Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to a multifaceted platform offering numerous features to businesses.
Instagram is the second most-used platform after Facebook, with over one billion active users monthly. It provides many opportunities for businesses to introduce their brands and offerings to a massive audience.
With an Instagram Business account, businesses can easily showcase their products or services, reach potential customers, increase sales, and build an impactful online presence.
Keep reading to learn why Instagram must be your go-to platform to grow your business digitally and worldly.
17 Benefits of Instagram for Business
Not having an online presence would be risky for your business now when everything is a single click away. Instagram is the number-one social media platform for companies to enhance their visibility, engage with their audience, and drive growth.
An Instagram business profile allows you to sell directly to users and offers various other benefits for maximizing ROI.
Here are some of the fantastic benefits of an Instagram business account for your brand and business
1. Boost Brand Awareness & Visibility
With 500 million people scrolling through the platform daily, Instagram provides a great way to introduce your business to a massive audience. Its incredible features allow you to present your brand most engagingly.
You can create engaging and visually appealing content, use ads, and use IG Live features to boost your brand’s presence and visibility. This will attract an audience and help you reach potential customers who may not have encountered your products or services otherwise.
As you build your brand awareness over time, you can easily convert your audience into loyal followers who trust and prefer your brand/business over others.
2. High Engagement Rates
Undoubtedly, Instagram is the most popular social media platform. Its engagement rate is 15 times higher than Facebook’s and 20 times higher than X’s.
It’s all because of Instagram’s visual format and interactive features like likes, comments, and shares. Suppose your content is visually stunning and resonates with your audience. In that case, they will end up liking, commenting, and promoting your content, resulting in higher engagement rates than other social media platforms.
Moreover, Stories, Reels, and IGTV offer additional avenues for businesses to connect with their audience more personally. A higher level of engagement is a plus for your business, as it means you have an active and loyal audience ready to interact with your content and brand.
3. Targeted Advertising
As a business, you can use Instagram’s ads feature to reach your target audience. There are numerous benefits to advertising on Instagram. Instagram Ads act as word-of-mouth marketing and are a great way to build brand awareness.
You can target particular audiences based on demographics, interests, behaviors, etc. This precision ensures that your ads reach the most relevant audience, maximizing your return on investment (ROI).
However, create compelling ads that resonate with your target audience. These will ultimately increase engagement and visibility and attract potential customers.
Moreover, you can also convert your top-performing content (posts or Reels) into ads, promote your business to an interested audience, and convert them into customers.
4. Visual Storytelling
We all know Instagram is a visual platform, which is why it’s the third most widely used social media platform. It allows users to share visually stunning and attention-grabbing content via photos, Reels, Videos, Stories, and IG Live videos.
Captivating images, behind-the-scenes videos, or interactive stories can create a lasting impression and increase your business’s recall and familiarity.
In short, you can leverage Instagram’s visual nature for storytelling and tell the audience about your business’s narrative, values, and personality in a more relatable and memorable way.
5. Access to Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is booming nowadays, and Instagram is an incredible platform for finding and collaborating with influencers. According to stats, 87% of influencers prefer using Instagram to collaborate with brands.
It is an excellent way for businesses like yours to reach new and broader audiences, enhance credibility, and drive conversions through authentic endorsements.
However, it’s essential to identify your target audience, set clear campaign goals, and choose the right influencers for your marketing campaign. After all, your brand’s reputation and spending matters.
6. Sales Integration
E-commerce brands and businesses get a consistent sales flow via IG’s cool features like Instagram Shopping. With a business account, you can set up an Instagram shop and showcase your product or services by creating engaging visuals and highlighting your product’s features, benefits, and uses.
Moreover, businesses can directly tag products in their posts and stories with clear call-to-actions and like to generate sales. This will allow your followers or potential customers to tap on the product in your post, view the product listing (description, price), and order from one shoppable post without leaving the platform. According to Instagram, 130 million Instagram accounts tap on a product post every month to learn more.
This easy integration of e-commerce within the Instagram platform significantly boosts sales.
Isn’t that interesting?
7. User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is the lifeblood of modern marketing. It consists of any content your customers or users create, such as customer photos, reviews, social media posts, and even videos using your product.
UGC is incredibly valuable because it’s authentic, relatable, highly trusted, and acts as social proof. It builds social proof, helps you create a community, and provides insights into customer preferences.
8. Access to Insights and Analytics
Instagram Business accounts get in-depth analytics of their profile and track performance, reach, impressions, engagement rates, and follower data. These built-in Instagram insights help them understand audience behavior and demographics and refine their strategies to maximize ROI.
Moreover, you can also get post-specific performance data and analyze which specific post performs well. This will help you understand what type of content gets more engagement and resonates with your audience.
9. Explore Exciting Features
Instagram offers many exciting features that businesses can use to enhance their presence.
These are;
- Hashtags
- Reels
- Swipe-up links
- Bio updates
- Instagram Stories
- Shoppable posts, and many more.
As a business, you can leverage all the features to build your brand familiarity, reach a more expansive and new audience, and convert them into customers.
10. Build Brand-customer Relationships
Instagram is an exceptional platform for building strong brand-customer relationships. Consistently respond to comments and direct messages and host Q&A. This will show that you value your followers’ opinions and actively listen to their needs, helping you build genuine connections with your audience.
Furthermore, Instagram’s visual nature allows businesses to showcase their brand personality and compelling values. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, employee spotlights, and customer stories humanizes the brand and creates a sense of community.
Running contests and giveaways further incentivizes engagement and encourages user-generated content. In short, Instagram is an excellent tool for businesses to turn followers into loyal customers.
11. Show Off Your Products and Services
Another benefit of a business account on Instagram is that you can use Instagram’s diverse features to draw audiences’ attention toward your products/services. Create high-quality images and engaging videos/Reels featuring your product’s unique features, uses, and benefits.
Moreover, you can use Live videos for product demonstrations, tutorials, and Q&A sessions. You can also use Instagram Stories to showcase new arrivals and run flash sales.
Also, with Instagram Shopping, you can tag products directly within your posts and Stories. This will make it incredibly easy for customers to browse and purchase items directly from the app.
12. Keeping Up with Trends
Undoubtedly, Instagram is a trendsetter in the social media world. As a business, your presence on the platform will help you keep up with the latest industry trends and create relevant and engaging content for your audience.
So, actively explore Instagram’s Explore page and use hashtag searches to observe trends in your industry. Furthermore, follow industry influencers, engage with them, and participate in relevant online communities to stay informed about the latest trends and social media best practices.
13. Networking Opportunities
You can find thousands of networking opportunities on Instagram with other businesses, influencers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. Engaging with them can lead to partnerships and collaborations that benefit your business.
Participate regularly in industry-related hashtags and relevant conversations within the Instagram community. This networking will expand your brand reach, build partnerships, and give you industry insights.
14. Cost-Effective Marketing
Instagram is a highly cost-effective marketing channel for businesses. Unlike traditional advertising methods, which often involve significant upfront costs, Instagram offers a range of affordable options to reach your target audience.
Organic growth, achieved through consistent content creation, strategic hashtag use, and engaging with your audience, is entirely free. Running targeted ads is also budget-friendly and comparable to Facebook and other social media platforms. This cost-effective marketing allows you to set daily or lifetime budgets that fit your marketing goals.
Source: WebFX
15. Drive Website Traffic and Sales
Instagram offers many ways to drive traffic to your website and boost sales. Swipe-up links in Stories (for accounts with over 10,000 followers) provide a direct link to your desired destination.
The link in your bio can be strategically used. However, you can use some link-in-bio tools to showcase multiple links. These direct links will help your audience learn more about your business and encourage them to engage further with your brand.
With Instagram Shopping, you can enable in-app product browsing and purchasing.
Finally, add clear calls to action, such as;
- “Shop Now”
- “Visit Our Website”
- “Contact Us”
- “Learn More”
and direct your followers to your website or product page.
16. Observe Your Competitors
Do you want to know your competitors’ strategies to achieve their goals? Do you want to stay one step ahead of them? Then, use Instagram to observe your competitors’ marketing efforts and strategies. According to a Hubspot report, almost 71% of US businesses use Instagram to promote their business and reach more people.
This provides a massive opportunity for you to look at their profile and observe:
- How frequently do they post?
- What types of content do they constantly post?
- What are their most popular posts?
- What hashtags do they use?
Next, examine their engagement.
Look for;
- How many likes, comments, and shares do their posts receive?
- How do they respond to comments, queries, and messages?
Finally, analyze their overall performance.
- How many followers do they have?
- How is their follower’s count growing?
- What is their average engagement rate?
These things will help you gauge their strategies and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you gain valuable insights and develop a more effective Instagram strategy for your business.
17. Make Brand Ambassadors
Do you know your customers or loyal followers can become the biggest supporters of your brand and act as brand ambassadors? Yes, they can if you have built a genuine and interactive IG experience.
Brand ambassadors act as enthusiastic advocates for your brand, sharing their genuine passion and experiences with their followers. They create authentic content that resonates with their audience, often featuring your products or services. This organic promotion builds trust and credibility, as consumers are more likely to be influenced by recommendations and shout-outs from friends, family, and trusted individuals.
With all these benefits and many more, we hope you now have your answer to why Instagram is good for business and why you must use Instagram for your business.
How to Create an Instagram Business Account
After knowing the benefits of an Instagram business account now, let’s learn how you can create an Instagram Business Account:
1. Download the Instagram App
- Download the Instagram app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Create an Account
- For now, Instagram doesn’t provide an option to create a Business account directly. So, first, you must create a personal Instagram account, and then you can easily convert it to a Business account.
- If you don’t have an account, create a new one using your email address or phone number.
3. Switch to a Business Account
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap “Account privacy.”
- Choose “Switch to Professional Account.”
4. Select Your Business Category
- Choose the category that best represents your business.
5. Connect to Facebook (Optional)
- If you have a Facebook Page for your business, connect it to your Instagram account. This allows you to access valuable insights and run ads more efficiently.
6. Add Contact Information
- Update your profile with your business name, website, address, and contact information (phone number, email address).
And it’s done. Congratulation! You’ve now successfully created an Instagram Business Account to promote your business.
7. Start Creating Content
- Start creating high-quality content and videos that showcase your brand and engage your audience.
Optimize Your Instagram Business Profile
After creating your Instagram Business account, it’s time to optimize it for maximum exposure. After all, your profile must represent what you’re doing on the platform and what you have to offer to your audience.
Here are the specific fields you must fill in to optimize your IG Buisness profile:
- Profile Photo: Use your company logo
- Name: Use your official brand/business name
- Username: Must be as your business name
- Bio: Highlight what your business does & its unique selling proposition (USP)
- Link-in-bio: Mention your website, product page, or blog links
- Category: Choose one that best describes your business or product/service
- Contact Option: Put your phone number, email, and physical address
- Action Buttons: Add a call-to-action button
- IG Story Highlights: Highlights your product demos, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes here
- Consistent Branding: Create a brand identity and maintain it consistently across your profile
Top Uses of Instagram Business
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- Easy Scheduling: Schedule posts in advance and ensure consistent content delivery even when you’re busy. With bulk scheduling, you can save time and effort and plan weeks or even months of content at once.
- Automate Replies: You can’t miss out on your followers’ queries. So, set automated replies to common questions or comments from your followers. This frees up your time and provides immediate customer support even when your team is inactive.
- Social Calendar: This feature allows you to visualize your entire content calendar with a drag-and-drop interface. You can easily plan and reschedule posts and create a well-organized and effective content strategy.
- Post and Follower Insights: Gain valuable data on your Instagram’s content strategy and performance. Track key metrics like reach, engagement, and likes, and identify top-performing posts and follower growth.
- AI Content Creation: Generate creative and engaging content ideas and captions for your IG posts with SocialBu’s AI assistant. Overcome writer’s block and produce high-quality captions and short post ideas.
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Wrap Up!
In sum, there are numerous IG benefits and good things about Instagram for business. From increased brand visibility and audience engagement to cost-effective marketing and valuable insights, Instagram is a powerful platform for businesses of all sizes to grow.
By using its unique features, following up trends, and building strong relationships with customers, businesses can achieve significant marketing success and achieve their business goals.
So, what are you waiting for? Start using Instagram for your business and explore the Instagram benefits your company can get over time!
FAQs
How does Instagram benefit your business?
Instagram benefits your business by enhancing brand visibility, increasing engagement rates, and providing opportunities for targeted advertising. Its visual nature allows for compelling storytelling and product showcases, while features like Instagram Shopping and user-generated content drive sales and build community.
Is Instagram useful to grow your business?
Yes, Instagram is beneficial for growing your business. It allows you to reach a broad audience, engage with customers directly, and use various marketing tools to generate sales.
What are the features of Instagram for businesses?
Instagram offers several features specifically designed for businesses, including:
– Business profiles with contact information and call-to-action buttons
– Instagram Shopping for tagging products in posts and stories
– Insights and analytics for tracking performance
– Advertising tools for targeted campaigns
– Stories, reels, and IGTV for diverse content formats
– Branded content and partnership tagging
– Direct messaging for customer service and engagement
– Swipe-up links in stories (for accounts with 10,000+ followers)
What is the main purpose of Instagram?
Instagram’s primary purpose is to connect people through visual content. It is an excellent platform for businesses to engage with their audience, showcase products and services, and build brand awareness.
Why is Instagram good for marketing?
Instagram offers numerous marketing benefits. Its extensive user base and highly visual nature make capturing and retaining the audience’s attention easier. The platform boasts high engagement rates and features like IG Stories, Reels, and targeted ads for interactive marketing experiences.
What are the Pros and Cons of Instagram Marketing?
Here are some of the advantages of Instagram and cons of Instagram marketing:
| Pros of Instagram | Cons of Instagram |
| High engagement | High competition |
| Visual focus | Short attention spans |
| Large audience | Frequent algorithm updates |
| Targeted advertising | Costly advertising |
| Brand building |
What are the benefits of being verified on Instagram?
A verified badge next to your profile on the platform boosts your credibility, prevents impersonation, and increases visibility. This will lead to more followers and brand opportunities.
Why is Instagram a good social media platform?
Instagram’s visual and aesthetic appeal gives it an edge over others, making It a good social media platform for businesses. It is ideal for showcasing brands, building relationships, and driving website traffic through engaging content.
Why should I get Instagram?
Instagram is a powerful platform for personal branding, self-expression, and connecting with target audiences, friends, and family. Businesses can also use it to market themselves and reach potential customers.
Why is Instagram a Good Platform?
Instagram’s visually driven nature allows for creative content sharing, making it the best social media platform for building a brand identity and connecting with a global audience.
What are the benefits of Instagram for personal use?
Though Instagram marketing has numerous benefits, the platform also offers many benefits for personal use. It allows you to connect with friends and family, share your life experiences through photos and videos, showcase your talents, and discover new interests and communities.
How can Instagram help your business?
Instagram provides valuable insights through analytics, facilitates cost-effective marketing campaigns, and offers a platform for networking and collaboration to help your business grow.
Why is Instagram important for your business?
Instagram is essential for your business because it lets you showcase your products and services visually, engage with your target audience, and build strong customer relationships and brand presence.
