How to set up an Instagram business account

Before you begin

Have a business-controlled email address, access to the intended Instagram account, a logo or profile photo, a short business description and your website link ready.

Professional accounts are public. If your existing account contains personal or family material you want to keep private, create a separate business account instead of converting it.

Step 1 Create or choose the right account

Open Instagram and sign into the account you want customers to see. If you need a new account, use Instagram's account creation option and complete its prompts with an email address the business controls.

Choose a recognizable username, ideally close to your business name. Write down which email and phone number are used for recovery. Enable two-factor authentication in the account's security settings.

Step 2 Switch to a professional account

From your profile, open the menu and find Settings and activity. Under the professional tools area, look for Account type and tools, then Switch to professional account.

Choose a suitable category and select Business when asked which professional account type you need. Follow the confirmation prompts.

If the account already has professional tools, check its current account type before changing anything. You may already have completed this step.

Step 3 Choose what contact information to display

Add business contact information during setup or through Edit profile afterward. Check which details will be visible publicly before saving.

Use an inbox you monitor. A mobile service business should think carefully before displaying a home address. Public contact options should help customers reach the business through the routes you actually offer.

You can connect a Facebook page during setup if offered, or leave that task until later. It is a separate decision from making the Instagram account a business account.

Step 4 Write a profile that explains the business

Use the name field and bio to answer three questions: what do you do, where do you work and how should someone take the next step?

For example: “Interior and exterior painting in Calgary. See recent projects below. Request a quote through our website.” Treat this as a writing pattern, not a claim about your own services.

Add the website using the profile's link controls. Use a relevant service, enquiry or booking page rather than a destination that sends the customer searching again.

Step 5 Prepare useful first posts

Before actively promoting the profile, add a few posts that show the actual business: an introduction, a real example of your work and an answer to a common customer question.

Use photos you have permission to publish. Captions should explain what viewers are looking at and what to do if they need similar help.

Step 6 Check the customer view

Open the public profile from another account or ask someone to review it on their phone. Check the username, image crop, description, website and available contact buttons.

Professional tools can help you review activity as the account develops. Avoid judging a new account solely by follower count; watch for relevant conversations and visits to your business instead.

If the switch option is missing

Update the app and confirm that you are in the intended account. Look for account type settings in the professional tools section. If you see business tools already, check whether the account is already configured. Use the official help link above if your interface follows a different route.

Next step

Connect the business Instagram account to your Facebook page if you want to manage their content together.