How to Use Instagram for Your Business

Use Instagram for Your Business Key Takeaways:

• Instagram has almost 2.5 billion monthly active users, with at least 90% of users following at least one business.
• To use Instagram for your business, create a free account and convert it to a business account.
• Complete your business profile by filling out your bio, adding a profile picture, relevant links, contact information, and action buttons if applicable.
• Connect to the Product Catalog by creating a catalog using Meta’s Commerce Manager and connecting it to your partner platform, such as Shopify.
• Turn on Instagram Shopping by accessing the Settings menu, going to Business, and setting up a shop. Wait for approval and then select your product catalog.
• To effectively use Instagram for your business, use professional-looking photos, host giveaways, treat it as a customer service channel, create Instagram guides, stay consistent, set social media goals, and analyze your performance.
• Consider partnering with experts like apnTech to navigate the ever-changing algorithms and effectively connect with more customers on Instagram.

If you’re not using Instagram for your business, you’re missing out. The platform has almost 2.5 billion monthly active users, and at least 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business.

But how do you use Instagram for business? It’s a little more complicated than creating a profile and uploading pics.

Keep reading, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to start marketing your business on Instagram.

Use a Business Account

First, you need to create an Instagram account. It’s free to do. Then you need to convert it to a business account.

To convert to an IG business account, do the following:

1. Go to Settings, Account, and tap Switch to Professional Account
2. Pick a category for your business

That’s it. Now you can go ahead and fill out your business profile.

Complete Your Profile

In 150 characters or less, you need to fill out your profile’s bio. Your bio should be your brand voice.

You will also need to fill out your profile pic, add relevant links (like to your website, a blog post, or your current campaign), contact information, and, if relevant, action buttons.

Action buttons give visitors to your profile options such as, “Reserve, Start Order, Book, Get Tickets.” Action buttons are limited to only certain Instagram partners globally. You will also need an account with the action partner.

Finally, only one action button can be used at a time.

Connect to the Product Catalog

In order to tag products in your content, you need to create a product catalog. Since Instagram is owned by Facebook, you need to use Meta’s, Commerce Manager. From there, create a catalog, select eCommerce, and then connect to your partner platform, such as Shopify.

You can then use the View Catalog feature to open your catalog and add items.

Turn On Instagram Shopping

Now that you have a full catalog, it’s time to turn on Instagram shopping.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap the menu icon
2. Go to Settings, Business, then Set up a Shop
3. Select Get Started and follow the prompts

That’s it. Now you have to wait for approval. Once your shop is approved, you can go back into Settings and select your product catalog.

Using Instagram for Your Business

Now you’re finally ready to use IG for business. Building a following on Instagram takes time, but with these pointers, you can make things easier for yourself:

• Only use professional-looking photos
• Host a giveaway
• Treat the platform as a customer service channel
• Create Instagram guides

Stay consistent, and you will build your following. Remember to set social media goals and analyze your performance.

How Do You Use Instagram for Business

So, “how do you use Instagram for business?” You start by setting up your business profile. Fill it out with all of the necessary details. Then begin creating content, promoting your brand, and engaging with your growing audience.

However, social media platforms are always changing their algorithms. If you want to learn how to effectively use Instagram for business, it’s best to partner with an expert that can help you connect with more customers.

That’s where apnTech can help. Schedule a call with us to learn more about our solutions.