How to Set Up Your Instagram Business Profile
Laying a solid foundation for your Instagram Business Profile is essential to making the most out of your little corner of the internet, but it can be a very overwhelming task if you're new to marketing on Instagram. If you're having trouble knowing where to begin, I'm about to speak your language. Here are 4 easy first steps to set up your business Instagram account for success from the start!
First, make sure you are using an Instagram BUSINESS profile. You'll know you have one if when you visit your own profile, there should be three buttons labeled "Edit Profile", "Promotions", and "Contact". If you only see "Edit Profile", you're still using a personal profile. Don't worry! You don't need to create a new account to switch to a business profile, just click "Edit Profile" and select "Switch to Professional Account", fill out your info, and you're all done! With your "new" account, you'll have access to account insights, activity, post reach, audience demographics, and be able to run ads--all from Instagram! Business accounts also feature contact buttons on the profile, so you don't have to waste precious bio space with your contact information--it's all built in. 🙌
Now for the fun part!
Upload a profile photo that identifies your brand.
Your profile photo will be the way your followers recognize you on your feed. Your logo or favorite photo of your brand will do just fine. Make sure to check that your photo is recognizable when viewed at the smallest size. You can do this by opening the Instagram app and looking for your photo on the bottom right of the app next to the heart icon. Once that's settled, you're good to go! Make sure to change your profile image minimally to ensure that your brand remains visually consistent.
Write a brief bio that expresses your unique personality.
Instagram allows 140 characters for your bio, so it's best to be direct. Tell your ideal customer who you are and why you do what you do. Have fun with it! Something as simple as "We're Rusty's Pizza and we love love love PIZZA! Delivery & Catering Available." is an excellent example of a breezy, no-frills bio that tells your audience 1) Who you are, 2) What you do, & 3) What you offer. Toss in a pizza emoji or two and you're golden. Emojis are a silly, eye-catching way to draw the eye toward your bio and establish a connection with your future fans. Also, they are cute and folks love 'em!
Update all your info so your customers know how to reach you.
Now that your photo and bio are set, it's time to fill in the rest. Your phone number, location, website, & category are all very important to helping followers discover you. By connecting your Facebook page to your business Instagram, you can automatically post to Facebook every time you post to Instagram.
Create a list of go-to hashtags.
Using hashtags allows your content to be found in searches and in Instagram's Explore feature. Click here to read my blog alllll about 'em! There are going to be a handful of hashtags you will use every time that describe your business and you can shift them around to cover all your bases. For example, #rustyspizza #pizza #pizzalife #pizzaatrustys #pizzadelivery #rustysdelivery #pizzacatering #pizzaplace #lodipizza #lodicapizza. Get creative! Save these in the notes of your phone so you don't have to remember them every time you post. If you're feeling ambitious, add a few more that are specific to the content you're posting that day to get an extra boost in exposure!
All of these little pieces put together present a professional, well-managed account and set the foundation for success in social media marketing for your business. I hope this little list helps you bloom where you're planted!
xoxo,
Bailey
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