You would think that since one of my services is social media management, that I would endorse all businesses having an account on all platforms. The more platforms a potential client is on, the more business that means for me when they turn over their social media accounts for me to setup, manage, or maintain.
But I am in the business of making sure that my clients receive value for their dollars spent on my services, and in some cases, maintaining an Instagram account for a client that has no need for an Instagram business account, is not in the best interest of my time or my clients’ dollars.
Some social media managers may want to tell you that you should have an Instagram account because everyone else is doing it, but you should ask yourself these questions before you create an Instagram business account.
Having a regular Instagram account is fine, if you’re into sharing selfies and pictures throughout your daily life adventures. But a business account is a whole other ballgame, that just may not be what you need for your business.
Do you need a business Instagram account? Answer these questions first.
Ask yourself these questions before you create or switch your account from personal to business on Instagram.
- Do my ideal customers ‘hangout’ on Instagram?
- Are there usually visually appealing aspects of my business that I can share through pictures and video?
- Are my competitors on Instagram? And if so, how are they making out?
- Note: # of followers is not indicative of how much actual business they are generating from the platform – engagement matters more than numbers
- Do I like being photographed or having those photos shared worldwide? (Don’t get me wrong there are successful businesses that never have any pics of themselves on the platform. However, this doesn’t work for everyone or every business. Some businesses are more successful when there is a face behind the business/brand.)
If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, then maybe you should consider creating a business Instagram account. Dive a little deeper with a social media strategist and develop your plan for business on Instagram.
However, if you answered no to most of the questions, skip Instagram and go where your customers are. That is one of the most important strategies in business: being where your customers ‘hang out’.
At the end of the day, it’s your decision whether or not you want your business to have an Instagram page. Just keep in mind that not because you can have one, means that you should.