With the fast-growing business trends, people are seeking to set up businesses on social media platforms. Instagram is an ideal platform that people are using to build their audience and create engaging content to promote their brands. The platform is also a way to connect with fans. The following is how you can start a business on Instagram.
Download the Instagram App
If you are new to Instagram, you will need to download the app for accessibility. You can also access Instagram through your web browser on your PC or Mac. Scheduling tools have made it easier to post content to Instagram from your PC or Mac.
Create an Account
Signing up for an Instagram account is simple. You will need to provide basic information such as your phone number or email address and username. Since your ultimate goal is to start a business on Instagram, it is best if your username represents your business. The business name should distinguish a business account from a personal account. You will also need to create a password.
Choose a Profile Photo
The first image you are required to upload is your profile photo. Instagram requires you to use high-quality images. It is essential to use your business logo for easy identification of your brand. You will also need to add a biography through which you will capture the audience’s attention. You can then include a link to your website on your bio. Your bio is the only place you can add a clickable URL that will direct people to your website or to any page you want them to check out.
Making money on Instagram requires a lot of hardwork and dedication. For some, it is a full-time job. They constantly keep up with the latest social media trends and tips.
Create an Instagram Business Profile
Since your main aim is to start a business on Instagram, you will need to convert your account into a business profile. A business profile is a free feature for accounts wanting to be recognized as a business on Instagram. It is important to note that you will need to have a Facebook profile with admin rights to that Facebook Page to switch to a business profile. Business profiles have the following advantages.
- They help companies understand their customers better and grow their businesses on Instagram by creating relevant and timely content
- They enable you to add your brand’s phone number, email address, and a physical address
- Business profiles help to create ads
- They give access to Instagram’s analytics
When your Instagram business starts to grow, it is best to be aware of potential legal risks involved with your activities. You need to do the following to remain safe.
- Form a legal entity. When starting a business on Instagram, your business plan should contain a business structure. In case a legal dispute arises at any point, a legal business entity prevents you from being personally liable. Choose the right legal entity for your business.
- Disclose paid ads and partnerships. It is crucial to be careful about advertising on your Instagram page. Make sure to use the right hashtags in the comment sections such as #sponsored or #paid, and #XYZpartnership for your sponsored Instagram posts. Alternatively, you can write clear captions in your post, disclosing your partnership to your audience.
- Follow credit and copyright rules. To avoid copyright infringement claims against you, ask permission directly to the copyright owner to use their videos or photos or use apps designed for reposting videos and photos such as Regram. The app will automatically give credit to the original copyright owner.
- Obtain necessary permits, licenses, and business insurance for your Instagram business. Your business will be shut down if you do not have a business permit and license. Business insurance will protect your business’ financial well-being in the case of a covered loss.
Start to Post
It is best to have photos posted to your account before you start following people. People are likely to follow an account with content. Before creating content for posting, figure out what story you want to tell on your account. The content should have relevant hashtags and make sure to post consistently.
Follow Users and Get Social
If you have set up an Instagram business account and done everything you should, you need to start following people with similar interests so that they start following you. You can follow your Facebook friends or people in your contact list. Keep checking your notification page to see who has liked your photos, started following you or left a comment.
Define Your Brand’s Story
It is crucial to keep your business account’s purpose known to your audience. Keep posting videos and photos related to your business to get the message across to your audience. Engage with your followers and let them understand what you are promoting. Always remember to stay relevant.
Considerations for a Successful Business on Instagram
Many business people are flooding Instagram to set up their businesses. With the Instagram population over the 1 billion mark, competition is high. You need to come up with excellent strategies to stand out among your competitors.
Set Goals and Objectives
It is essential to set some goals when starting a business on Instagram. You should also ensure that the goals you set are achievable and measurable. Unrealistic goals may lead to frustration in business. Common goals that Instagram businesses choose to achieve include increasing brand awareness, increasing brand loyalty, and showcasing company values.
Optimize Your Profile
You are required to provide basic profile information when you first create an account. You will later need to optimize your profile for best results. Create a great bio that will tell first-time visitors who you are and what your brand is all about. Also, make sure that your profile photo is a version of your business logo.
Create and Share Great Content
Instagram is a visual-heavy platform. After deciding on a content theme, choose a recognizable visual identity. Make sure that the photos you post are of high quality. If your business is service-based, tell great stories with a beginning, middle, and an end. Make sure to call your audience to action at the end of your story.
Write Compelling Captions
Captions are meant to enhance your content. Instagram brands use captions in different ways. You can use them to add short headlines to posts, ask questions, or share stories. You decide how to use your captions. It is important to note that Instagram captions are limited to 2,200 characters. It is best if your captions are associated with your brand.
Analyze Your Most Successful Posts
Business people need to analyze their Instagram businesses and see what is working and what is not working. It is essential to use your Instagram analytics to check which posts are getting the most likes and your most commented on content.
Have a Regular Posting Schedule
Posting consistently helps your audience know when to expect a new post, thus keeping them engaged. Maintaining a consistent schedule will also keep you on track. There is no best time to post for all businesses on Instagram. However, you’ll need to research and find out what time seems to create the most engagements for your posts. Make use of Instagram insights.
Respond to Comments on Your Posts
Responding to comments on your Instagram business posts is essential. If someone takes time to comment on your post, responding to them shows that you are listening, and this helps to build a strong Instagram community.
Conclusion
Instagram is an excellent platform for businesses and brands, and many benefits come with Instagram marketing. However, you need to be smart and employ unique marketing strategies to stand out.
