Small Business Guide to Instagram

Many small businesses wonder if they even need an Instagram account and if they should set up a personal profile or a business account.

Instagram works for small business because it is a very visual and sophisticated version of an online company brochure. It builds a level of trust and familiarity that showcases your branding message much more powerfully than any other platform.

Instagram Stories are booming, and the recent expansion of advertising opportunities makes this the ideal time to opt-in to Instagram for business. By creating a business account, you automatically get access to exclusive features and Instagram Insights.

Now is the time to set your business up to get the most out of Instagram marketing. QBR covers everything you need to know for setting up a new business account to optimizing your business profile.

How to Set Up an Instagram Account for Your Business

  1. Download the Instagram app.
  2. Tap to open, once the app is installed on your phone.
  3. Tap Sign Up
    1. enter your business email address and tap Next
    2. Or Log in with Facebook to sign up with your Facebook account.
  4. Once you have a business account, you can add important information like your website, business hours, address, and a phone number.

Need help converting a personal Instagram profile to a business profile? Send QBR an email and we will reply with a step-by-step guide.

Optimizing an Instagram Business Account

An Instagram business account will display your username, profile picture, and URL – which you can rotate to promote campaigns or new pieces of content – and a short bio. Communicate your brand effectively by taking full advantage of each of these opportunities.

  1. Choosing a Username

Your business’ Instagram username needs to match the username of your other branded social media profiles and be easily recognizable by your target audience. You need consistency for users to instantly recognizable your brand.

  1. Selecting a Profile photo

Use your company’s logo as the Instagram business’ profile photo. Having all your social media profile photos match helps people who are following your Twitter or Facebook to instantly recognize your brand.

Quick Tip: Instagram profile photos are cropped into a circle on the app, so be sure you choose an image that will look good in a circular shape.

  1. Writing a Captivating Bio

The bio is your chance to explain what your business is about and what people can expect from your Instagram profile.  Include branded hashtags you want followers to use and a call-to-action.

Now that your Instagram Business Account is set up and optimized – promote your new social media channel! Cross promote your Instagram handle (@quickbusinessresolutions) to your website and all social media profiles. Pin a post letting your loyal followers know the new content you will be sharing on Instagram.

For information on Instagram Strategies, contact Quick Business Resolutions.