With the growing demand of businesses to become more interactive and connected to their customers and those interacting with their brand. Instagram (owned by Facebook) has researched in BETA phase and have now launched a new addition of business pages on Instagram.
Much like a simplified version of a Facebook business page or “Fan Page” as some people still know it. On the mobile app (not available on PC) users, by clicking on a business profiles will have access to contact details-email, directions linked to your on phone maps app and more.
The fact that one needs to allow messaging from the public or follow someone before being able to be contacted on Instagram and most social media, makes the “Contact” feature a very definite bonus especially since many have resorted to listing these details in their profile & bio for preferred method of contact, opening up to scam and spam mails by the bucket load.
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Along with the contact feature, possibly the most sought after and appealing addition for those in the advertising industry, bloggers and brands a like is the in depth analytics that offers insight into impressions, brand reach and the demographics that resonate with certain posts.
The down side for users of Instagram (but still great for businesses and brands) is the addition of and “advertise and promote” option. This like Facebook I would advise is used with caution in order to ensure that audiences do not become resentful of the Advertised spam being promoted, flooding feeds and resort unfollowing or “mute” the brand’s profile in turn reach and content. Counteracting the point of social media and business interaction in the first place- making this new feature and offering potentially redundant if used incorrectly and abused by businesses.
Activating this feature can be done using the “cog-gear” in ones profile and selecting Switch to Business option. Please note this is currently only available to select profiles. Your Instagram will then link to your Facebook profile and or Business page linked to your Facebook profile and VOILA!
Don’t Forget to follow on Instagram while you’re at it:
For more information on setting up a Instagram Business page visit HERE
Willemien Engelbrecht
July 25, 2016 at 3:47 pmHey Llewellyn, thanks for the info! Any idea when it will be available for the rest of us? 🙂
Llewellyn Lambert
July 25, 2016 at 3:55 pmHi Willemien, Best to make sure you have a good quality smart phone with the latest version of Instagram (check your app store) i would then click the settings “Cog-wheel” top right hand side of your profile. Scroll down to see if you see Switch to Business profile just above “add accounts” & “log out” you may be selected to upgrade now after following these tips
Stephen Ellen
August 1, 2016 at 1:59 pmGreat Read, can’t wait to have access to the Instagram Business. Thank you, you have a great Blog!