How to Use Instagram for Business: A Beginner’s Guide 

Key highlights 

• To use Instagram for business, optimizing your Instagram business profile is crucial.  
• Shoppable posts turn Instagram into a sales channel by allowing you to tag products directly in your post.  
• Instagram Stories with link stickers boost site visits by providing an easy way to direct followers to your website.  
• Creating engaging content consistently helps you build a loyal audience by keeping them interested. 
• Bluehost helps you turn Instagram views into sales with professional websites, AI-powered landing pages and free domains for your brand. Paired with WordPress integrations, it’s your foundation for converting clicks to customers. 

Introduction 

Instagram has evolved far beyond a photo-sharing app. Today, it’s one of the powerful social media marketing platforms for businesses of all sizes. With over 2 billion active users, Instagram offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with new customers, showcase brand personality and drive real business results.  

Every time you scroll through Instagram, you’re likely to see brands showing off their products or telling their stories. What you might not know is that these brands use Instagram for business success.   

Instagram offers everything you need to reach your target audience, connect with potential customers and even make sales directly through the platform.  

But how do you get started? How do you turn those likes and comments into real business growth?  In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your Instagram presence stand out. 

Why is Instagram essential for small businesses? 

Instagram gives small businesses an invaluable opportunity to connect with customers in an authentic and engaging way. It is one of the most effective social media platforms to reach a broad audience.  

From A-list celebrities to local mom-and-pop shops, Instagram has become the go-to place for brands to tell their story. With Instagram’s global potential audience growing by 5.5% in the last 12 months, it offers businesses an unparalleled opportunity to connect with potential customers.   

Here’s why you should use Instagram for businesses:  

• People discover new products right from their ‘For You’ page as they scroll through engaging posts and recommendations.  
• Instagram app users make purchases directly by tapping on tagged products in posts or Stories without leaving the app.  
• Many connect with brands by engaging with interactive content like polls, Q&As and direct messages.  
• Instagram serves as a source of inspiration for other users to save posts or follow brands for future purchases and trends.  

For businesses, Instagram gives big brand visibility absolutely free. Before you start posting, Instagram business profile optimization is crucial to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. 

How to set up and optimize your Instagram business profile? 

Just like your storefront page, your Instagram business profile is your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential customers. Here is a complete guide to ensure your profile grabs attention:  

1. Switch to a business profile in seconds  
2. Craft a bio that speaks to customers  
3. Set up contact buttons for easy access  
4. Link in bio: make it work for you  
5. Highlights: showcase what matters  
6. Make your profile easy to find and follow  

Let’s walk through the steps in detail. 

1. Switch to a business profile in seconds 

Having a business profile on Instagram is essential if you want to take full advantage of the platform’s tools to grow your brand. A business profile gives you access to advanced features like Instagram Insights and the ability to run ads. It also helps make your personal account look more professional. 

Here’s how you can switch to a business profile quickly. 

a. Create a personal Instagram account 

If you haven’t already, start by creating a personal Instagram account. Once that’s done, you can switch it to an Instagram business account. 

b. Access settings 

Head to your profile page and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu and select ‘Settings’ from the list. Picture. Scroll down until you find the ‘Account’ section. Tap on it to continue. 

c. Switch to a professional account  

Click on ‘Switch to Professional Account,’ then Instagram will guide you through the rest of the process.   

d. Choose your account type 

You’ll be given the choice between a ‘Business’ or ‘Creator’ account. Choose ‘Business’ to access the full range of tools for commercial use. 

e. Connect to Facebook  

If you want to run ads and access other business profile optimization features, you can connect your Instagram account to your Facebook page. 

f. Add contact information 

Lastly, you’ll be prompted to add email, phone number or location. This contact info will be visible on your profile so Instagram users can find your service.  

And just like that, your profile is now a business account! 

2. Craft a bio that speaks to customers 

Your Instagram bio is the first thing people see when they visit your profile, so it’s crucial to make it count. A strong bio tells visitors exactly who you are, what you do and why they should care. 

Here’s how to craft a bio that resonates with customers: 

1. Clearly state what you offer: In a few words, explain what your business does. Be direct and make it easy for customers to understand your value right away. 
2. Use keywords: Think about what terms potential customers might search for when looking for your products or services. Including relevant keywords so people can find you when they need what you offer. 
3. Show your personality: While it’s important to keep it professional, don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine through. Showing a bit of your brand’s voice helps create a connection with your audience. 
4. Use emojis wisely: Emojis can help break up text and add a visual touch, but don’t overdo it. Use them to make your bio feel more approachable.   

3. Set up contact buttons for easy access

Instagram’s contact buttons help customers to reach out directly from your profile. Here is how you do it.  

• Go to your profile: Tap on your profile icon to access your profile page. 
• Edit your profile: Tap on ‘Edit Profile’. Scroll down to the ‘Contact Options’ section. 
• Add your contact details: Enter your business email, phone number and physical address (if applicable). 
• Choose your display options: Select which contact methods you’d like to display on your profile, such as email or phone number. 

After adding and selecting your preferred contact methods, save your changes. Now, your customers can easily reach out to you through your Instagram profile! 

4. Link-in-bio: make it work for you 

Don’t forget to add a clickable link to your website, landing page or special promotion. This is your chance to drive traffic to your most important content. 

If you have multiple links to share, consider using tools like Linktree or Linkin.bio to organize several links under one URL.  

Be sure to update your bio link regularly to highlight time-sensitive promotions or new product launches. This keeps your profile fresh and gives followers a reason to check back often. 

5. Highlights: showcase what matters 

Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, but Highlights give you the opportunity to keep important content visible on your profile all the time. Use them to showcase key aspects of your business that you want visitors to see right away. 

Organize your Highlights into categories like products, services, behind-the-scenes or customer testimonials.  

Be selective about what you include in your Highlights. Focus on content that reflects your brand’s values. This way, you ensure your profile gives visitors a clear and engaging snapshot of your business. 

6. Make your profile easy to find and follow 

To maximize your visibility on Instagram, make sure your profile is easy to find and follow. Here are some simple ways to optimize your profile for better visibility and engagement: 

• Profile picture: Use a clear, recognizable image, like your logo or a professional brand photo. 
• Username: Choose a simple and memorable username that’s easy to search and spell. 
• Keywords in bio: Add relevant keywords in your bio to improve discoverability in searches. 
• Profile layout: Keep your profile clean and visually appealing for a better first impression. 

By optimizing these elements, you make it easier for customers to hit that “Follow” button. 

Core Instagram marketing strategies to grow your brand 

Instagram is a highly visual platform, so your content needs to be eye-catching and relevant to your audience. But there’s more to it than just creating great visuals. To truly grow your brand on Instagram, it’s essential to have a clear strategy. Here are key Instagram marketing strategies to help your business thrive:  

1. Create Instagram content that converts 

Your content needs to be more than just good-looking. It should engage, inform and resonate.  

Understand who your followers are. Look at their interests, what they post and what they engage in. For example, if you sell fitness gear, your audience may love workout tips or motivational quotes. 

Post clear, eye-catching photos or videos like how Apple does. They keep their Instagram feed clean and sharp to showcase their products for a consistent look.  

And how Starbucks often shares customer stories or highlights on how their coffee is made to build a personal connection. 

Write captions that encourage comments or questions. Ask your followers to share their thoughts. For example: “What’s your favorite way to use this product? Comment below!” 

Also read: Website Copywriting: How to Write Copy That Converts Visitors 

2. Hashtags: reach more, work smarter 

Hashtags are one of the easiest ways to increase your reach and visibility on Instagram. But using them effectively requires strategy.  

Don’t just pick random hashtags. Choose ones that relate directly to your business and audience. For example, a bakery might use hashtags like #FreshBread or #BakingLove to attract people who are interested in food. 

Popular hashtags can get you seen, but niche hashtags can target your specific audience. Take the time to research which hashtags are trending in your industry. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should use all 30. Using around 10-15 well-researched hashtags is the sweet spot. 

3. Post consistently for maximum impact 

To keep your brand visible and your audience engaged, you need to post regularly. Plan your posts ahead of time and stick to a regular schedule. Posting once a day or three times a week keeps your brand top-of-mind without overwhelming your followers. 

Instagram also provides data on when your followers are most active. Use this to post at optimal times for better engagement. 

Even if you don’t have new content every day, keep your account active with Instagram Stories, comments or reposting user-generated content. Consistency doesn’t just mean regular posts, it means staying engaged with your audience consistently. 

Also read: Discover the Best Posting Times on Instagram Today 

4. Show up with stories and reels 

Instagram Stories and Reels are powerful tools for increasing your visibility in real-time. Stories disappear after 24 hours, this makes them perfect for sharing exclusive, behind-the-scenes content.  

Show how your products are made or give a sneak peek at upcoming launches. It creates a sense of urgency. 

Similarly, Reels are short, engaging videos that help your content reach a wider audience. Use them for quick tutorials, product demos or showcasing customer testimonials.  

Leveraging Instagram Stories and Reels offer interactive features like polls, quizzes and questions. Use these to spark conversations with your followers and make them feel more involved. 

5. Collaborate for greater reach 

Collaborating with other brands, influencers or even customers can help you tap into new audiences and expand your reach. To use Instagram for business properly, work with influencers who align with your brand values. Their audience can become your audience.  

The popular fitness brand GymShark is well known for partnering with fitness influencers to promote its activewear. 

Collaborating with non-competing businesses in your niche can expose your brand to a whole new group of potential customers.  

Also read: How to Drive More Traffic to Your Website: 13 Expert Tips for 2025 

6. Use user-generated content to build trust 

User-generated content is a powerful way to build trust and credibility with your audience. When your customers share content featuring your products, it acts as authentic social proof that others can trust. 

Ask your followers to share photos of them using your products and tag your account. This not only boosts engagement but also provides you with high-quality content to showcase on your feed or Stories. 

Share these user-generated posts on your own profile, with permission, of course. This gives your followers an authentic look. Remove any fake followers you may have, they are definitely not going to add any value. 

What are the Instagram engagement tactics that actually work in 2025? 

Standing out on Instagram can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make the platform work for you. Here are five proven Instagram engagement tactics to help you boost engagement on Instagram: 

1. Polls and questions 

Polls and questions are helpful for sparking interaction with your audience. They create a fun, interactive experience for your followers. For example, if you are a fashion brand, you could ask, “Which look should we feature next: Casual or Chic?”  

Instagram offers two types of polls for engagement: 

• Poll Sticker: This allows you to add up to four text-based answer options. For example, you could ask, “What’s your favorite season?” with choices like Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. 
• Emoji Slider: This uses an emoji to create a response scale. You pick an emoji, and your audience can slide it to show their level of agreement or satisfaction. For instance, “How much do you love coffee?” could be represented with a coffee cup emoji. 

2. Automate content creation 

Managing an Instagram business account can require a lot of content. On average, businesses post 1.55 times per day on their main feed. That’s a substantial amount of content to create. 

However, content creation doesn’t have to be time-consuming anymore. With the help of generative AI tools, you can streamline your copywriting and graphic design.  

You can also explore tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E or Midjourney for creative assistance.  

3. CTAs to encourage action 

Calls-to-action (CTAs) are essential for driving engagement and guiding your audience toward the next step. A clear CTA helps prompt the desired action from your followers.  

Your CTA should clearly state what you want your followers to do. Use phrases like “Shop Now,” “Sign Up Today,” or “Learn More” are simple and direct that leaves no room for confusion. 

To encourage immediate action use CTA like, “Limited time offer—buy now!” or “Only a few spots left, reserve yours today!” 

Additionally, don’t limit your CTAs to just posts. Leveraging Instagram Stories and Reels you drive action. You can use interactive elements like “Link stickers,” “Shop Now,” or “Send Message.”  

Also read: How to Write Irresistible Call-to-Actions that Convert 

4. Amplify reach with comments 

Comments are a great way to start real conversations with your audience and get noticed by more people. By engaging in the comment section, you increase your chances of showing up in more feeds.  

There are a few things to keep in mind while you reply to the comments. 

• Always take the time to reply to comments on your posts. This shows that you value your followers’ input and encourages more people to interact with your content. 
• Don’t just wait for comments on your posts. You can also leave genuine comments on their posts.  
• Add questions to your captions. For example, “What’s your favorite product from our collection?” or “Which design do you prefer: A or B?”  
• Participate in popular or trending conversations by commenting on posts from influencers or brands in your niche. 
• Take the opportunity to address concerns, answer questions or provide helpful information in the comments section. 

Also read: How Many Views Is Viral? Proven Tips to Go Viral in 2025 

5. Monitor metrics 

It’s crucial to track and analyze your performance regularly because it ensures your Instagram marketing strategies are working.   

Instagram offers built-in analytics that show how your posts, Stories and overall profile are doing. You can see important details like how many people your posts are reaching and how much engagement you’re getting.  

Look at likes, comments, shares and saves. If a post is getting a lot of engagements, take note! It means your audience loves it and you should try to create similar content moving forward. 

Instagram’s native Insights tool is free and built-in, but tools like Later, Iconosquare or Meta Business Suite offer more advanced analytics and posting automation. 

Based on what you learn, set goals (like increasing engagement or driving traffic to your website). And if something’s not working, don’t be afraid to tweak your approach and try again. 

How to turn Instagram views into website visits?  

Even though Instagram is one of the most visually engaging platforms, turning those views into real website traffic can be challenging. With over millions of Reels posted daily, how do you guide your audience from scrolling to clicking? 

1. Optimize your Instagram account 

First things first, pay extra attention when setting up your profile picture. Your profile picture is the first thing people see. Use your logo or a clear brand-related image that makes it easy for users to identify you. Keep your username easy to remember so people can find you easily.  

Your bio should immediately tell people who you are and what you offer. Make sure to include relevant keywords. Instagram allows only one clickable link in your bio, link to your most important page or product or directly to your website. 

Having a professional website is essential. It’s where you can establish trust, provide detailed information and make it easy for customers to take action. Whether you’re selling products on Instagram, offering services or building a brand, a website acts as the foundation for your online presence. 

Bluehost offers one-click WordPress installs, fast-loading hosting and easy Instagram-WooCommerce sync—giving your products a professional space outside the feed. With Bluehost, you get a free domain for the first year. Plus, our Bluehost’s WordPress hosting supports Instagram features through plugins like Smash Balloon and WooCommerce Instagram, making it simple to embed feeds or tag products from your posts directly on your website. 

2. Use shoppable posts for direct conversion 

Shoppable posts on Instagram are a game-changer. They drive sales directly from your feed. With this feature, users can easily purchase products they see in your posts. 

According to Meta’s 2025 report, over 130 million users tap on Instagram Shopping posts every month, making it a must-use feature for product-based businesses. 

Whenever you showcase a product, make sure to tag it with the “Product” tag. Your followers will be able to tap on the product and view more details. Write clear and concise product descriptions in your posts. 

Do not forget to share your popular products or new arrivals in your shoppable posts. This will help ensure that customers are always aware of what’s available. You can also group related products together to make it easier for customers to browse.  

For example, if you’re a clothing brand, create a “Summer Collection” that allows followers to shop all your new summer arrivals in one tap. 

3. Utilizing Instagram stories with link stickers 

Instagram Stories are an excellent way to engage your audience in a fun and temporary way. When you add link stickers, you make it super easy for followers to go straight to your website or specific product pages. 

Want to share a new product, blog post or promotion? Simply add a link sticker to your Story, and your followers can click straight through to your site. 

You can use link stickers for limited-time sales or flash deals with a CTA like “Shop now” or “Hurry, only a few left!” To make it less boring, pair them with interactive elements like polls, questions or countdowns. 

4. Invest in Instagram Ads 

To take your Instagram game to the next level and actually drive traffic to your website, Instagram Ads are a great way to do it. The beauty of Instagram Ads is how precise you can get with targeting. You can choose exactly who you want to reach based on factors like age, location, interests and even behaviors. 

Here are a few things to consider: 

• Don’t overcrowd your ad with too much text. Focus on a clear, simple message that’s easy for users to understand at a glance. 
• Include hashtags in your ad copy to help it reach a wider audience beyond just your followers. 
• Run A/B tests to compare different versions of your ads. Try varying the visuals, captions or CTAs to see what resonates best with your audience. 
• Showcase user-generated content, like customer reviews or images, to build trust. 

Also read: Lead Generation Simplified: Boost Your Business Today 

Final thoughts 

Instagram offers endless opportunities for businesses to connect with their audience and drive traffic to your website. To successfully use Instagram for business, it’s important to maintain consistency and creativity in your approach. Keep testing, engaging and refining your strategy to discover what works best for your brand. 

But all the Instagram traffic in the world won’t matter if you don’t have a reliable platform to direct your followers to. A professional website is essential for turning that engagement into real business results. 

Bluehost lets you easily set up your website with reliable WordPress hosting and a free domain for the first year. Bluehost has everything you need to grow your WordPress site or to elevate your online presence.  

Ready to take your Instagram presence to the next level? Start by setting up your website today with Bluehost WordPress hosting.   

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