Instagram has evolved to become a powerful platform for businesses, especially in the education sector. It’s no longer just a place to share photos and videos; it’s a marketing powerhouse and platform for personal branding. The education business has evolved for good, and so have the marketing strategies. If you still stick to word of mouth for the gains of your business, you need to think again. Posting about your wisdom and your USP and engaging with your audience is the key. For educators running online classes, selling courses, or building an education brand, switching your Instagram account to a business account is an absolute must. Not only does it offer advanced features, but it also opens the doors to professional opportunities that can help you scale your business.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to switch your Instagram account to a business account, explore its benefits, and highlight how it can transform your education business.
How to Switch to a Business Account?
Switching to a business account is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how:
1. Open Your Instagram Profile
Begin by opening the Instagram app and navigating to your profile. Tap the profile icon located in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Access the Settings
In the top right corner of your profile, you’ll see three horizontal lines (often called the “hamburger” menu). Tap on it and select Settings and Privacy.
3. Switch to a Professional Account
Scroll through the menu to find the Account Type and Tools option. Click on it, and then choose Switch to Professional Account.
4. Select a Category
Instagram will ask you to choose a category that best describes your business. As an educator, categories like education, coach, or public figure are ideal. This categorization helps Instagram understand your niche, which can improve how your account is discovered.
5. Choose Business Account
Instagram offers two types of professional accounts: Creator and Business. For education businesses, a business account is the better option as it provides access to analytics, ad tools, and more.
6. Link to a Facebook Page (Optional)
If you have a Facebook page for your business, linking it to your Instagram account can be beneficial. This allows for seamless cross-platform posting and better ad management.
7. Optimize Your Profile
Once your account is switched, optimize your profile. Use a professional profile picture, craft a clear and concise bio, and include a link to your website, course platform, or any other relevant resource.
Perks of Switching to a Business Account:
Switching to a business account isn’t just about getting a “professional” tag on your profile. It unlocks a plethora of features that can significantly boost your education business. Let’s delve into the perks:
1. Access to Instagram insights
- Know Your Audience: Insights provide detailed information about your followers, including their demographics (age, gender, location) and active hours. This data helps you understand your audience better and tailor your content accordingly.
- Track Performance: You can monitor the performance of your posts, stories, and reels. Insights like reach, impressions, and engagement rates allow you to identify what works and what doesn’t.
2. Promote Your Content
- Instagram’s ad tools enable you to run targeted campaigns to reach specific demographics. Whether you want to promote a new course, webinar, or ebook, you can create ads that appear in users’ feeds or stories.
- Boosting posts is another feature that allows you to increase visibility for your best-performing content.
3. Add Action Buttons
- Business accounts allow you to add action buttons like Call, Email, or Book Now directly on your profile. This makes it easier for potential students to contact you or register for your offerings without additional steps.
4. Improved Credibility
- A business account portrays you as a serious professional. It adds a layer of trust and credibility to your profile, which can be crucial for converting followers into paying customers.
5. Access to Advanced Features
- Business accounts can create shoppable posts, add swipe-up links to stories (for accounts with over 10k followers), and use tools like Instagram Shopping to sell educational resources like books or merchandise.
Do you want to take your business online? Inquire by providing your contact number below and experts at Classplus will contact you to kickstart your business online!
How Switching Your IG Account to a Business Account is Useful for Your Education Business?
Now that we’ve explored the perks of a business account, let’s focus on how these features can specifically benefit your education business –
1. Build Your Brand and Credibility
In the education space, trust is everything. Students and parents need to believe in your expertise before they invest in your courses or services. A business account allows you to showcase your authority through professional branding. Features like category tags and action buttons make your profile look polished and reliable.
2. Showcase Your Expertise
With a business account, you can use Instagram’s tools to highlight your knowledge in innovative ways:
- Posts and Reels: Share bite-sized lessons, study tips, or motivational content to keep your audience engaged.
- Stories: Use stories to give behind-the-scenes glimpses of your teaching process, share success stories, or conduct Q&A sessions.
- Live Sessions: Host live classes or webinars to interact directly with your audience. Live sessions can be saved as IGTV videos for future reference.
3. Expand Your Reach
One of the biggest challenges for educators is reaching the right audience. A business account helps you overcome this through:
- Targeted Ads: Run campaigns to reach students in specific age groups, locations, or interests.
- Hashtag Strategies: Use niche hashtags like #OnlineLearning or #StudyTips to connect with users interested in education.
- Collaborations: Partner with other educators or influencers in your niche to cross-promote your content.
Also read – How to Get Paid Promotions on Instagram?
4. Engage with Your Audience
Instagram business accounts offer tools to directly interact with your followers, making it easier to build a community.
- Polls and Quizzes: Use these features in stories to engage students and gather feedback about your courses.
- DM Automation: Set up automated responses to frequently asked questions, such as course prices or class timings.
5. Drive Traffic to Your Offerings
Your ultimate goal is to convert Instagram followers into paying customers or learners. With a business account, you can strategically guide traffic to your website or course platform:
- Use the link in bio strategically to promote webinars, ebooks, or course registrations.
- Utilize story highlights to keep important information accessible, such as pricing details, FAQs, and testimonials.
Conclusion
Switching to a business account on Instagram is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic move that can be a game changer for your online education business. From gaining valuable insights to engaging directly with your audience, the benefits are undeniable. If you’re an educator looking to grow your online presence, now is the time to make the switch and maximize the full potential of Instagram.
Your education business deserves to shine, and Instagram is the perfect stage. Start today and watch your influence—and your business—grow!
