How to Set Up an Instagram Business Account

For Brisbane small businesses, Instagram is no longer just a place for holiday snaps; it is a digital shopfront. Switching to a professional Business Account allows you to access powerful analytics, run targeted local ads, and provide clear contact buttons so customers can find your physical location or website with a single tap.

Why This Matters for Your Business

In the Australian market, consumers use Instagram to discover local brands and validate their credibility. A personal account lacks the essential tools—like insights into when your followers are online or the ability to promote posts—that allow you to scale your marketing efforts. Moving to a Business Account is the first step in turning your social media presence into a lead-generation machine.

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Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:

• A Smartphone: The setup process is easiest via the Instagram mobile app (iOS or Android).
• A Facebook Page: While not strictly mandatory, connecting to a Facebook Business Page is highly recommended for cross-posting and using the Meta Business Suite.
• Business Details: Your business email, Australian phone number, and physical address (if applicable).
• Profile Assets: A high-quality version of your logo (110x110 pixels minimum) and a short 150-character bio.

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Step 1: Download and Launch Instagram

If you haven’t already, download the Instagram app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you have a personal account you wish to convert, log in to that account. If you want a completely separate account for your business, tap Sign Up.

Step 2: Access Your Profile Settings

Once logged in, tap your profile picture (or the person icon) in the bottom right corner to go to your profile. Then, tap the three horizontal lines (the hamburger menu) in the top right corner.

Step 3: Enter the Settings and Privacy Menu

From the pop-up menu, select Settings and privacy. This is the central hub for all your account configurations. Scroll down until you see a section titled "For professionals."

Step 4: Select Account Type and Tools

Tap on Account type and tools. Here, you will see the option to Switch to professional account. Tap this to begin the conversion process.

Step 5: Choose Your Professional Category

Instagram will now ask "Which best describes you?" You’ll see a list of categories like 'Retailer', 'Local Service', 'Restaurant', or 'Health/Beauty'.

Step 6: Select 'Business' (Not Creator)

Next, you’ll be asked to choose between a Creator or Business account.

• Creator: Best for influencers, public figures, or content producers.
• Business: Best for local retailers, service providers, and brands.

Select Business and tap Next.

Step 7: Review Your Contact Information

This is a critical step for Australian businesses. Enter your professional email, business phone number, and physical address.

Step 8: Connect to Your Facebook Page

Instagram will prompt you to connect to a Facebook Page. If you have one, select it from the list. If you don’t, you can choose "Create a new Facebook Page" or "Don't connect to Facebook now."

Step 9: Complete Your Profile

Instagram will guide you through a "Set Up Your Professional Account" checklist. This includes:

• Complete your profile: Add your logo, website URL, and a bio that highlights your unique selling point (e.g., "Brisbane’s highest-rated organic coffee roasters").
• Get inspired: Follow other businesses in your industry.
• Grow your audience: Invite friends or contacts to follow your new page.

Step 10: Set Up Professional Dashboard

Once finished, you will see a new link on your profile called Professional Dashboard. Tap this to explore your "Insights." This is where you can track how many people saw your posts, who your followers are, and which content is performing best in the local Brisbane market.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a Personal Photo: For a business account, your profile picture should almost always be your logo. If you are a solo consultant, use a professional headshot with a clean background.
• Private Account Status: Business accounts cannot be private. If your account was private, switching to Business will automatically make it public. This is necessary so potential customers can find you!
• Vague Bio: Don't just list what you do; tell people where you are. Including "Brisbane" or your specific suburb (e.g., "Fortitude Valley") helps with local discovery.
• Ignoring the 'Link in Bio': You only get one clickable link (though Instagram now allows up to 5). Use it wisely to link to your latest promotion or your contact page.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• "I don't see the option to switch": Ensure your app is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, if you have recently switched account types multiple times, Instagram may temporarily block the feature.
• Facebook Page Connection Errors: Ensure you are an 'Admin' of the Facebook Page you are trying to link. If you only have 'Editor' or 'Analyst' access, you won't be able to complete the connection.
• Category Not Showing: If your chosen category isn't appearing on your profile, go to Edit Profile > Profile Display and ensure "Display category label" is toggled on.

Next Steps

Now that your Business Account is live, it’s time to start creating content that resonates with your local audience.

• Create your first post: Introduce your team or your best-selling product.
• Explore Reels: Short-form video is currently the best way to get organic reach in Australia.
• Set up Instagram Shopping: If you sell physical products, look into syncing your Shopify or WooCommerce store.

Need help optimising your profile or running high-converting Instagram ads? Contact the team at Local Marketing Group to discuss how we can grow your Brisbane business through social media.