Instagram for Small Business
A comprehensive guide to using Instagram to grow your small business presence online.

by Ridhi, Bhavana, Akshara FBLA Tompkins

Setting Up Your Instagram Business Profile
Download and Sign Up
- Download Instagram from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app, tap Sign Up, and create an account.
- Use your business email or phone for registration.
- Choose a username that clearly represents your brand (ex: @KatyBakery).
- Verify your account via email or phone.
- Familiarize yourself with basic app features.
Create Your Profile
- Upload a clear profile photo like your logo or storefront.
- Write a brief bio describing your business and contact info.
- Add a link to your website or promotions.
- Set your profile category accurately.
- Switch to a Business Account via Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account → Business.
- Link your Instagram to your Facebook Business page if available.
Optimize for Search
✅ Tip: Include relevant keywords naturally in your name or bio (ex: "Local Custom Cakes – Katy, TX").
- Use strategic hashtags in bio and posts.
- Keep contact info updated.
- Enable location tags in posts.
- Respond quickly to comments and messages to boost engagement.
Using Instagram Effectively
Navigating the App
- Home (🏠): Feed with posts from followed accounts.
- Search (🔍): Discover content and find competitors or trends.
- Create (➕): Post photos, videos, reels, or go live.
- Reels (🎬): Short, viral videos – perfect for product showcases.
- Profile (👤): View and edit your posts, bio, highlights, etc.
Posting Content
- Tap ➕ (Create) → Select Post, Reel, or Story.
- Upload image/video → Edit with filters or text → Write caption → Add hashtags → Tap Share.
✅ Tip: Use 3-5 niche hashtags (ex: #KatyEats #TXCakes #SmallBizSupport)
✅ Tip: Post consistently – at least 3x/week
Using Stories & Highlights
- Tap your profile picture → Tap "Your Story".
- Add daily updates, sales, or behind-the-scenes.
- Save to Highlights by tapping "Highlight" after posting (ex: Menu, Reviews, Events).
Engaging with Your Audience
- Reply to DMs and comments within 24 hours.
- Run polls or Q&As in stories.
- Use "Add Yours" stickers for engagement.
Instagram Content Ideas
Bio Examples:
Handmade jewelry in Austin ✨ | Custom orders welcome | DM to order 💌
Authentic Nepali Momos 🥟 | Katy, TX | Catering Available 📞
Caption Templates:
New Product: "✨ Just launched: our handmade lavender body butter! 🌿 Perfect for Mother's Day gifts or treating yourself 💜 DM to order or click the link in our bio!"
Behind-the-Scenes: "Here's a peek into our kitchen this morning! 🧱 We're prepping for a wedding order 💍. #SmallBizJourney"
Promotion: "🎉 Flash Sale Today Only 🎉 15% off all orders over $30! Use code: SPRING15"
Story Ideas:
Poll: "What should we restock first? 🍪 Chocolate Chip or Snickerdoodle?"
Q&A: "Ask us anything! We're answering your baking questions today 👇"
Countdown: "New launch coming in 3 days 👀 Tap to turn on reminders!"
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