Planning to expand your business’s online presence? Creating an Instagram Business Account can be a fantastic way to connect with your community, showcase your services and attract more of the right customers—especially if you offer a service with a visibly noticeable end result. And the best part? It’s easy to set up! Here’s how:
Step 1: Download the Instagram App
Start by downloading the Instagram app on your smartphone. You can find it in the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
Why download the app?
While Instagram offers some functionality on desktop, the full range of features—including content creation and management tools—is available only in the app, which is essential for effective account use.
Step 2: Create a Personal Instagram Account
If you don’t have an Instagram account yet, open the app (or the desktop version) and tap “Sign Up.”
- You can register using your email address or phone number.
- Fill in your business name as the “Full Name” to help customers recognize you.
- Choose a username that reflects your business and is easy to remember.
Pro tip: Make sure to set a strong password to secure your account.
Step 3: Switch to a Professional Account
Once your personal account is set up, it’s time to switch to a professional account so you can access business features.
To do this, follow Instagram’s guided steps:
- Access your profile:
- To access your profile, tap your profile picture (or the profile icon) in the bottom right corner.
- Begin the switch:
- Tap “Edit Profile.”
- Select “Switch to Professional Account.” and then tap “Next.”
- Set up your Business Account:
- Choose the category that best describes your business (e.g., “Home Services,” “Retail,” “Consulting,” etc.) and tap “Switch to Professional Account.”
- Select “Business” and then tap “Next.”
- Add your contact details (or tap “Don’t use my contact info” to skip this step).
- Finalize your setup:
- Complete any optional steps or tap the “X” in the top right-hand corner to return to your profile.
- To display or hide business information on your profile, go back to “Edit Profile,” select “Profile Display” under Public Business Information and choose your preferred settings. Then, tap “Done.”
Pro tip: If you happen to be switching from a creator account to a business account, the process is similar. From your profile, tap the three-dot menu, select “Creator Tools and Controls,” then “Switch Account Type” followed by “Switch to Business Account” and confirm by tapping “Switch.”
Step 4: Complete Your Business Profile
It’s now time to add a few essential details to your profile:
- Profile picture: Make sure to upload your business logo or a clear image that represents your brand.
- Bio: Write a brief, engaging description of your business. Highlight what makes your services unique and include a call-to-action, like “Contact us today for a free quote!”
- Contact information: Tap “Edit Profile” and add your business email, phone number and physical address (if applicable). This makes it much easier for customers to reach you.
Step 5: Connect to Your Facebook Business Page (Optional but Recommended)
Did you know you can link your Instagram account to your Facebook Business Page? To do so:
- In “Settings,” tap “Account.”
- Select “Sharing to Other Apps.“
- Choose “Facebook” and log in to your Facebook account.
- Follow the prompts to link your Facebook Business Page.
Connecting both pages allows you to cross-post content and stay on top of messages more efficiently.
Step 6: Explore Instagram Business Tools
With your business account set up, you now have access to various tools:
- Insights: Access analytics about your followers and how your posts are performing.
- Promotions: Create ads to reach a broader audience.
- Contact button: Add a button on your profile so customers can easily call or email you.
Familiarize yourself with these features to make the most of your Instagram presence.
Step 7: Connect to the Olly Olly App
Already using the Olly Olly app? That’s awesome! Make your life even easier by linking your Instagram Business Page to your account.
Need help? Check out this guide.
Step 8: Create Your First Post
Use Olly Olly’s social media planner to create a great first post: introduce your business, share a special offer or simply say hello to your audience.
Need guidance? Check out this guide.
Why Having an Instagram Business Profile Matters
An Instagram Business Profile isn’t just another online page; it’s a really powerful way to better connect with potential customers:
- Build trust visually: Share reviews, photos and updates to help customers feel confident in choosing your services.
- Promote your services: Highlight special offers, new services or upcoming events.
- Engage, engage, engage: Respond to comments and messages quickly to build strong relationships.
With over 140 million Instagram users in the U.S., having a business profile increases your visibility where your customers are spending their time. Another big plus is that Instagram active users aren’t just active; they’re truly engaged. About 59% of them visit the site daily and spend an average of 7 hours per week interacting with friends and brands.
We’re Here to Help
At Olly Olly, we know that running a small business means juggling a huge number of tasks day in and day out. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to make managing your online presence as simple and quick as possible.
Need help creating, optimizing, or managing your Instagram Business Account? Call us at 877-Olly-Olly or schedule a call with your Account Manager, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Our Commitment to You
At Olly Olly, we believe in ethical, effective marketing strategies tailored to your business. Whether you’re an independent contractor, a shop owner, or a consultant, we’re dedicated to helping your business get found online and then chosen.
We never cut corners. We don’t overpromise. We deliver measurable results that last.
