Starting a profitable blog or business is a lot to manage on its own, but promoting it can be just as much work!
Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for influencers and bloggers, with the majority reporting it as being their most-used. That’s why using social media is vital for the advertisement of your blog or business!
Instagram lets you choose what kind of account you’d like to create. Two of the options include a “personal account” or a “business account,” but do you know what they are and which is right for you?
This article explains the difference between a personal account versus a business account so you can confidently decide what’s best for your needs!
1. Business accounts are intended for different types of users
The Personal Account
As the name suggests, a personal account is mainly used by those who:
- Connect with followers on a more personal level
- Post more casually or just for fun
- Are looking for more privacy
That isn’t to say that you can’t choose to have a personal account if you don’t fall under these descriptions. In fact, you might even be more successful with a personal account if you share both personal and business content.
Your followers may engage with your account more than if you limit your content to just business posts.
The Business Account
Instagram introduced the business profile back in 2016 with brands and companies kept in mind. This helps them reach and understand their audience and increase exposure for their business.
Choosing a business account is best for those who identify as:
- Retailers
- Local businesses
- Brands
- Organizations
- Service providers
2. Business accounts have premium features
Personal accounts are mainly used for posting pictures and videos, livestreaming, adding to stories, and direct messaging.
You can also do all of this with a business account, but there are more premium features with this profile.
IG Story Links
This feature gives you the ability to insert links into your Instagram stories. Users can “swipe up” on a story, which takes them directly to the link.
This can make it much easier to find websites, products, events, services, and more.
IG Shopping
Similarly, another huge business profile feature is the ability to tag products directly within a post or story.
You can share content with links to product pages to make it simple for users to reach your site, find your products, and buy from you.
Contact Information
Business accounts let you put more information about you in your bio, such as your email, phone number, website, address, and location.
Not only do users have an easier time reaching you – they also can contact you directly through Instagram using the “contact” button.
Advertising
Lastly, the business account makes it easy to create ads with Facebook Ad Manager, which are meant to run on Instagram, in both posts and stories.
You can also promote existing posts and manage promotions in the Instagram app.
3. Business accounts offer analytics
Another feature that comes exclusively with the business account is real-time analytics of your profile.
In the “insights” section of your profile, you have access to a lot more than just comments and likes. You’ll be able to see:
- Which posts perform better than others
- The demographic interacting with your profile
- The best time of day for you to post
- Who visits your profile
- If people click through to your website from posts
Analytics can help you learn more about your audience. This means you can give them the information and products they like, which builds a relationship that will grow over time.
4. Business accounts reach more people
Instagram lets you boost and promote posts with business accounts. However, some people have reported drops in their organic reach after switching to a business profile.
This is different from personal accounts which tend to have a higher organic reach.
5. Business accounts can only link to one Facebook page
Personal accounts allow you to link multiple Facebook pages and profiles, but business accounts only allow one.
The point of this is to keep personal posts and business posts separate. After all, this is why the business account was created in the first place!
6. Business accounts can’t go private
Unlike a personal account, the business account cannot be set to “private.”
Setting your account to private means only your followers can see your posts, stories, and comments. In addition, new followers must request to follow your account.
So, what type of account should you choose? Well, that’s up to you, really! If you’re looking to promote your brand, it might be best to start with a business account.
Even if you do end up changing your mind later, don’t sweat it! Instagram lets you change your account type in your Account Settings.
Good luck, and happy ‘Gramming!
Additional articles you might be interested in:
- How To Start A Profitable Blog In 7 Steps
- How To Use Social Media Marketing To Promote Your Business
- 5 Tips To Get Your Business Accounts In Order This Year
- How To Successfully Promote Your Blog On Instagram
- How To Use Data To Improve Relationships With Customers
- 6 Ways To Make Your Audience Feel Unique
- How To Raise The Engagement Level On Your Instagram Business Account
Bridget Baltazar is a blogging intern at LadyBossBlogger. She currently attends the University of Iowa and is studying communication studies, human relations, and environmental sustainability.
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