How To Set Up Your Instagram Business Account

There’s no question that Instagram is a powerful social media marketing tool, with over 2.35 billion users on Instagram as of November 2023, with 44% of those users utilizing Instagram for shopping on a weekly basis! Sixty-two percent of users also use the platform to follow and research brands and products they are interested in.

We recommend that your business is on Instagram and that you’re fully utilizing all of the features the platform has to offer. Business and Professional accounts have specific features that you’re going to want to take advantage of. Instagram business tools include features like adding contact information, viewing insights about your posts and followers and promoting posts from within the Instagram app and even shopping on Instagram.

To set up an Instagram business account, you need to create an Instagram account or use an existing Instagram account. Note: You may only have 5 Instagram accounts at a time.

Step by Step: Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account

1. Go to your profile and tap Menu in the upper right corner.
2. Tap Settings and privacy.
3. For some accounts, the Switch to professional account option will be listed directly under Settings and privacy.
4. Tap Account type and tools.
5. Tap Switch to professional account.
6. Tap Continue.
7. Select a Category for your business and tap Done.
8. Tap OK to confirm.
9. Tap Business.
10. Tap Next.
11. Add contact details and tap Next. To skip this step, tap Don’t use my contact info.
12. To share logins using Accounts Center tap Continue. You can follow the steps to connect your business account to a Facebook Page associated with your business. This step is optional, and will make it easier to use all of the features available for businesses across Meta. Note: At this time, only one Facebook Page can be connected to your business account. To skip this step, tap Not now.
13. Set up your professional account by completing the optional steps or tap X on the top right corner to return to your profile.
14. To display or hide business information on your profile, go to your profile and tap Edit profile. Go to Profile display under Public business information to choose whether you want to hide or display your category label and contact info. Then, tap Done.

It’s vital to complete your profile with accurate information. Your profile picture should ideally be your business logo, accompanied by a concise yet impactful bio. Including contact information like email, phone number, and business address enhances accessibility for potential customers. 

Customizing your profile further by adding action buttons streamlines user engagement. Features like “Contact,” “Email,” or “Directions” make it easier for potential customers to interact with your business directly from your profile. You should link your website directly in the Link section, or if you have multiple links you want there, create a page on your website that looks like a link tree, which is essentially a list of buttons linking to each of your desired websites. You can also link your other social accounts on a link page, as well as any important links you’ve mentioned in recent Instagram posts, as you can’t have active links on posts. (However, Instagram does allow you to hyperlink to a website within Stories using the “Link” sticker, from the Instagram bio, as well as through Instagram Direct Messages.)

Linking your Instagram business account to a Facebook Page, if applicable, offers added advantages. This connection facilitates access to additional features and insights, amplifying your marketing efforts. You can link these in Instagram, or through your Facebook business manager (Which you should set up ASAP if you haven’t already! Here’s some of our advice on that topic.)

Utilizing Instagram Insights, available with a business account, empowers you with valuable analytics. This tool provides comprehensive data about your followers, post performance, and audience demographics, aiding in refining your content strategy.

After Account Set Up, The Real Work Begins

With your account set up, it’s time to focus on content creation. Consistency is key; regularly posting engaging content that resonates with your audience boosts visibility and fosters a loyal following. Leveraging hashtags, stories, reels, and other features helps diversify content and increase engagement.

For businesses seeking broader reach, Instagram advertising is a powerful tool. Through Facebook Ads Manager, linked to your Instagram business account, you can create and run targeted ads, maximizing your marketing reach.

In essence, mastering the setup of your Instagram business account involves a blend of strategic planning, compelling content creation, and consistent engagement. By embracing these steps and leveraging the platform’s features, businesses can establish a robust online presence, effectively connect with their audience, and drive growth in the competitive digital landscape.

Not Tech Savvy? That’s What We’re Here For

No matter where you are at with creating an Instagram presence, SageMG houses social media experts to work with you. We can take the reins and run with building your business on Instagram with a complete strategy and content calendar, or we can walk you through how to set it up correctly, troubleshoot problems, create social media templates and more. It’s kind of our thing.