When you create an Instagram account for your business or brand, it is set up as a 'personal' account by default. Now, this is fine for day-to-day posting, until you want to start accessing some of the more interesting and advanced features that come with using a 'business' or 'professional' account on Instagram. With a business account, you'll be able to access business features and Instagram Insights. These tools can help you understand who is engaging with your business on Instagram.
Here are our top five reasons for making the switch. Or if you are already convinced you need it, see how to actually change your account into a professional account here How To Switch Over To A Business Account
1. It looks more 'business-ey"
Check the differences between the personal and professional profiles here. You might see a few of them.
Professional profiles include your industry, and a contact button for your potential clients. You also get the ability to add more information and additional contact information in your profile, which gives it a more professional look.
The differences between the two kinds of profile become obvious when scrolling through Instagram, which means users automatically gain a little more trust when viewing a professional profile.
2. You get analytics
A 'professional' Instagram account gives you access to "insights" within your account (just like a Facebook page) so you can get a better understanding of the performance of your account.
You can check out and compare the performance of posts, activity of your followers, and general audience insights. It's not a super in-depth analytical tool, but it’s a good place to start if you are new to analytics and will give you an overview of how well your account is performing and engaging.
3. Add links to your Instagram stories
Possibly the biggest ongoing gripe with Instagram users is the inability to add website URL's into a post. This is why you might have seen a lot of "Link in bio" references in peoples content (since you can put one URL in your account bio, people use this as a way to link out to websites, blog articles, etc). BUT, business accounts now gain access to add links into Instagram Stories. Which means users can swipe up and head out to an external page of they are interested in what you are posting about.
Using Story links is a great way to highlight special offers, your latest content, or bring back past content and products based on what’s trending.
4. You can start advertising!
Some of you may know that these days, Instagram ads and promoted posts are created through the Facebook Ads manager. But you still need an Instagram business profile that is connected to your Facebook Page to run these campaigns.
Creating and running ad campaigns is a whole other kettle of fish, but it is another reason to switch over to a professional Instagram account.
5. 1-click Posting to IG and FB
Once your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook page, you are able to create a post on one platform, and automatically share it to the other by simply enabling the option.
Simply create a post like normal, and before you click "Share", toggle the little switch beside Facebook so that it is blue. This post will then be published on your Instagram page, AND your Facebook page.
