An Instagram Business account gives your brand access to professional tools such as insights, contact buttons, advertising, and integration with Facebook (Meta) Business tools. This article walks through how to create or convert an account, configure it correctly, and apply best practices from the start.
For the most current and authoritative guidance, always reference Meta’s official documentation linked throughout this article.
You will need:
• A smartphone with the Instagram app installed
• An Instagram account (new or existing)
• A Facebook Page for your business (recommended and required for ads and some integrations)
Download the Instagram app from the App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and tap Sign Up.
Create an account using a business email address (recommended).
Choose a username that matches your brand as closely as possible.
Complete the initial profile setup.
Once the account is created, you will convert it to a professional (business) account.
If you already have an Instagram account:
Go to your profile.
Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
Select Settings and privacy.
Tap Account type and tools.
Select Switch to professional account.
Choose Business (not Creator).
Select the category that best describes your business.
Choose whether to display the category on your profile.
Instagram allows you to select a category such as Local Business, Health/Beauty, Consultant, Restaurant, or Retail.
Best-practice guidance:
• Choose the category that most closely reflects what you do, not what sounds impressive
• Categories affect how your business appears in discovery and how users understand your account at a glance
• If you are a local or in-person business, select a category that implies a physical presence
Navigate to Edit Profile and complete the following fields:
Profile Photo
Use your logo or a clear brand mark. Instagram profile photos display as circles, so keep key elements centered.
Recommended size:
• 320 × 320 pixels or larger (square)
Name Field
This is searchable. You can include your business name and a keyword if appropriate.
Bio
You have 150 characters. Clearly state:
• What you do
• Who you serve
• What action to take next
Website
Add your primary website or landing page.
Contact Options
Add:
• Business email
• Phone number
• Physical address (if applicable)
Connecting to a Facebook Page is strongly recommended and required for advertising, advanced analytics, and Meta Business Suite.
To connect:
Go to Settings and privacy.
Select Accounts Center or Business tools (labeling may vary).
Choose Connect a Facebook Page.
Select the correct Page.
As a business, you should proactively manage interactions.
Recommended settings to review:
• Comment controls (filter offensive words)
• Message permissions
• Mentions and tags
• Hidden words (spam filtering)
Before sharing your account publicly or running ads, publish at least:
• 3 to 6 posts that reflect your brand
• A mix of educational, introductory, and visual content
• A clear first post introducing your business and what followers can expect
This establishes credibility and gives visitors context immediately.
Once your account is set as a Business account, Instagram automatically enables Insights.
You can track:
• Profile visits
• Follower growth
• Reach and engagement
• Content performance
• Use a business email, not a personal one
• Keep branding consistent with your website and Facebook Page
• Avoid keyword stuffing in your bio
• Do not buy followers or engagement
• Respond to comments and messages promptly
Before considering your Instagram Business account fully set up, confirm:
• Account is switched to Business (not Personal or Creator)
• Category is accurate
• Profile photo is clear and on-brand
• Bio clearly explains your value
• Website and contact information are added
• Account is connected to a Facebook Page
• Initial posts are published