. Do allow these permissions and select any professional photo of your business that you have in the gallery.
If you don’t have any, the option to take a new one through the Instagram camera is also available.
Explore Tools and Insights
This step will provide you with tools that you can use to monitor and expand your reach. If you’ve used the Meta Business Suite, you may find this one familiar.
In simple terms, you can check how your content is doing through the “Insights” tab. The “Ads” tab allows you to create boosted stories or pictures to reach more people.
The “activity status” will show when you’re online, encouraging people to interact with you. There’s also the FAQ tab which may have the answers to some of the questions you have.
Complete Your Profile
If you have done everything right, this step should already be marked as completed. Click on it, and it’ll show you your finalized business profile.
Double-check your business name, username, and bio, then click the tick mark on the top right of the screen. You’re now done.
Optimizing Your New Business Profile
Having a business account unlocks a treasure trove of tools to help you connect with your audience. Here’s how to fine-tune your profile to maximize visitor engagement:
Craft a Compelling Bio
Your bio is prime real estate, so make it count! Hook visitors in the first 150 characters by highlighting your brand’s unique selling proposition (USP). Think of it as your elevator pitch – what makes you stand out?
Weave relevant keywords throughout your bio to help potential customers discover your business during searches.
- Example bio: Handcrafted jewelry made with love (USP). We elevate your style with unique designs! Shop now (CTA). #handmadejewelry #shopsmall
Showcase Contact Options
Make it easy for visitors to connect with you! Clearly display your contact information, whether it’s your website, email address, or phone number. Choose the methods most relevant to your target audience.
Utilize CTAs
Business accounts offer CTA buttons like “Contact,” “Book Now,” or “Get Directions.” Pick a button that aligns with your current goals. Do you want to drive website traffic or in-store visits? The CTA button acts as a guide for visitors, so choose wisely.
A Simple Yet Effective Initial Content Strategy
Captivating content is the heart of a thriving business profile. Showcase your products, services, or brand story through engaging content that utilizes the diverse features Instagram offers:
- High-Quality Photos: Visual appeal is key! Post stunning photos and graphics that capture the essence of your brand.
- Engaging Videos: Take advantage of Stories, Reels, and IGTV to create short, creative video content.
- Behind the Scenes: Offer glimpses into your company culture and team to build connections with your audience.
Instagram Advertising for Business Accounts
Business accounts on Instagram have a powerful suite of advertising options to help you target the ideal audience. Here’s an overview of what you can do:
Targeted Advertising
- Laser Focus: Go beyond impressions and target users based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and even purchase history.
- Lookalike Audiences: Expand your reach to users similar to your existing customers, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Different Formats to Suit Your Needs
- Photo & Video Ads: Showcase your products or services in eye-catching visuals that blend seamlessly with organic content.
- Story Ads: Capture attention with immersive, full-screen ads that disappear after 24 hours, ideal for behind-the-scenes glimpses or quick promotions.
- Carousel Ads: Tell a story or showcase multiple products with a single ad that users can swipe through, perfect for product collections or tutorials.
- Collection Ads: Simplify the buying journey by allowing users to browse and purchase products directly from your ad, streamlining the conversion process.
Best Practices for Instagram Business Accounts
Instagram is made for visual stimulation. You should consistently post while maintaining quality and authenticity.
You may use a content calendar to plan and schedule your posts in advance, providing a steady flow of content to keep your audience hooked.
You should also engage with your followers whenever possible. For busy business owners, it’s highly recommended to have one or more account managers to respond to the followers and maintain connections.
In the End
Instagram business accounts offer powerful tools over standard accounts, but using such tools with maximum efficiency is key to standing out in the competition, especially if your niche is already saturated within the market.
Utilize those ad-tracking insights to gain valuable insights into your post engagement. With some trial and error, you’ll get a sense of what your audience likes and what you should stop wasting resources on.
