Guide

Set up an Instagram Business account

Convert your account to a business profile, add a proper bio, and set up insights.

8 min read·7 steps

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Create the account with a business email
Sign up on instagram.com or the app using a shared business email (e.g. hello@yourbrand.com). Avoid personal Gmail, it makes handoff difficult later.
Pick a clean handle
Use @yourbrand or @yourbrandcity. Keep it short, memorable, and consistent with the handle you'll use on TikTok, Facebook and X so people can find you across platforms.
Switch to a Business account
Go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional account → choose 'Business' → pick the category that matches your business.
Quick tip
The category shows up under your name at the top of your profile. It tells visitors at a glance what you do.
Write a bio that answers 'what & where'
In 150 characters, tell people what you sell and where. Example: 'Sourdough bakery in Austin 🥖 | Order pickup by 4pm | New menu Fridays'. Add a link (Linktree or your website).
Add contact options
Edit profile → Contact options, add phone, email, and address. This creates the tappable Call / Email / Directions buttons on your profile.
Post 9 starter posts before you promote
Fill your grid with 9 quality posts (products, behind-the-scenes, team, testimonials) before you invite anyone. A profile with 3 posts feels abandoned; 9 feels established.
Quick tip
First impressions are permanent. Nobody follows an empty profile.
Turn on Insights
Insights are automatic on a Business account. Check them weekly, pay attention to which posts get 'saves' and 'shares' (they matter more than likes).

That’s the whole thing.

Create the account with a business email