Connecting your Facebook Page and Instagram Business profile is one of the most impactful things you can do for your digital presence. By linking these two platforms, you can manage your messages in one place, cross-post content with a single click, and access powerful tools like Meta Business Suite and synchronised advertising across both networks.
For Australian small business owners, this integration is essential for saving time and ensuring your brand looks professional and consistent across the web. Whether you're a cafe in Fortitude Valley or a tradie in the Redlands, this guide will help you bridge the gap between your social platforms.
Why This Matters
When your accounts are connected, you gain access to unified insights, allowing you to see which posts resonate with your audience regardless of the platform. It also enables "Instagram Shopping," allowing you to tag products directly in your posts—a game-changer for local e-commerce and retail brands.---
Before You Start: The Prerequisites
To ensure a smooth setup without technical hiccups, make sure you have the following ready:- A Facebook Business Page: You cannot connect a personal Facebook profile to Instagram. If you haven't created a Page for your business yet, do that first.
- An Instagram Professional Account: Your Instagram must be set to a 'Business' or 'Creator' account (not a private personal account).
- Admin Access: You must be an Admin of the Facebook Page you are trying to connect.
- Mobile Device & Desktop: While you can do this on mobile, using a desktop browser is often more reliable for the initial setup.
---
Step 1: Switch your Instagram to a Professional Account
If you haven't already, you need to tell Instagram that you are a business. Open the Instagram app on your phone, go to your profile, and tap the three lines (hamburger menu) in the top right.- What you’ll see: Navigate to Settings and privacy > Account type and tools.
- Select Switch to professional account. Follow the prompts to select your business category (e.g., Local Service, Restaurant, or Retail).
Step 2: Log into Facebook on your Desktop
Open your preferred browser and log into the Facebook account that has Admin rights to your business page. It is much easier to manage permissions through the desktop interface than the mobile app.Step 3: Navigate to your Facebook Page
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select See all profiles. Switch to your Business Page profile. Once you are acting as your Page, click on the Professional Dashboard or Settings in the left-hand menu.Step 4: Access Linked Accounts
In the left-hand sidebar menu, scroll down until you see Linked Accounts. This is the hub where Facebook manages its connections with Instagram and WhatsApp.- Screenshot Description: You should see a list on the left with "Instagram" at the top and a large Instagram logo in the centre of the screen with a blue button that says "Connect Account."
Step 5: Start the Connection Process
Click the blue Connect Account button. A pop-up will appear explaining what features you will gain access to (shared messages, insights, ads, etc.). Click Connect again.Step 6: Configure Instagram Message Settings
A toggle will appear asking if you want to allow access to Instagram messages in your Facebook Inbox.Pro Tip: Always toggle this to ON. This allows you to reply to Instagram DMs and comments directly from your Facebook Business Suite, saving you from constantly switching between apps on your phone.
Step 7: Log into Instagram
A new browser window will open asking for your Instagram credentials. Enter your username and password. If you have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled (which we highly recommend for Australian businesses to prevent hacking), enter your security code.Step 8: Confirm the Link
Once logged in, Facebook will ask you to confirm the connection. Click Confirm. The screen should refresh, and you will now see your Instagram profile details (handle, profile picture, and follower count) displayed on the Facebook Linked Accounts page.Step 9: Verify via Meta Business Suite
Now that they are linked, go to business.facebook.com. This is the Meta Business Suite.- What you’ll see: You should see both your Facebook and Instagram icons in the top left corner. This confirms that the "Meta ecosystem" recognises both accounts as belonging to the same business entity.
Step 10: Set up Cross-Posting
Try creating a test post in Meta Business Suite. You should now have the option to tick both "Facebook" and "Instagram" as destinations. This allows you to tailor your caption for each platform while using the same image or video.---
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Connecting to the wrong Page: Ensure you aren't accidentally linking your business Instagram to your personal Facebook profile. This is a common error that restricts advertising capabilities.
- Ignoring the ABN/Business Verification: For Australian businesses looking to run ads, ensure your Meta Business Manager details match your Australian Business Number (ABN) records to avoid account flagging.
- Not being an Admin: If you are an "Editor" or "Moderator" but not an "Admin," the connection will often fail. Check your Page Roles under Settings.
Troubleshooting
- "Account Already Connected" Error: This usually means your Instagram is still linked to an old Facebook Page or a personal profile. Go to Instagram > Settings > Sharing to other apps and "Unlink" any existing accounts before trying again.
- Blank Screen during Login: This is often caused by pop-up blockers or browser cache issues. Try clearing your browser cache or using an Incognito/Private window.
- Permissions Mismatch: If you can see the accounts are linked but can't post, go to Meta Business Suite > Settings > Business Assets and ensure your personal user profile has "Full Control" over both the Facebook Page and the Instagram account.
Next Steps
Now that your accounts are connected, you’ve unlocked the ability to run high-performing ads across both platforms. Your next step should be setting up your Meta Pixel to track website conversions or setting up your Instagram Shop if you sell physical products.Need a hand getting your social media strategy sorted or struggling with the technical setup? The team at Local Marketing Group is here to help Brisbane businesses thrive online. Contact us today to see how we can take the stress out of your digital marketing.