New this year business owners can switch to business profile on Instagram and add a contact button and many more convenient features. Instagram just made it much easier for business owners to market our companies. And it’s free!
You may have noticed in May 2016 Instagram upgraded a few features and included a “contact” button, access to maps and directions and the ability to categorize the business by type. Here’s an example below with the convenient CONTACT button.
If you’re curious how to convert your Instagram to a business profile follow these 6 steps.
1. Tap on OPTIONS (top right corner)
2. Scroll to ACCOUNT: Select Switch to Business Profile
3. Select: Continue as (YOUR NAME)
4. Connect Your Facebook Page
5. Click next
6. Setup your Business Profile and click DONE
You’ll see these options below.
When you convert to a business profile, instagrammers can click “contact” and this menu will appear from the bottom.
But don’t worry you can easily switch back to a personal account just as easy!
SOME CHALLENGES:
Not every IG account can be switched to a business profile. One of my accounts Natalie_jerevele could be switched to a business profile but not all accounts can be. Expected rollout should be end of 2016.
I’ve written IG to ask why some can be converted. Perhaps it’s just a timing thing. I’ll update this post when I hear back.
THE GOOD NEWS:
Business profiles will have a more robust bio which will include a website URL, and street address.
With these changes, instagrammers can send traditional emails directly to businesses instead of relying on instagrams internal messaging system.
The convenient map feature with directions allows clients to easily navigate to your business.
The new insights feature allows you to track the best time of day for posts and the age ranges of people who follow you. Instagram will provide analytics including post engagement, audience and follower demographics. See below.
Once a business profile is converted, business owners will have access to a mobile ad tool that will allow them to convert their organic posts easily into sponsored ads.
What will Instagram think of next? I can’t wait to find out.
