Instagram is by far the most popular photo-sharing platform. With so many companies using Instagram, and many people on the platform interacting with them, there appeared the need to upgrade the platform with features that would motivate business owners to start using Instagram for marketing purposes, and so there came Instagram Business Profiles.
Business profiles are a free feature for accounts wanting to be recognized as a business on Instagram. With a business profile, companies can choose how they want their customers to get in touch with them: call, text or email with a tap of the Contact button as well as get directions. Business profiles also unlock access to insights and the ability to promote.
Making the switch to an Instagram business profile will give you access to a number of features that are not available when using a custom profile. Firstly, you have to find out if you even have the access to the new features. Instagram business profiles are available only to companies that already have a business page on Facebook. Also, you have to make sure that your Instagram app is updated to the latest version.
If your business has a Facebook page, and once you’ve updated your Instagram to the latest version, you can convert to a Business profile in several simple steps:
1. Go to your Instagram app and tap on your profile photo at the bottom right.
2. Tap Settings on the settings wheel icon at the top right.
3. Tap Switch to Business Profile.
4. On the Connect Your Facebook Page screen, you’ll see all of the Facebook Pages you’re currently an admin on. Select the page you’d like to associate with your Business Profile on Instagram.
5. On the Set Up Your Business Profile page, review your business’s contact information, make any changes and tap Done.
For businesses that already have an Instagram account, page admins will soon be able to convert it to business profile through the Settings tab. For now, a Business Profile can only be connected to a single Facebook Page.
Mind the fact that the Facebook page is linked to business accounts instead of your Facebook profile, and that can’t be changed. Hence, if you want to share your Instagram posts on your profile, you’ll have to go to your Facebook page and share the posts from Instagram to your profile.
With a business account, you will get access to new business features and also to the analytics, called Instagram Insights. Businesses that are looking for more information on their customers, such as gender, age, location, etc. will be able to get such data about their followers. There is no worldwide release date for Instagram Business Profiles, but they should be available by the end of the year.
Another advantage of Instagram Business Profiles is that it enables admins to moderate and block comments.
Have in mind that converting to a business profile will limit your ability to take certain actions on Instagram. For more information, check out this page.
If you need help with it for your small business, contact us today!
