Every business needs an Instagram account. Don’t try to fight it – with over 2 billion monthly active users, it’s the place to be to connect with existing customers and introduce yourself to new ones.
Once you’ve decided to establish your business or brand on Instagram you’ll be faced with a question: should you set up your account as a Business account or a Creator account?
Why Can’t I Just Use My Personal Account for My Business?
You likely already have an Instagram account. Chances are that account is a personal account. A personal account is perfect for regular people looking to share updates about their daily life with friends and family. A real benefit of this type of account is you are able to adjust the privacy settings so only people you want following you can see your posts.
There are no rules that say you can’t use a personal account to promote your business, but it’s probably not the best idea. You can post photos, videos, and stories and message followers through direct messages (DMs), and…that’s about it.
Meerkat Tip!
Personal accounts have less restrictions on what music they can use in posts. Business and Creator accounts can’t use copyrighted music in posts, but there are no limits to using music in stories.
Let Me Upgrade You
If you want to get serious about using social media to promote your business or personal brand (and you definitely should!), you’ll want to upgrade to a business account or a creator account.
There are a lot more bells and whistles associated with these advanced accounts that will take your business to the next level via Meta Business Suite. For example, both business and creator accounts give you the ability to run ads on Instagram (and Facebook) and access insights and analytics, including performance, reach, engagement, audience, and more.
The best part? It’s free!
Yep, that’s right. It’s not often when you’re running a business that something is completely, 100% free, but that’s one of the biggest benefits of social media and a major reason why you should be using it to market your business (if you aren’t already).
So congratulations – you’re moving up from the world of personal accounts into advanced features that will take your business into the stratosphere! But, which one is right for you: a business account or a creator account?
What Are the Features of an Instagram Creator Account?
Let’s start by looking at the creator account, since there are a few less features associated with it.
Just like with business accounts you can check out analytics, run ads and boost posts. You’ll notice some differences in your inbox from your personal account with new tabs marked “Read”, “Unread”, “Flagged” and “Requests”. You can also choose whether to display or hide your contact details and business category.
Creator accounts are for individuals looking to elevate their personal brand. Think thought leaders, influencers, or someone with a side hustle. It’s perfect for people who are interested in boosting their engagement, growing their following, and collaborating with brands
What Are the Features of an Instagram Business Account?
There’s a lot you can do with an Instagram Creator account, but if you are a local business, non-profit, brand, or other type of organization, you might want to consider an Instagram Business account.
You get all of the features we’ve talked about above, plus two other major additions to your profile that can translate into big bucks for your business.
Meerkat Tip!
You can create ads in Meta Ads Manager with highly customizable targeting options. With boosted posts, you’re paying for Meta to share an existing post to a larger portion of your audience and/or target new “interest-based” audiences.
First, Instagram Business accounts have the ability to schedule content through third party apps, like Buffer and Later. This can be helpful if you’re busy during the day and don’t have time to remember to publish a post manually or if you have more than one account you are updating.
Second, you have access to adding shoppable links in posts and stories. This extends to other call-to-actions, including “Call Now” and “Learn More”. Your potential customers can be a single tap or click away from making a purchase. Convenience is key!
Meerkat Tip!
Meta Business Suite, formerly known as Facebook’s Creator Studio, is only accessible to business accounts. It is a platform where you can create, manage, and publish content on Facebook and Instagram.
How to Decide Between a Business and Creator Account
There is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing to set up a business or creator account on Instagram.
Meerkat Tip!
Don’t worry if you change your mind. You can switch from a business to a creator account (or vice versa). We don’t recommend going back and forth because it can affect your insight data and lock you out of some features.
If you want to use Instagram to increase your following or build your personal brand, a Creator account is likely the right call. Similar people with Creator accounts are influencers, public figures, wedding and event photographers, and artists.
Business accounts are best for organizations that are looking to directly sell products or services, in addition to increasing their following, through social media. You’ll find local businesses, restaurants, e-commerce brands, and other service providers taking advantage of Instagram Business accounts.
Still Not Sure if a Creator or Business Account is the Best Fit for You?
Meerkat Media Group is here to help! With experience in e-commerce, hospitality, food, non-profits, and more, our team will help you reach the audience you want in the way you want.
