How to Set Up and Optimize an Instagram Business Account
Instagram has become a powerful tool for small businesses in Canada, allowing them to form meaningful connections with their audience and drive sales. If you haven’t tapped into the potential of Instagram yet, you might be missing out on valuable opportunities!
In this article, inspired by Digital Main Street (GREAT business resource), we’ll guide you through the process of creating an Instagram business account, highlight its benefits, and provide additional tips to optimize your presence on the platform.
Creating an Instagram Business Account:
Download the Instagram app: Getting started is easy – Start by downloading the Instagram app on your phone or visit the Instagram website if you prefer the desktop version.
Sign up: To sign up for instagram, fill out the form with your email address, ensuring you insert your business email. Complete the prompted fields including your company name, username, and a secure password. Keep in mind, you can also sign up with your existing Facebook account if you have a business Facebook account!
Switch to a business account: Once your profile is set up, it’s time to switch to a business account. Go to your profile and click on the three lines in the top right corner. Select “Settings” from the menu that appears, then click on “Account.” Finally, click “Switch to Professional Account” and choose the “Business” option. You’ll have the opportunity to identify yourself as a business and specify your niche. This is important as instagram will use this to target the right audience for you!
Complete your profile: Before you start promoting your account, ensure your profile is complete. Choose a profile photo that reflects your brand, typically your logo. Write a compelling bio and provide accurate company information, including your website, store hours, and contact details.
Post engaging content: Before promoting your account, post a few images to give visitors an understanding of your company. Consider writing an introduction or hello post to make a positive first impression, this goes a long way! Check out this instagram article on how to make your posts and reels stand out!
Link your Facebook page: If you didn’t sign up with your Facebook account, it’s recommended to link your business Facebook page. This step allows you to access Instagram’s business tools and features. Click on the three lines in the top right corner, select “Settings,” then click on “Business.” Finally, click “Connect a Facebook Page” and log in to your Facebook account.
For an in-depth tutorial, watch a step-by-step tutorial here.
Start following relevant accounts: Strategically follow accounts that align with your brand. This can include relevant companies in your area, industry news pages, and influencers for potential collaboration opportunities. Again, this will help the algorithm recommend the best audience for your company!
5 Additional Tips for Optimizing Your Instagram Business Account
- Leverage Instagram’s Professional Dashboard: The Professional Dashboard provides valuable insights into your post performance and audience demographics. Access it by navigating to your professional profile and clicking on “Professional Dashboard” at the top of your profile page.
- Utilize Instagram Insights: Instagram Insights allows you to analyze the performance of each post and track follower growth over different periods. You can also gain insights into your audience’s location and engagement patterns. Access Insights by navigating to your profile and selecting the Insights option beneath your bio.
- Action Buttons: Take advantage of action buttons on your Instagram profile to drive specific actions from your audience. Add buttons such as “Book an Appointment,” “Make a Reservation,” or “Get Tickets” based on your business needs. You can also include CTAs like “Call” or “Email” to make it easier for your audience to contact you.
- Auto-schedule posts: As a business account, you can schedule posts in advance, saving you time and effort. This feature allows you to plan and execute your content strategy without needing to be on the app every day. Explore third-party scheduling tools that integrate with Instagram for seamless automation.
- Manage ads effectively: Instagram business accounts offer the ability to promote posts and run ads. You can target specific audiences, set budgets, and track ad performance. Linked with your Facebook account, you can utilize the Facebook Ads Manager for more advanced advertising options.
Don’t fear, you’ll get the hang of it! By setting up an Instagram business account, you’re taking the first step to open numerous possibilities for expanding your brand’s reach, engaging with your audience, and driving sales.
Feel free to tag @supportlocal.bc on your posts and we will do our best to engage!