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Your business has to be seen! Because you want to create awareness, and to spark interest so you can welcome more customers. That's the point.
Now this has to go well on all your channels. But let's go through them one by one, and today look at Instagram.
Whether you're a local shop owner or running a global brand, Instagram's business features can help you connect with your audience and grow your reach.
With a 12.2% increase in ad reach year-over-year, according to the latest Instagram statistics from Kepios, it's clear that now is the perfect time to set up your business account and make the most of this powerful platform.
If you’re wondering how to create a business account on Instagram, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, so you can start showcasing your products and engaging with your customers in no time.
What is an Instagram business account?
An Instagram business account is a profile designed specifically for brands and companies that want to grow their presence on the platform for commercial purposes.
It functions like a personal account, allowing you to post content and engage with other users, but with some extra features. These include access to:
- Insights
- Advertising tools
- Shopping features
Types of Instagram accounts
Instagram offers three main account types.
Personal account
Most users have personal accounts, which are the default when you sign up. These accounts are meant for people who want to share personal content and connect with friends and family.
Creator account
A creator account is tailored for influencers and content producers. It offers some of the same tools as a business account, such as insights and promotional features, but is designed specifically for content creators.
Business account
For companies wondering how to create business accounts on Instagram, this is the account type to choose. A business account on Instagram gives you access to insights, ads, and shopping features, making it easier for you to engage with your audience and use the platform to drive growth.
It also makes it easier to manage your inbox as you get access to the Instagram API and can have multiple users with access to your direct messages.
Which Instagram account type is best suited for you?
Choosing the right Instagram account type depends on your business goals and how you want to manage your presence.
If you’re considering whether to convert your personal profile to a business account or start a new one, here’s what to keep in mind.
Should you convert your personal account?
If you’re already using your personal account to promote your business or if you are closely tied to your brand’s identity, converting your account to a business account on Instagram can be a practical choice.
You’ll get access to business tools like insights, ads, and shopping features while keeping your existing followers. Many entrepreneurs who personally represent their business choose this option to grow their audience and maintain what they have already built.
When is it better to create a new Instagram business account?
For businesses that have a distinct brand identity, separate from the founder, creating a new Instagram business account is often the better option.
This allows you to focus your content entirely on the business without blending it with personal posts. This approach can help to establish a clear, professional presence that’s separate from your personal identity.
Case study: LOMA Korea
A great example of how businesses can effectively leverage Instagram business accounts is LOMA Korea, a vegan haircare brand. By experimenting with Advantage+ shopping campaigns, they saw impressive results.
The brand achieved a 68% lower cost per conversion lift for add-to-cart actions and a 41% lower cost per conversion lift for purchases, compared to their usual conversion campaigns. This demonstrates how businesses can maximise their ad budgets and drive meaningful results through Instagram's business tools.
If you’re still deciding how to create a business page on Instagram or whether to create a new Instagram account for your brand, consider how each option aligns with your business goals.
Benefits of creating an Instagram Business Account
Switching to a business account on Instagram can give you access to more powerful tools and features. These tools can help you grow your audience, improve your engagement, and even boost conversions.
Here are some of the most valuable benefits:
1. Professional appearance and credibility
When you create a business profile on Instagram, your account immediately starts to have a more professional feel. Features like contact buttons (for email or calls) and business category information let visitors to your page know you are a business. They also give potential customers more ways to connect with your business which can help with sales and lead generation
2. In-depth analytics
One of the biggest advantages of a business account on Instagram is the ability to access Instagram Insights. This analytics tool allows you to monitor your performance, from engagement rates to follower demographics. Knowing who your audience is and how they interact with your content helps you improve your strategy and collect data that you can use in other areas of your marketing.
For instance, if a fitness brand notices that most of their engagement happens on posts featuring workout tips, they can focus on creating more of this content to increase engagement.
3. Use of Instagram reels ads
Businesses can also leverage Instagram Reels ads, which are a great way to increase engagement and visibility.
For example, Webull, a financial technology company, saw a 17% lower cost per conversion lift for app instals by adding Reels ads to its campaigns. The addition of Reels ads also led to a 50% increase in app instals and complete registrations compared to their usual ad campaigns. This highlights how embracing newer Instagram features can drive impressive results and improve campaign performance.
4. Enhanced shopping features
If you're looking to sell products directly through Instagram, a business profile on Instagram allows you to set up an in-app shop. This feature lets users browse and purchase your products without leaving the app, creating a seamless shopping experience that can help drive sales.
For instance, a fashion brand can tag products in their posts and stories, allowing followers to click and purchase directly from the app.
5. Access to Instagram ads
With a business account, you get access to Instagram’s ad platform. This enables you to create highly targeted ad campaigns that reach specific demographics, helping you grow your customer base. Instagram ads can be customised to drive conversions, promote new products, or even boost brand awareness.
How to set up an Instagram business account?
Setting up a business account on Instagram is simple. Whether you’re switching from a personal profile or starting fresh, the steps are easy to follow.
Below is a quick guide on how to create a business profile on Instagram.
Switching to a business profile from a personal profile
If you already have a personal account and are wondering how to create a business account on Instagram, follow these steps to convert your profile:
- Open your Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to open Settings and Activity.
- Scroll down and tap For Professionals.
- Switch to Professional Account and choose Business.
- Instagram will prompt you to connect your account to a Facebook Page (optional, but recommended).
- Complete your business profile by adding relevant business details like your contact information and industry category.
That’s it! You’ve successfully switched to a business account and now have access to all the additional features like insights and Instagram ads.
Creating a business account from scratch
If you don’t already have an Instagram account and are wondering how to create an Instagram account for business, here’s how to get started:
- Download the Instagram app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open the app and tap Sign up.
- Enter your business email or phone number, or select Login with Facebook if you want to link your account.
- Create a username that reflects your business name and fill out your profile information.
- Once your account is created it will be, by default, a personal account, follow the steps in the Settings menu to switch to a business account.
- Complete your profile by adding a bio, website, and relevant contact details.
Switching to a creator account
If you are a content creator, influencer, or public figure, but want features specifically for content production, you might want to consider switching to a creator account.
Here’s how:
- Open Instagram and navigate to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Select Account type and tools.
- Select Switch to professional account.
- Select your category. You can choose a category that best describes what you do and tap Done.
- Choose Creator instead of Business and follow the prompts to complete your setup.
This account type is perfect for influencers or public figures who want insights and growth tools without being classified as a business.
Adding a new business account to the Accounts Center
If you're managing multiple accounts and need to add another Instagram business account:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
- Scroll down and select the For Professionals.
- Tap Add new professional accounts and follow the prompts to log in to your new business account.
How to use Instagram for business
Now that you’ve set up your Instagram business account, it’s time to make the most of it. Here are three simple ways to get started:
1. Create a strong Instagram marketing strategy
Set clear goals for your Instagram presence—whether it's boosting brand awareness or driving sales. Plan your content around those goals, keep your branding consistent, and post regularly to stay top of mind with your audience.
2. Post high-quality content
Instagram is all about visuals, so make sure your photos and videos are top-notch. Use Stories, Reels, and interactive elements like polls to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
3. Grow your following
Engage with your community by responding to comments, liking posts, and collaborating with influencers or other brands. Hosting giveaways and contests can also help attract new followers quickly.
Build your Instagram business account
Creating a business account on Instagram is a straightforward process, but the real success lies in how you use it. From setting clear goals to posting high-quality content and engaging with your audience, Instagram offers the tools to help your brand grow. Whether you’re just starting or expanding your digital presence, now’s the time to create an Instagram business account and unlock its full potential.
