Tips for Getting Started on InstagramApr202020

Categories: Social Media
Tips for Getting Started on Instagram

Have you been hesitant to use Instagram for Business marketing?

It’s not difficult or involved to set up a professional profile. You also have the option of converting an existing account into a Business account.

With just a few taps on a mobile screen you can take and share photos with your audience, use editing tools and filters to enhance image quality, tag users or locations, add a quick caption, and share across various Social networks.

Set Up an Instagram Business Account:

#1  Download the App

Instagram differs from other Social networks in that it’s primarily a mobile platform. Once your account is set up, you’ll have a page that can be viewed on desktop, but the majority of your activity will take place within the mobile app.

Download the app from your phone’s app store.
https://www.instagram.com/

#2  Sign Up and Register a Recognizable Username

You can sign up for Instagram with an Email address or a personal Facebook account. Your username will display publicly, and will be what people see when they find you on Instagram. Ideally - business User names should be consistent across all Social media channels.

Instagram will ask for your full name. Here, you should enter your full Business name which will make it easier for people to find you through the Instagram search function.

#3  Update Your Profile

Instagram allows a 150 character space for your Business Bio. Be clear and concise about who you are and what you offer. In the Bio you can include a clickable URL to your website. If your business caters to a Local clientele, also add your Business Location.

#4  Add a Profile Image

Add a recognizable profile photo that directly reflects your Business. Best choice is your company Logo, which should be saved to your mobile device/tablet or can be imported from Facebook.

Currently, the Instagram profile image size is 180 x 180 pixels, and must be at least a minimum size of 110 x 110 pixels. Aspect ratio is 1:1.

Select an Instagram profile picture closer to 180 x 180 to make sure your image displays nicely on tablets and desktops also - not just your phone.

#5  Set Up Social Sharing

Integrate your Instagram account with your other business Social channels. On the Instagram mobile app, click the gear icon in the top Right corner and choose “Share Settings”. Then, select which platforms you want to connect with your account.

#6  Research Other Business Accounts

Search for and review Business accounts rooted in and around your region, then zero in on those with a large following that have a similar target audience and steady engagement.

Study what type of posts they make, post frequency and what they’re balance is between business-related and personal-related posts.

Here are a few business Instagram accounts to review – just search the names below while you’re in Instagram:
(may not be in your region)

dirtexchange
roddapaint
vanderpumpdogs
thebeadchest
brenlowproperties
gatorfinishing
seattleskylinepainting

#7  Announce You’re on Instagram

  • Broadcast on your other Social media channels and ask people to Follow you.
  • Send a special Email to your subscriber list and ask people to Follow you.
  • Add a linked Instagram icon to your website.

#8  Follow Other Brands

While on Instagram, search relevant Brands and industry-related #Hashtags. Follow people and other businesses to make new connections.

 

More to Explore:

Instagram Beginners Guide for Business

How to Set Up a Business Account on Instagram

Instagram Business Accounts

Instagram General Help

Related Reading:

Tips for Balancing Business vs Personal on Social Media

Instagram Stories Tips for Businesses

24 Ways to Ramp Up Your Social Media Marketing

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