Some successful brands use Instagram for business today. They have a solid Instagram marketing strategy to reach new audiences and engage with existing customers. They regularly create engaging content, run ad campaigns and sometimes partner with influencers.
Learn how to create a business profile on Instagram and why an Instagram business account is an important part of any successful social media strategy.
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In this guide, we walk you through the detailed process of using Instagram for business. We cover everything from creating an Instagram business account to increasing your sales.
To kick things off, let’s look at the process of creating an Instagram business profile and the benefits of doing so.
Why Create an Instagram Business Account?
Increased Visibility and Reach
Switching to a Business account opens up opportunities for increased visibility. Your profile can be discovered by users beyond your followers through features like Explore and hashtags.
Access to Instagram Insights
One of the key advantages is access to Instagram Insights, a tool providing valuable data on your audience and post-performance. This data empowers you to make informed decisions about your content strategy.
Enhanced Business Profile Features
A Business account allows you to add additional contact information, including a phone number and email. This makes it easier for potential customers to get in touch with you.
How to set up an Instagram Business Account
Currently, there’s no option to directly set up a Business Account. You have to first create a personal account and then switch to a Business profile from there. Check out the steps below to learn how to create an Instagram Business profile.
- Go to your profile and tap on the “Edit profile” button below your profile picture.
- Tap on the option to “Switch to a professional account.”
- Tap on “Continue” and select the category that best describes your business.
- Choose whether to display the category on your profile and then hit “Done.”
- On the next page, select “Business” instead of a “Creator” account and tap on “Next.”
- Review your contact info. Make sure you include your official business email and contact info. If you have a physical location, including an address is a great way to add credibility to your profile. For businesses that want to enable a “Call” button, it’s essential to include a phone number.
- Tap on “Next” and that’s it. You’ve now created an Instagram Business Account to promote your business.
Optimizing Your Instagram Business Account
Use a Compelling Bio
Craft a captivating bio that concisely describes your business and what sets it apart.
Utilize Instagram’s Business Tools
Explore tools like Instagram Shopping and the Swipe-Up feature in Stories to enhance user experience.
Create Visually Appealing Content
Invest time in creating high-quality, visually appealing content that aligns with your brand.
Engage With Your Audience
Build a community by responding to comments and direct messages promptly.
Leveraging Instagram Features for Business Growth
Instagram Stories
Utilize Stories to share behind-the-scenes content, and promotions, and connect with your audience in real-time.
IGTV
Explore IGTV for long-form content, providing a deeper insight into your brand.
Shopping on Instagram
Enable shopping features to allow users to purchase products directly from your posts.
Instagram Ads
Consider running targeted ads to reach a larger audience and drive specific actions.
Measuring Success with Instagram Insights
Understanding Key Metrics
Explore metrics like reach, engagement, and follower demographics to gauge the effectiveness of your strategy.
Adjusting Your Strategy Based on Insights
Use the data provided by Instagram Insights to refine your content strategy and better meet your audience’s preferences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete Profile Information
Ensure that your profile is complete, providing all necessary information for potential customers.
Ignoring Instagram Insights
Regularly review Insights to understand what works and make data-driven decisions.
Overlooking Engagement with Followers
Build a community by actively engaging with your audience through comments and direct messages.
How To Grow Your Instagram Following
1. Optimize Your Profile
Your Instagram profile is your digital storefront, so make it inviting and informative. Use a recognizable profile picture, write a compelling bio, and include a link to your website or other relevant content. This sets the foundation for attracting and retaining followers.
2. Consistent Posting Schedule
Consistency is key on Instagram. Develop a posting schedule and stick to it. Whether it’s once a day or a few times a week, regular posting keeps your audience engaged and anticipating your content.
3. Quality Over Quantity
While consistency is essential, the quality of your content should never be compromised. Invest time in creating visually appealing and meaningful posts. High-quality content not only attracts new followers but also encourages existing ones to stay.
4. Use Hashtags Strategically
Hashtags are Instagram’s search function, making your content discoverable to a broader audience. Research and use relevant hashtags in your niche, and consider creating a branded hashtag for your community.
5. Engage With Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments on your posts, answer direct messages, and engage with your followers’ content. Building a sense of community encourages people to follow and stay connected with your profile.
6. Collaborate With Others
Leverage the power of collaboration by partnering with other Instagram users in your niche. This can involve shoutouts, joint Instagram Lives, or collaborative content. Exposing your profile to a partner’s audience can result in new followers.
7. Host Giveaways and Contests
Running giveaways and contests is an effective way to increase your reach and engagement. Encourage participants to follow your account, like the post, and tag friends, creating a ripple effect that expands your audience.
8. Utilize Instagram Stories and Reels
Instagram’s features, such as Stories and Reels, are excellent tools for engagement. Share behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, or entertaining snippets to keep your audience interested and coming back for more.
9. Promote User-Generated Content
Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand or products. When they tag you or use your branded hashtag, repost their content, giving them credit. This not only strengthens your relationship with existing followers but also attracts new ones.
10. Opt for Instagram Ads
While organic growth is ideal, Instagram Ads can give your profile an extra boost. Utilize targeted ads to reach specific demographics, increasing the likelihood of gaining followers genuinely interested in your content.
11. Host Instagram Live Sessions
Engage with your audience in real time through Instagram Live. This interactive feature allows followers to ask questions, comment, and react, fostering a direct connection and encouraging more people to follow your account.
12. Optimize Captions and CTAs
Craft compelling captions that resonate with your audience. Use a mix of storytelling, humor, and calls-to-action (CTAs) to prompt engagement, such as liking the post, sharing, or tagging a friend.
13. Monitor Analytics and Adjust Strategies
Regularly check Instagram Insights to understand what works and what doesn’t. Analyze metrics like reach, engagement, and follower demographics. Adjust your strategy based on this data to continually optimize your content.
14. Participate in Instagram Challenges
Joining trending challenges or creating your own can increase your visibility. Challenges often involve tagging friends or using a specific hashtag, creating opportunities for your profile to be discovered by a broader audience.
15. Promote Cross-Platform Sharing
Share your Instagram content on other social media platforms. Cross-promotion exposes your profile to audiences who may not be active on Instagram, potentially bringing in new followers.
Conclusion
Creating an Instagram Business account is a strategic move for any business looking to expand its online presence. The benefits, combined with the platform’s diverse features, make it a powerful tool for brand growth and audience engagement.