Social media is a tool you can use to grow your reach, engage with your audience and drive more people to your business website to generate sales and enquiries.
New strategies are constantly emerging about how to use your social media account and interact with your target audience.
Ever since Instagram announced the launch of business profiles in 2016, businesses have grown. However, there has always been the question; Should I have a personal or a business profile on Instagram.
For a lot of businesses or individuals, switching their accounts was a very easy decision. There are over 25 million accounts which are on business profiles. However, influencers, celebrities, and public figures are always on the fence because of concerns about engagement on their profiles.
The launch of Instagram’s new creator profile has given influencers and celebrities a way to take full management of their accounts. Creator profile creates a new way for influencers to make use of all that Instagram has to offer while distinguishing individuals from business entities.
Personal profile
A personal profile on Instagram is primarily focused on the user’s personal life. The launch of a business profile clearly shows the intention of Instagram to separate personal life from business. If you would rather keep business separate from personal, a personal profile is best for you.
Switching to a Personal Instagram Account
Invariably, if you’ve changed your personal Instagram profile to a business profile, you can easily switch it back.
You can do this by following these actions;
- Go to your profile and tap in the upper right corner.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Switch to Personal Account.
- Tap Switch Back to confirm.
However please note, each time you switch back to a personal account, your insights on Instagram will not be available.
Business Profile
The business profile was launched by Instagram targeting business brands. A variety of tools was made available to enable advertising and to create awareness for businesses.
It makes it possible for you to improve your business in ways supported by the platform. Analytics and the opportunity to run ads are provided helping your business to thrive.
The business account operates just like a personal account. Pictures, videos, and pictures about your business are posted so you can engage new customers.
Switching to an Instagram Business Profile from a Personal profile
A simple switch to a business profile on Instagram can be done by;
- Going to settings immediately you log in to your Instagram account.
- Tapping the icon Switch to Business Profile
Instagram will ask you to connect to a Facebook business page (it is mandatory to have an Admin permission to the Facebook page for you to switch to a Business Profile).
- Choosing a category for your profile/business
- Fill out the relevant business details (phone number, address and email address).
Creator Profile
With the growth of influencers, it has made us all question what it means to be categorised as a “business”. Influencers and celebrities have always wondered whether to be considered a business or an ordinary Instagram user.
The launch of creator accounts gives an explanation to the non-traditional business category of influencers and celebrities.
The Creator Profile preference was first launched by Instagram as a beta test in late 2018. Currently, all users can choose to have a creator profile.
Switching to a creator profile from a personal or business profile
A switch to a creator account is very easy to do. To make this change;
- Make tap on the three-line icon at the right top corner.
- Click on the Settings icon below the screen.
- Choose the Account option and then click on the “Switch to Creator Account” icon option.
- Verify the details of your creator profile, assign a category and turn your contact options either to on or off.
What are the differences between these profiles?
The evolution of Instagram from having only the option of a personal profile to having the business and creator options comes with more advantages. What are the advantages these profiles have over each other?
The Business profile Vs The personal profile
The major distinction between an Instagram Business Profile and a personal account is access to features like Instagram Insights, contact info, and Instagram Ads.
Instagram Insights
This is the main advantage a business account has over a personal account. This feature gives info on engagement, impressions and audience demographics about your business.
Instagram Ads
This is another feature the personal profile lacks. Business brands always want to get their messages to their target audience and this feature helps that. A lot of attention is on Instagram right now, and brands are getting so much success with this feature.
Extra features on Instagram Profile
Another advantage of Instagram business accounts is the extra features on your profile page. A good example is the contact buttons. People can easily get in touch with your brand without having to look for your phone number or email address.
The Creator profile Vs the Business profile
How is the creator profile different from the business profile? The differences between the two alternatives are not substantial. The creator profile is modelled for personal users, whether it’s an influencer, athlete, or celebrities. On the other hand, the business profile is intended for accounts representing businesses selling products or services.
Noticeable differences between these profiles are in the inbox, profile option, and insight level.
Upgraded Inbox
The creator profile, unlike the business profile, has a more organised inbox. The Inbox can be organised with three tabs; Primary, General, and Requests. This implies that users do not need to mix business with pleasure on Instagram
Insight Level
In relation to follower analytics, creator accounts get more detailed insights. Access to daily information on the growth of the audience, and the specific content leading to either increase or drop in followers is made available. However, business accounts only provide users access to data on a weekly basis, excluding the functionality to connect it to the content.
Profile option
Users on the creator account have more control over their choice of information in the CTA on their profile. Email options and click to call can be removed from their page. This is a way out for businesses, offices, influencers who aren’t of the opinion to share their mobile number with the world.
Evolution is inevitable in the social media world. The launch of the new creator profile is proof that Instagram recognises how space is evolving. A move that signifies Instagram flexibility to the space that keeps changing.
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