Introduction
More than 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business profile on the platform.
Yet, most businesses stick to personal accounts and miss out on this massive audience. A personal profile doesn’t give you analytics, ads, or easy ways for customers to contact you.
Switching to a business account unlocks all of these tools and more. It’s easier than most people think.
This guide will show you exactly how to make a business Instagram account, whether you’re starting fresh or converting a personal or creator profile.
What is a Business Account on Instagram?
If you want Instagram to actually work for your business, a personal account won’t cut it.
A business account on Instagram gives you access to tools that help you reach customers, track performance, and grow your brand. Think of it as turning your profile into a mini storefront that also tells you exactly how people interact with your posts.
Many new business owners wonder what sets it apart from their current profile or a creator account. Understanding these differences helps you make the right choice and use the features effectively.
How It Differs From a Personal Account
A personal account is like a diary. It shows your photos and videos, but it doesn’t give insights into who is seeing your content.
With a business account, you can see analytics — who viewed your posts, when, and from where.
You also get options to run ads, add contact buttons, and list your business category. For example, a local coffee shop can add a “Call” button so customers can order directly.
Personal accounts don’t have these features.
How It Differs From a Creator Account
Creator accounts are designed for influencers or public figures.
They focus on follower growth, content reach, and simplified messaging.
A business account, on the other hand, is ideal for companies or services. It prioritizes customer engagement, professional branding, and access to ads.
For instance, a boutique clothing store will benefit more from product tags and promotional tools than a creator-style follower analytics dashboard.
Core Features of a Business Account
Business accounts include:
- Contact buttons for calls, emails, or directions.
- Category labels that display your industry, like “Restaurant” or “Online Store.”
- Analytics for posts, stories, and audience insights.
- Ad access to promote products or services.
These features make it easier to manage and grow your presence professionally.
Essentially, a business account turns Instagram into a growth engine rather than just a social feed.
By understanding what a business account offers, you can see why switching or creating one is worth it. Next, we’ll dive into the benefits and why these features matter in real results.
Benefits of an Instagram Business Account
A business account isn’t just a label — it’s a toolkit for growth.
It unlocks features that help you manage your brand, connect with customers, and measure results effectively.
Understanding the advantages of an Instagram business account is key before you start using it.
These advantages cover analytics, visibility, credibility, and more. Below, we’ll break down each of these benefits in detail so you can see exactly how they help your business succeed.
Access to Insights and Data
With a business account, you can see who views your posts and stories, when they’re most active, and which content performs best.
For example, a local bakery can find out if morning or evening posts get more orders. This data lets you tailor content and schedule posts to maximize engagement.
Insights help you make decisions that drive real results instead of guessing what works.
Better Visibility and Ads
Business accounts let you promote posts or run targeted ads.
Even small budgets can reach people who are likely to be interested in your products. For instance, a handmade jewelry shop can target local customers or people with interests in fashion and crafts.
These tools increase discoverability, turning your posts into opportunities for growth rather than just social updates.
Professional Tools and Credibility
A business profile adds contact buttons, categories, and scheduling options.
Customers can call, email, or visit your website directly from your profile. For example, a fitness trainer can let clients book sessions through Instagram without extra steps.
This builds credibility and makes your business feel professional and approachable.
Does a Business Account Cost Money?
Many assume business accounts require a subscription.
They don’t. Creating one is free.
Running ads is optional, but the account itself gives all the core features at no cost. This removes barriers for small businesses and startups, making growth tools accessible to everyone.
Switching to a business account unlocks all these advantages and sets the stage for growth.
Once you understand these benefits, the next step is knowing how to create one — either from scratch or by converting an existing profile.
How to Create a Business Instagram Account From Scratch
Starting a brand-new Instagram account for your business might seem intimidating, but it’s actually straightforward.
With the right preparation, you can set up a professional profile that attracts followers and customers from day one. This section will walk you through each step of creating a business account from scratch.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your profile is fully optimized and ready to grow.
But First, Here’s What You Need Before You Start
Before you dive in, gather a few essentials:
- Email or phone number: This will be used to verify your account.
- Business name: Choose a name that reflects your brand clearly.
- Profile picture: A logo or professional image works best.
- Website: Optional, but highly recommended for traffic and conversions.
- Business category: Decide what type of business you are, like “Restaurant” or “Consulting.”
Having these ready makes the setup faster and ensures your profile looks polished from the start. For example, a local coffee shop might use a clear logo and link directly to their online menu.
Step 1: Download and Sign Up
Start by downloading the Instagram app. Open it and select Sign Up. Use your email or phone number to create the account.
Pick an instagram username that is simple, memorable, and matches your brand. Avoid underscores or numbers if possible. For example, “FreshBrewCafe” is easier to remember than “Fresh_Brew123.”
This is the first step in understanding how to make an Instagram account for your business and getting a professional foundation for your profile.
Step 2: Switch to Business Mode
Once the account is created, go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account → Business.
This unlocks tools like analytics, contact buttons, and ad access.
You can now see who interacts with your posts and schedule content more effectively.
Switching early ensures your business profile benefits from the features that distinguish it from a personal account.
Step 3: Add Business Details
After switching, fill in the business-specific information.
- Category: Select the industry that best describes your business.
- Contact info: Add email, phone, or address so customers can reach you easily.
- Address: Important for local businesses to appear in location searches.
For instance, a boutique clothing store can add an address so customers can find their physical location and call directly.
Step 4: Optimize Profile Setup
Finally, make your profile visually appealing and informative.
Write a clear bio that explains what your business does. Add your website link to drive traffic. Upload a professional logo or brand image. Create story highlights for promotions, services, or FAQs.
These elements help customers understand your brand at a glance.
A well-optimized profile increases trust and engagement. Following these steps ensures you fully grasp Instagram business account ready for growth.
Creating a business account from scratch sets a strong foundation.
Once you’ve done this, the next step is knowing how to convert an existing Instagram account to a business account, whether it’s personal or creator.
This ensures even established profiles can access the same tools and features.
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Converting an Existing Instagram Account to a Business Account
If you already have an Instagram account, there’s no need to start from scratch.
Switching your personal or creator profile to a business account unlocks professional tools. This is especially useful for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small businesses who have already built an audience but want to access analytics, ads, and other business features.
Knowing how to make an Instagram account into a business account ensures you don’t lose engagement while gaining all the advantages of a professional profile.
Steps to Switch a Personal Account
Go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account → Business.
Follow the prompts to add your business category and contact details.
For example, a local bakery with a personal account can instantly add a “Call” button and start tracking which posts drive orders. The process is fast and doesn’t require creating a new account.
Steps to Switch a Creator Account
Creator accounts have similar steps: Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account → Business.
The difference is that some creator analytics are replaced with business-focused insights and contact options.
For instance, a fitness influencer turning their profile into a personal training business will now see engagement metrics for leads and access features like scheduling posts or running ads.
What Stays the Same After Switching
Your followers, posts, and engagement remain unchanged. Any previous likes, comments, or saved content carry over. This ensures a smooth transition without losing your audience.
For example, a personal account with 5,000 followers retains all its connections while gaining business tools.
What Changes After Switching
After switching, you gain access to Insights, the Ads Manager, category labels, and contact buttons.
Your profile also becomes public by default, so private settings are removed.
These changes make it easier for customers to reach you and for you to track performance. A restaurant or online store can now see which posts attract the most reservations or sales.
Switching an existing account is simple and preserves your hard-earned followers.
Once your profile is converted, the next step is exploring accounts without linking to Facebook, which we’ll cover in the following section.
How to Make an Instagram Business Account Without Facebook
Many people assume you need Facebook to create a business account, but that’s no longer true.
Instagram now lets you set up a business profile independently. This is useful for small businesses or creators who prefer to keep their accounts separate from Facebook.
Knowing how to make an Instagram business account without Facebook page ensures you can start professional marketing on Instagram without linking to another platform.
At the same time, connecting to Facebook is optional and can provide extra benefits if needed.
Setting Up Without Facebook
To create a business account without Facebook, start by opening Instagram and creating a new account with your email or phone number.
Then, go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account → Business.
Add your business category, contact information, and profile details. You now have a fully functional business account without ever linking a Facebook page.
When You Still Might Want Facebook
Linking to Facebook can be helpful for businesses running ads, cross-posting content, or managing multiple accounts in one place.
For instance, an online store selling products on both platforms can schedule posts simultaneously or run paid campaigns more efficiently. While optional, Facebook integration can save time and improve reach if you decide to scale your marketing.
Creating a business account without Facebook gives you flexibility while still accessing Instagram’s professional tools.
Once your account is set up, the next step is learning to create an Instagram business account on a computer.
How to Make an Instagram Business Account on Computer
Not everyone prefers setting up an account on a mobile device.
You can also create a business profile directly from your computer. While the desktop version is convenient, it has some limitations compared to the app.
Knowing the steps to creating Instagram business account on computer helps you manage setup efficiently and still access key professional features.
This method is especially useful for businesses that primarily work on a desktop, such as online stores or agencies managing multiple clients.
Creating From Desktop Site
To start, visit the Instagram website and sign up with your email or phone number.
After creating your account, go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account → Business.
Next, fill in your business category, contact details, and profile information.
For example, a marketing agency can quickly upload a logo, add a website, and include a contact email without touching a mobile device. The process is straightforward and ensures your business profile is ready to engage followers.
Limitations of Desktop Setup
The desktop version doesn’t support all features.
You cannot post stories, use advanced filters, or tag products in posts from the browser. Some insights and scheduling options are also limited compared to the mobile app.
Despite these restrictions, the desktop setup works well for basic account creation, profile management, and content planning.
Businesses can start here and switch to mobile later for advanced features.
Using a computer to set up your account is a solid option, especially for desktop-first workflows.
Once your profile is live, it’s helpful to know how privacy settings, account switching, and certain limitations can affect your business account.
Understanding these aspects ensures you make the most of Instagram’s professional tools while managing your profile effectively.
Privacy, Switching, and Limitations
Once your Instagram business account is set up, it’s important to understand privacy rules, account switching, and potential limitations.
These aspects affect how you engage with followers and manage your content. Knowing them helps you make informed decisions about your profile while avoiding surprises.
Whether you’re a small local shop or an online brand, understanding the boundaries of a business account ensures you use it effectively without compromising your goals.
Can Business Accounts Be Private?
Business accounts cannot be set to private.
Instagram requires them to be public so customers can discover your profile, contact you, and engage with your posts. For example, a boutique clothing store needs public visibility for customers to see promotions or product updates.
While personal accounts can remain private for friends and family, business profiles must stay open to reach a wider audience.
Switching Back to Personal
If you decide a business account isn’t right for you, switching back to a personal account is simple.
Go to Settings → Account → Switch to Personal Account.
Reasons for switching back could include wanting a private profile, avoiding ads, or reducing the pressure of professional posting.
For instance, a hobbyist who tried a business account but prefers sharing casually may revert without losing posts or followers, learning how to make an Instagram business account personal.
Other Limitations of a Business Account
Business accounts have a few drawbacks.
Music options in stories may be limited, some organic reach myths exist, and you must provide public contact information. For example, a musician may find story music restrictions frustrating, while a local café must display phone or email publicly.
These limitations are minor compared to the benefits, but being aware helps plan content and engagement strategies.
Understanding privacy, switching options, and limitations ensures your business account works efficiently while avoiding surprises.
Once these basics are clear, you can focus on strategies to manage your profile effectively and make the most of the tools available to grow your audience and engagement.
Tips for Running a Business Instagram Account
Having a business account is just the start. To get results, you need to actively manage it.
Small actions like optimizing your profile, posting high-quality content, and engaging with followers can make a big difference. These tips show how to make an Instagram account for business effective and professional.
From creating a clear bio to using automation, each step helps you grow your brand and connect with customers.
Write a Clear Bio
Your instagram bio is the first thing people see.
Include your business name, category, and a simple call-to-action.
For example, a local bakery could write: “Freshly baked treats daily 🍰 | Order online or visit us | Call now!”
A clear bio tells visitors exactly what your business does and how to take action.
Use High-Quality Content
Focus on photos, videos, and reels that connect with your audience. Use bright images, consistent branding, and authentic messaging.
A clothing store might showcase outfits in natural lighting or create reels showing new arrivals.
High-quality content builds trust and keeps followers engaged.
Track Performance With Insights
Use Instagram analytics to understand what works. Track likes, comments, reach, and follower activity.
For example, a café can see which posts drive foot traffic and adjust content accordingly.
Insights guide your strategy and help improve engagement over time, making it easier to see the impact of your efforts.
Automate Customer Chats With Instagram Chatbot
BotPenguin’s Instagram AI chatbot allows businesses to respond instantly to customer messages, 24/7.
It can handle FAQs, capture leads, schedule appointments, and guide users through product or service inquiries. For example, an e-commerce store can let the chatbot answer questions about delivery, stock, or payment options without delay.
The AI learns from interactions to provide smarter responses over time.
By automating chats, businesses save time, improve engagement, and deliver a professional customer experience while maintaining a constant presence on Instagram.
Examples of How Businesses Use Instagram
Instagram is a powerful tool for brands to engage their audience in unique ways. Take Glossier, the beauty brand, as a real-world example.
They use Instagram to showcase products, share tutorials, and feature user-generated content. Their posts are visually consistent, emphasizing a clean, minimal aesthetic that resonates with their followers.
Glossier also engages directly through comments, polls in Stories, and product launches via Reels. They leverage analytics to see which content drives traffic to their website and adjust strategies accordingly.
Smaller businesses can adopt similar tactics. A local boutique could post reels of new arrivals like Glossier does with products, while using the BotPenguin Instagram AI chatbot to answer customer questions instantly.
The key is combining high-quality content, engagement, and automation to turn your Instagram business account into a growth engine.
Using these tips consistently ensures your business account isn’t just a profile — it becomes a tool for growth, engagement, and customer connection.
Conclusion
Creating or converting a business Instagram account is easier than many think.
From setting up a new profile to switching a personal or creator account, the process unlocks tools that help your brand grow. Insights, analytics, and automation like our Instagram AI chatbot make engagement and customer management simpler and more effective.
Understanding how to make a business Instagram account and using these features ensures your profile is not just a page, but a growth engine for your business.
Start today, experiment with content, track performance, and watch your Instagram presence flourish!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I run ads on Instagram without switching to a business account?
No, ads are only available through business or creator accounts. A personal profile won’t give you access to Instagram’s Ads Manager. Switching unlocks ad tools, detailed targeting, and the ability to promote posts directly from your account.
Can I connect multiple Instagram business accounts to one phone number?
Yes, you can manage several business profiles from one device. However, each account must have a unique email or username.
This is handy if you run different brands but want to monitor them all from one login.
Do I need to register a legal business to create a business account?
Not at all. Anyone can set up a business account, whether you’re running a registered company, freelancing, or building a personal brand.
It’s a professional toolkit designed to support all types of creators and entrepreneurs.
Is it possible to hide my contact information on a business account?
You can choose not to display certain details like your phone number or address.
But at least one contact method — such as email — is recommended to maintain credibility and allow customers to reach you.
Can I switch back to a creator account after using a business account?
Yes, Instagram lets you toggle between personal, creator, and business profiles anytime.
Many influencers test both creator and business modes to decide which best supports their goals. The switch doesn’t delete your posts or followers.
Can I use Instagram shopping without a website?
Not exactly. Instagram Shopping requires a product catalog linked to a website or supported e-commerce platform.
However, you can still promote products through posts and DMs without the shopping tab if you don’t yet have a website.
