Instagram isn’t just for selfies and travel pics. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram offers powerful tools that can help you connect with your audience and grow faster than ever. But knowing how to use Instagram for business the right way is what truly makes the difference between scrolling and selling.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best strategies to use Instagram for business effectively with easy, actionable steps. You’ll learn:
Without further ado, let’s get started!
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How to Create An Instagram Business Account
Before discovering how to use Instagram for business, let’s learn how to create an Instagram business account. This type of Instagram account unlocks a range of powerful features designed to help your brand grow that a personal account simply doesn’t offer.
Here are some of the exclusive features that an Instagram business account offers:
- Professional business account features: With a business profile, you get extra features like contact buttons, shop links, and action buttons (e.g., book, reserve, order food) that give your profile a more professional look and increase engagement.
- Access to Instagram analytics: You’ll also gain access to Instagram Insights, which offer detailed analytics on your audience, reach, and post performance. These data are ideal for refining your content strategy.
- Instagram ads: If you’re planning to run ads, a business account is essential. By connecting to Meta Ads Manager, you can launch targeted campaigns, test creatives, and monitor performance in real time.
- Instagram shop: With a business account, you can also set up an Instagram Shop, allowing users to browse and purchase products directly within the app, without leaving Instagram.
Switch to an Instagram business account
Currently, you can’t directly create an Instagram business account. Instead, you’ll need to start with a personal account and then switch it to a business profile.
Here’s how to switch to a business account on Instagram:
- Go to your profile and tap Edit Profile.
- Select Switch to professional account.
- Tap Next, then choose a category that describes your business.
- Select the category that describes your business best, then tap Switch to professional account.
- On the next screen, choose Business (not Creator) and tap Next.
- Add your business contact info, like email, address, and phone number.
- Tap Next, and you’re successfully set up an Instagram business account.
Optimize your Instagram business profile
Switching to an Instagram business account is just the beginning. To make the most of Instagram for business, your profile needs to look polished and professional.
Here are the fields that you should optimize to complete your Instagram business profile:
- Profile photo: Use your brand logo so people instantly recognize you.
- Name & username: Stick with your business name for both. This keeps your branding consistent and makes you easy to search.
- Bio: Keep it short, clear, and on-brand. Use it to describe what your business offers, share your tagline, or highlight a current promotion.
- Links: Instagram lets you add up to five clickable links, which you can use to drive traffic to your website, store, or current promotions. A “link in bio” tool can help you manage multiple links.
- Category: Choose the most accurate category that fits your business or products.
- Contact info: Make it easy for people to reach you by adding email, phone number, or business address.
- Action buttons: Add helpful buttons like “Shop”, “Book Now”, or “Reserve” based on your business type.
- Story highlights: Create organized Highlights from your Instagram Stories to showcase key info like product collections, tutorials, FAQs, or customer reviews.
When completing your Instagram bio, consider also verifying your profile. A verified badge helps limit scams and assures customers they’re interacting with the real deal.
Glossier’s profile is a great example of how to optimize their Instagram business account effectively. Their profile picture is clean and recognizable, featuring their logo. The bio reflects their modern skincare vibe. They also include links to their shop and effectively use the “Shop” action button, enabling followers to browse and purchase products directly within Instagram.
How to Use Instagram for Business: 7 Best Tips for 2025
So, you’ve created your Instagram business account. Now it’s time to put it to work.
In this section, we’ll break down the best tips on how to use Instagram for business, from planning your content and using Reels and Stories, to enabling Instagram Shopping and growing a loyal following. These tips will help you attract the right audience, convert viewers into customers, and drive real growth for your brand.
1. Build a strong Instagram marketing strategy
Every platform requires a specific strategy, and Instagram is no different. Comparing Instagram vs TikTok, Instagram is a visual-first platform that works best when your brand tells a story through eye-catching images, and engaging videos.
Here’s how to build and create a strong Instagram strategy for your business:
Define your audience
The first step is knowing who you’re speaking to. Review your existing customer data and buyer personas to identify age, interests, behaviors, and values. Then, explore Instagram to see what content resonates with those groups. Analyze popular accounts they follow, the brands they engage with, and the posts they like or save.
This research will help guide your own content style, voice, and posting rhythm. Over time, keep an eye on what’s performing well, whether it’s reels, product posts, or stories, and adjust accordingly.
Set clear goals
Ask yourself: What’s the main reason you’re using Instagram for business? Is it to drive more sales, grow your following, increase engagement, or boost website visits?
Setting defined goals for your Instagram business account helps you stay focused and track your success over time. Try using the SMART framework: goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
Your goals will vary based on your business needs, but they might include:
- Boosting brand awareness by expanding your reach
- Improving engagement by tracking likes, shares, and comments
- Increasing sales by setting up your Instagram Shop and tagging products in posts.
- Getting more website traffic by adding a link-in-bio tool and link stickers in Stories.
Create a content calendar and publishing schedule
Now that you understand your audience, it’s time to plan your content. Instead of posting on the fly, map out your content in advance. A social media content calendar helps you stay consistent, organized, and focused on your goals.
Create a balanced mix of posts: product promotions, helpful tips, behind-the-scenes moments, user-generated content, and even a well-timed meme (if it fits your brand voice). This variety keeps your feed fresh and engaging.
Moreover, you can also use content buckets like “How-To Reels,” “Customer Spotlights,” or “New Arrivals” to simplify planning and ensure you’re covering key themes. Planning ahead also makes it easier to respond to trends and seasonal moments without scrambling.
2. Post high-quality content
Creating content with value is at the heart of learning how to use Instagram for business. Great visuals, engaging videos, and scroll-stopping captions are what turn casual viewers into loyal followers and buyers.
Here are the best Instagram for business tips when it comes to creating content on Instagram:
Leverage Tools & AI to Create Instagram Posts
Creating great Instagram content doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially with the help of AI and design tools. These resources can save you time, spark creativity, and help your posts look polished and on-brand.
Start with AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm content ideas, write engaging captions, or plan out themes for your content calendar. You can even ask for post ideas tailored to your audience or upcoming promotions.
Once you’ve got your ideas, turn them into stunning visuals using easy-to-use design and video editing tools. Some of the most popular options include:
- Canva
- Adobe Illustrator, After Effects
- Capcut
- Snapseed
Try a few different apps to see which ones your team finds easiest and most efficient. The right tools, paired with a little creativity and AI support, can help you post consistently and make your brand stand out on Instagram.
Use high-quality images and reels
On Instagram, visual quality isn’t optional; it’s expected. Sharp, well-composed photos and engaging videos are far more likely to grab attention, earn likes, and be shared.
Whether you’re showcasing products, behind-the-scenes moments, or customer stories, make sure every image is clean, bright, and properly framed. Avoid blurry shots or cluttered backgrounds. Natural lighting, simple editing tools, and a consistent aesthetic can go a long way in making your content feel polished and on-brand.
When it comes to Reels, quality matters just as much. In 2025, short-form video continues to lead Instagram’s algorithm. Use Reels to highlight product features, answer FAQs, or jump on trending audio, with a creative twist that suits your brand.
Write captions that spark action
A great caption can turn a simple post into a conversation, a follow, or even a sale. Think of it as your chance to connect, not just to describe.
Here are a few proven tips for writing captions that engage:
- Keep it short and impactful: Just because Instagram allows 2,200 characters doesn’t mean you need to use them all. Aim for clarity and personality.
- Ask a question or share a quick story: This encourages comments and makes your audience feel involved.
- Add emojis or social lingo: A little personality goes a long way. Emojis can add emotion, while casual language keeps things relatable.
- Use hashtags wisely: Hashtags help new users discover your content. Mix broad and niche tags for better reach.
The best captions feel like a conversation, so write like you’re talking to a friend, not pitching a product.
3. Use all Instagram features
Instagram is a highly visual platform packed with powerful features designed to help you connect, engage, and convert. In 2025, making the most of these tools isn’t optional; it’s essential for staying relevant and growing your brand.
Here’s how to use Instagram’s built-in features to your advantage:
Instagram Stories
Stories appear at the top of the app and disappear after 24 hours, making them perfect for quick updates and engaging content. You can add text, stickers, GIFs, filters, polls, and more.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Share time-sensitive updates, behind-the-scenes content, or FAQs.
- Use polls, quizzes, or question stickers to get feedback or spark interaction.
- Add link stickers to drive traffic to your site, product pages, or FAQ sections.
Instagram Reels
Reels are short-form videos (15–90 seconds) with music, effects, and huge viral potential. In 2025, Reels remain a top-performing content type, boosted by Instagram’s algorithm and users’ appetite for quick, engaging video.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Use Reels to highlight product benefits, share quick tutorials, or answer FAQs.
- Incorporate trending audio, clever captions, and on-brand visuals to maximize reach
- Try replying to popular comments with follow-up Reels to boost visibility.
For example, Sephora created a Reel titled “Pack my water bottle with me,” paired with the caption “Hydration is an art,” to promote Laneige products. Styled as a soothing tutorial with ASMR sounds and a clean, minimalist aesthetic, the video showed the products being neatly packed alongside a water bottle. It perfectly blended product placement with lifestyle content, making it feel both natural and visually satisfying.
The result? The Reel went viral, racking up over 1.4 million views and more than 17,000 likes, proving just how impactful creative, on-trend content can be for brand visibility.
Instagram Live
Going live allows you to connect in real-time, creating a space for genuine conversation and authenticity.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Host Q&As, product demos, launches, or “behind the brand” moments.
- Use Live Shopping (if eligible) to showcase products and sell directly during your stream.
In a nutshell, a pro tip on how to use Instagram for business is to post consistently and creatively. You can share a mix of content types, like Reels, Stories, carousels, and Lives, to keep your feed fresh and engaging.
4. Enable Instagram Shopping and tag products
Whether you’re looking to start a business on Instagram or how to use Instagram for business, enabling Instagram Shopping and tagging your products is a smart move. Turn on Instagram Shopping lets you tag products in posts, Reels, and Stories, so customers can shop directly in the app, with fewer clicks and less friction.
A seamless in-app shopping experience not only boosts visibility and traffic but also drives more sales. Plus, Instagram provides product-specific insights to help you track performance and refine your strategy.
Enable Instagram Shopping
To enable Instagram shopping, you first need an Instagram Business account.
Then, follow these steps to enable Instagram shopping.
- Create your shop in Commerce Manager – a set of tools within Meta Business Manager.
- If you use Shopify or another partner platform, select it. Otherwise, choose “I don’t use these platforms” to continue in Commerce Manager.
- Choose your checkout method and click Next.
- Select your Instagram for business account, then click Next.
- Pick your business portfolio or create a new one.
- Choose a product catalog (or one will be created for you if you don’t have one).
- Review your shop details, agree to the Seller Agreement, and click Finish setup.
Then, it may take a few days for Instagram to review and approve your account.
If you’re selling on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, you can easily link your Etsy store to Instagram or connect your Shopify account to Instagram to start tagging products and driving sales directly from your posts.
Connect and tag your products
Once you’re approved, you can go to Manage your catalog to add any products you want to. You have two options:
- Connect to a data feed
- Manually add your products
After finishing add your catalog, you can start tagging products in your feed posts, Stories, and Reels.
While creating a feed for your Instagram shop, instead of doing it manually, you can use the product feed tool like LitCommerce. With smart quality checks, auto-synced feeds, LitCommerce helps your feed always be up-to-date with your online store.
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5. Grow your followers
While follower count isn’t everything, it does play a role in increasing your reach, engagement, and overall brand visibility, especially when you’re looking for an Instagram tutorial business. A loyal and relevant audience can become customers, so growing it the right way is crucial.
Here’s how to attract real followers who actually care about your business:
- Engage with the right people: Leave thoughtful comments on posts from users who match your target audience. This helps you show up in their notifications and encourages them to check out your profile.
- Use smart hashtags: Add relevant hashtags to your posts so new users can discover your content. Keep an eye on trending hashtags in your niche for even more visibility.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with creators in your niche helps you tap into their audience and build credibility fast.
- Cross-promote your Instagram: Don’t keep your profile a secret—link it on your website, email signature, product pages, and other social platforms.
- Follow the data: Monitor which posts get the most likes, shares, and saves. Then, double down on what works.
- Run awareness ads: Even a small budget can go a long way in putting your brand in front of new eyes.
6. Track and optimize your results
Last but not least, once your content is live, the next step is tracking how it performs and improving it.
That’s where Instagram’s built-in tools come in. With an Instagram for business account, you get access to Instagram Insights, which allow you to track key metrics like reach, profile visits, content interactions, and audience demographics. You can see which posts are performing best, how your Stories are engaging viewers, and whether your audience is growing steadily.
One simple way to improve results is by running A/B tests. Create two versions of a post with slight differences, like changing the image, caption, or hashtags. Then, see which version performs better, and use those insights to guide your next post for your business on Instagram.
Some other quick tips for smarter tracking are:
- Review Insights weekly to track engagement, clicks, saves, and shares.
- Pay attention to Story interactions, polls, quizzes, and link clicks, which offer useful feedback.
- Watch for trends in your top-performing content and replicate what works.
- Align your content’s performance with your broader goals, like boosting sales or growing your community.
How to Use Instagram for Business – FAQs
Yes, creating an Instagram business account is completely free. You only pay if you choose to run ads to boost posts or expand your reach with this business account, but these options are completely optional. Using Instagram for business helps boost brand visibility, drive more engagement, unlock powerful tools like Insights and Shopping, enable collaborations, and ultimately increase sales. To promote your business on Instagram, follow these steps: To switch a personal account to a business account on Instagram, follow these steps:
Start Using Instagram for Business Today
With its vast and growing user base, Instagram has been a key player in social media marketing. It makes it easier for your brand to interact with your customers and build loyal followers. Therefore, learning how to use Instagram for business in 2025 is essential.
Whether you’re posting Reels, tagging products, or connecting with your audience through Stories, Instagram gives you the tools to stand out and grow. So go ahead, claim your space on the platform and start turning scrolls into sales.
And if you’re looking to take your reach even further, on Instagram and beyond, the LitCommerce product feed management tool is here to help. With powerful features like advanced categorization, smart rules, automated quality checks, and scheduled feed syncing, you can easily bring your product feed to over 300 top advertising platforms. That means less time managing feeds and more time focused on what truly matters: growing your business.
