Instagram For Business For Dummies E-Book

Eric Butow

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 443

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Become an Instagram aficionado and grow your business online

Instagram For Business For Dummies shows you how you can tap into the social media platform with over 1 billion active users and the highest brand engagement of any social app out there. Businesses of all sizes have discovered how successful they can be when they take advantage of Instagram's powerful business tools—including shoppable posts, devoted business profiles, and advanced analytics. This beginner-friendly book helps you take advantage of this great opportunity to connect with a broader audience, tell a gripping story, and make your business an integral part of customers' lives. This new edition covers all of Instagram's latest features, including verified accounts, Broadcast Channels, and integration with Threads. You'll also learn everything you need to know about establishing brand partnerships with influencers, making the most of hashtags, and creating content that will get you noticed. Presented in straightforward language by Instagram and marketing gurus, this book will take you from setting up your account and profile to winning new business on Instagram.

• Set up your Instagram business account and link your sales to the Instagram Shopping feature
• Use analytics to understand your engagement and create better content
• Learn how to effectively use Instagram Stories, Broadcast Channels, and Threads
• Reach more people with brand partnerships, hashtags, and viral posts

Even if you're a complete Insta-beginner, Instagram For Business For Dummies will help you market your brand on this powerful social platform.

Leseprobe

Instagram® For Business For Dummies®

To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “Instagram for Business For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

About This Book

Foolish Assumptions

Icons Used in This Book

Beyond the Book

Where to Go from Here

Part 1: Creating Your Profile and Building Your Narrative

Chapter 1: Installing Instagram

Moving Instagram to the Launch Pad

Installing on Instagram’s Native Platform

Instagram Has Android Covered, Too

Installing on a Computer

No App? No Problem: Instagram Is on the Web

Starting to Gram Instantly

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Profile

Professional Profile Practices

Writing a Bio That Draws in Followers

Taking Advantage of a Business Profile Upgrade

Chapter 3: Hitting Your Target Audience

Organizing Your Marketing Goals and Roles

Gathering Post Ideas

Chapter 4: Taking and Posting Great Photos

Taking Your Best Shot

Improving Your Best Shot

Enriching Your Photo

Posting Your Photos: Ta Da!

Uploading Photos from Your Camera Roll

Uploading Multiple Photos to One Post

Part 2: Interacting with Others

Chapter 5: Finding People to Follow

Where Are My Peeps?

Finding New Friends

Following Your Industry

Deciding Whom to Follow Back

Finding Your Insta-Squad

Chapter 6: Sharing and Commenting on Posts

Before You Share, Stop and Think

Sharing on Other Social Media Sites

Garnering Comments

Reviewing Your Comments

Reporting Commenters When All Else Fails

Chapter 7: Direct Messaging with Ease

Starting a New Direct Message

Sending Photos and Videos Privately

Sharing GIFs and Stickers

Creating Orders

Imagine

Using Voice Messages

Creating a New Group Message

Replying to a Direct Message

Using Video or Audio Calls in Direct Messages

Notes

Navigating Your Inbox

Getting Rid of Unwanted Messages

Chapter 8: Wielding the Power of the Hashtag

Investigating Hashtags

Following Hashtag Best Practices

Researching the Right Hashtags

Creating a Branded Hashtag

Part 3: Fitting All the Marketing Pieces Together

Chapter 9: Planning a Winning Ad

Selecting the Right Ad Type

Using an Effective Ad Strategy

Chapter 10: Creating an Effective Instagram Ad

Using the Instagram Mobile App to Create an Ad

Using Ads Manager to Create an Ad

A/B Testing

Measuring Your Ad Results

Chapter 11: Creating a Winning Contest

Exploring the Benefits of Hosting Instagram Contests

Following the Rules and Restrictions for Running Contests

Planning a Successful Contest

Executing a Winning Contest

Following Up

Chapter 12: Connecting Your Marketing Dots

Incorporating Instagram in Your Marketing Mix

Connecting Instagram to Other Social Networks

Including Instagram on Your Website

Promoting Instagram on Printed Materials

Incorporating Instagram into an Event or Promotion

Chapter 13: Instagram Analytics

Using Instagram’s Professional Dashboard

Insights

Next Steps

Your Tools

Tools to Set Up

Part 4: Using Instagram Stories as Another Avenue

Chapter 14: Sharing with Instagram Stories

Checking Out Instagram Stories

Getting Started

Adding a Text Post

Saving Your Story

Using Direct Messages to Send a Story

Determining the Best Content to Share

Advertising Your Story

Chapter 15: Making Your Story More Fun

Creating Graphics for Stories

Adding Text and Username Tags

Drawing on Your Story

Stickers and Tags

Adding a Link to Your Website

Making Funny Faces with Face Filters

Using Boomerang to Keep Fans Coming Back

Creating a Collage with Layout

Using Hands-Free to Make Life Easier

Want Both Cameras in One Shot? Go Dual

Chapter 16: Sharing Your Stories in New Ways

Jazzing Up Your Story Post Using Stickers

Personalizing Stories with Doodles

Saying More with Text

Chapter 17: Using Highlights to Keep Stories Longer

Getting Acquainted with Highlights

Creating a Highlight Gallery

Adding Content to a Highlight

Coming Up with Fun Ideas for Highlights

Chapter 18: Going Live on Instagram

Getting Started with Live Videos

Knowing When to Go Live

Developing a Game Plan

Alerting Your Fans

Acknowledging Live Followers

Inviting a Guest onto the Live Broadcast

Saving Live Broadcasts and Sharing Them

Part 5: Becoming a Pro at Reels and Broadcast Channels

Chapter 19: Using Reels to Stand Out

Finding and Watching Reels

Tapping Into Whose Reels You’re Seeing

Chapter 20: Creating a Reels Presence

Doing the Preproduction Work

Recording a Reel

Adding Finesse to Your Reels

Remixing a Reel

Chapter 21: Starting Your Own Broadcast Channel

Creating a Broadcast Channel

Sending Updates to Your Broadcast Channel

Joining Someone Else’s Broadcast Channel

Part 6: Why Isn't This Working?

Chapter 22: Insta-Diagnosing Instagram

Installation Issues

Log-In Difficulties

Finding Relief for Common Problems

Nothing Is Working … Now What?

Getting Rid of Error Messages

Chapter 23: Insta-Help Is on the Way

Taking Advantage of Instagram’s Help

Tapping Social Media

Joining a Community

Part 7: The Part of Tens

Chapter 24: Ten Brands Killing It on Instagram

GoPro

Recess

LeesFeedBoutique

RPMItalian

New American Funding

The Mediterranean Dish

The.Book.Report

LaJollaMom

TSA

GE Aerospace

Chapter 25: Ten Places to Find Inspiration

Investigate the Explore Page

Review Hashtag Searches Related to Your Brand

Spy on Your Competitors

Get Inspiration from Local Businesses

Check Out Your Favorite Products

Look to Photographers

Get Inspired by Bloggers

Find Big Brands That Are Being Creative

Learn from Instagram and Marketing Experts

Follow the Instagram for Business Account

Index

About the Authors

Advertisement Page

Connect with Dummies

End User License Agreement

List of Illustrations

Chapter 1

FIGURE 1-1: The Get button on the Search screen.

FIGURE 1-2: Yes, tap iPhone Only when you’re installing Instagram on your iPad.

FIGURE 1-3: The Instagram app is in the upper-right corner.

FIGURE 1-4: Tap the Instagram icon to read more about the app.

FIGURE 1-5: Click Install in the Microsoft Store window.

FIGURE 1-6: Display the Develop menu in the Safari menu bar by selecting the ch...

FIGURE 1-7: To upload a photo, click Create in the left-hand menu.

FIGURE 1-8: The menu is on the left side of the Instagram home page.

FIGURE 1-9: You can view comments from other users to the right of the photo(s)...

FIGURE 1-10: The Instagram app is in the I section of the apps list.

FIGURE 1-11: The Instagram icon appears in the fifth row of icons on this iPhon...

Chapter 2

FIGURE 2-1: An Instagram profile consists of these standard components.

FIGURE 2-2: The username of your account is listed at the top of your profile.

FIGURE 2-3: Effective Instagram bios immediately convey value to the visitor.

FIGURE 2-4: The Instagram bio for @owenvideo is designed to appeal to people in...

FIGURE 2-5: A branded hashtag in your Instagram bio can be helpful for branding...

FIGURE 2-6: Add your bio in the Edit Profile screen.

FIGURE 2-7: The Edit Profile screen has an option for upgrading to a business p...

FIGURE 2-8: Edit the contact information for your profile.

FIGURE 2-9: Business profiles provide features not available to a regular Insta...

FIGURE 2-10: Instagram users view your business profile with these added featur...

Chapter 3

FIGURE 3-1: These logo types illustrate an easily associated product or service...

FIGURE 3-2: Type a business name in the Search field, and look for its Instagra...

FIGURE 3-3: A business profile can display Contact, Email, and other action ite...

FIGURE 3-4: A simple content calendar set up in Excel.

FIGURE 3-5: This content calendar shows a one-month plan for an outdoor equipme...

FIGURE 3-6: Many platforms, such as Later, offer a dashboard so you can see mul...

Chapter 4

FIGURE 4-1: The camera icon appears above your Recents thumbnail list.

FIGURE 4-2: Now you can take your photo.

FIGURE 4-3: The photo Viewer (left) and Filter screen (right).

FIGURE 4-4: The tool name appears above each tool icon.

FIGURE 4-5: Use the slider bar in the Adjust screen to change the photo’s persp...

FIGURE 4-6: Tap the color dot to select a color for your photo shadow.

FIGURE 4-7: Add details to your photo here.

FIGURE 4-8: The Search Music screen lists popular music you can add to your pho...

FIGURE 4-9: Your photo appears at the top of the Add Music screen.

FIGURE 4-10: Add Location is one of four options that appear when you swipe up ...

FIGURE 4-11: The photo appears in your new post.

FIGURE 4-12: The thumbnail of the selected photo appears dimmed.

FIGURE 4-13: The select multiple icon in the viewer is blue, and the other view...

FIGURE 4-14: The most recently selected photo appears in the viewer.

FIGURE 4-15: The filter name appears above the filter thumbnail image.

Chapter 5

FIGURE 5-1: Instagram displays all Facebook friends who are available to follow...

FIGURE 5-2: Instagram can pull contacts from your phone’s saved contacts for yo...

FIGURE 5-3: The Explore page displays reels and posts you might like.

FIGURE 5-4: Search by For You, Accounts, Audio, Tags, Places, and Reels.

FIGURE 5-5: After you follow an account, Instagram presents similar accounts yo...

FIGURE 5-6: You can see a competitor’s followers by tapping its number of follo...

FIGURE 5-7: Tagging one or more usernames in your post can get a company’s atte...

FIGURE 5-8: Followers you haven’t followed back have a blue Follow link to the ...

FIGURE 5-9: Search hashtags to see Instagram’s suggestions for other more speci...

Chapter 6

FIGURE 6-1: The Share screen on an iPhone or iPad (left) and the Share screen o...

FIGURE 6-2: You can embed your photo or video here.

FIGURE 6-3: Your Comments appear in front of your post.

FIGURE 6-4: The comment options push the comment to the left.

FIGURE 6-5: The menu bar appears in front of the Comments page.

FIGURE 6-6: Use this menu to block someone from commenting.

Chapter 7

FIGURE 7-1: The Instagram Direct icon is located at the top right of your home ...

FIGURE 7-2: Create a message by tapping the pencil in the upper right.

FIGURE 7-3: Type a message in the Message box at the bottom of the page.

FIGURE 7-4: Tap the Camera icon to the right of the person you’d like to contac...

FIGURE 7-5: Tap or hold down the white button to take a photo or video, respect...

FIGURE 7-6: Add text to your photo by tapping the Aa icon.

FIGURE 7-7: Choose photos or videos from your camera roll.

FIGURE 7-8: On an iPhone, reveal the GIF button by tapping the black + button i...

FIGURE 7-9: Select from the suggested GIFs or can search for other GIFs.

FIGURE 7-10: Tap the GIF or sticker to send it automatically.

FIGURE 7-11: Enter the price and description of the item or service.

FIGURE 7-12: Type in a text prompt to have AI create an image for you.

FIGURE 7-13: Tap the microphone icon to begin recording your voice message.

FIGURE 7-14: Enter the name of the group to save it for future messages.

FIGURE 7-15: Chat contacts can choose whether to answer or dismiss the call.

FIGURE 7-16: Notes appear at the top of the Instagram Direct screen (left) and ...

FIGURE 7-17: The number in the red oval tells you the number of new direct mess...

FIGURE 7-18: Deleting a message on an iPhone.

FIGURE 7-19: Your message requests.

Chapter 8

FIGURE 8-1: Hashtags can go in the caption (left) or below the caption in the c...

FIGURE 8-2: The For You area displays the most popular posts using a particular...

FIGURE 8-3: Store hashtags in a notes app (left), an email message (middle), or...

FIGURE 8-4: Iconosquare offers several ways to track hashtag analytics.

FIGURE 8-5: Sprout Social can display your most used and most engaged hashtags....

FIGURE 8-6: Later offers in-depth hashtag analytics at a reasonable price.

FIGURE 8-7: Track your competitors’ hashtags in a simple spreadsheet to generat...

FIGURE 8-8: Searching for a popular hashtag can reveal influencers who may have...

FIGURE 8-9: @@elizakatoa_fit shares her upper body workout as part of the #Garm...

FIGURE 8-10: Search results for the hashtag #garminambassador.

Chapter 9

FIGURE 9-1: This photo ad has a Learn More call-to-action link that links to th...

FIGURE 9-2: This video ad has a Learn More call-to-action link that links to th...

FIGURE 9-3: The dots below the image tell you the number of images or videos in...

FIGURE 9-4: Instagram Stories ads have a call to action button on the screen.

FIGURE 9-5: The meter displays the ad's estimated daily reach based on the demo...

FIGURE 9-6: Using people in your ad helps to forge a connection with your audie...

FIGURE 9-7: A pop of bright color will get your ad noticed.

FIGURE 9-8: The smile of this doctor conveys warmth and trust.

FIGURE 9-9: Photos with bad lighting should never be used as an ad.

FIGURE 9-10: Blurry or grainy photos are almost impossible to fix. Never use th...

Chapter 10

FIGURE 10-1: Tap the blue Boost button to start the ad process.

FIGURE 10-2: Choose the destination for your ad, and then follow the prompts to...

FIGURE 10-3: The Create New Campaign page.

FIGURE 10-4: Enter a new campaign name.

FIGURE 10-5: Enter a new ad set name.

FIGURE 10-6: Choose your budget.

FIGURE 10-7: Use the Search Locations field to type the location(s) you want to...

FIGURE 10-8: Choose other demographics, such as age and gender.

FIGURE 10-9: The New Ad page appears.

FIGURE 10-10: Select the account on which you want to run the ad.

FIGURE 10-11: Deselect every option you don’t want in the Platform section.

FIGURE 10-12: You can A/B test your ad in two ways with multiple variables.

FIGURE 10-13: Facebook will create a copy of your campaign for you to edit and ...

FIGURE 10-14: The Ad tools area of Instagram allows you to boost posts and view...

FIGURE 10-15: The Manage link shows insights about your promotion.

FIGURE 10-16: View summary results by looking to the right of your campaign nam...

FIGURE 10-17: Click View Charts under your campaign name to see more campaign r...

Chapter 11

FIGURE 11-1: Include your contest rules and terms of entry directly in the post...

FIGURE 11-2: Detailed contest rules may be referenced as a link to a website or...

FIGURE 11-3: A contest may include multiple criteria to submit a complete entry...

FIGURE 11-4: A contest hashtag demonstrates the unique quality of the contest.

FIGURE 11-5: Your images should match the theme of your contest.

Chapter 12

FIGURE 12-1: Access Sharing to Other Apps by tapping See Apps.

FIGURE 12-2: Share your Instagram post to other platforms by tapping the approp...

FIGURE 12-3: Add links to your social media profile on your website.

FIGURE 12-4: Social media share buttons for a variety of networks are available...

FIGURE 12-5: This website has its Instagram feed embedded on one of its web pag...

FIGURE 12-6: This business card shows several ways to contact the business, inc...

FIGURE 12-7: Custom graphics with text overlays can be helpful when announcing ...

FIGURE 12-8: Posting photos highlighting a certain feature of an event can get ...

FIGURE 12-9: Include signs with your event hashtag to encourage people to post ...

FIGURE 12-10: Custom graphics with text overlays can call attention to your pro...

FIGURE 12-11: Instagram Stories are the perfect place to post 24-hour specials ...

Chapter 13

FIGURE 13-1: The Professional Dashboard is below your bio on your profile page.

FIGURE 13-2: The Professional Dashboard displays results from the past month fo...

FIGURE 13-3: This Excel spreadsheet shows key metrics that are being tracked.

FIGURE 13-4: Instagram provides several tools and resources to help monetize an...

FIGURE 13-5: Iconosquare offers more options than Instagram Professional Dashbo...

FIGURE 13-6: The Sprout Social Performance dashboard offers easy-to-understand ...

Chapter 14

FIGURE 14-1: View stories by tapping a profile picture at the top of your newsf...

FIGURE 14-2: Tap or hold down on the white circle to take a photo or video, res...

FIGURE 14-3: The story post appears on the top half of the Share screen.

FIGURE 14-4: Swipe up from the bottom of the Instagram Stories screen to see ph...

FIGURE 14-5: Tap anywhere in the screen to start typing.

FIGURE 14-6: You can save your story before you post it.

FIGURE 14-7: You can save your story after you’ve posted it as well.

FIGURE 14-8: Send a direct message to individuals.

FIGURE 14-9: You can also send a direct message to a group.

FIGURE 14-10: @pinkleafconsulting talks to her target audience of creative intr...

FIGURE 14-11: @egglestondesigns uses before-and-after shots to show her home st...

FIGURE 14-12: @schulzmuseum showcases the month’s events and products at the Ch...

FIGURE 14-13: @raquel.borras tells her followers about her excitement meeting @...

FIGURE 14-14: @purpledoguk shows her followers this trip to the St. Elli’s Bay ...

FIGURE 14-15: Instagram Stories ads have a call to action at the bottom of the ...

Chapter 15

FIGURE 15-1: The Explore icon appears in the menu bar at the bottom of the scre...

FIGURE 15-2: Customize a template design’s photo, layout, and more.

FIGURE 15-3: To add text, tap Aa in the top-right of the screen (left) and then...

FIGURE 15-4: You can draw with a magic marker, an arrow, a highlighter, and in ...

FIGURE 15-5: You can choose from a variety of stickers.

FIGURE 15-6: You can add your location (left) or a hashtag (right) to your stor...

FIGURE 15-7: To add a link, tap the chain link at the top of your story (left),...

FIGURE 15-8: Instagram Stories offer fun face filters that alter your appearanc...

FIGURE 15-9: The Boomerang icon is on the left side of the screen.

FIGURE 15-10: The photo is in the upper-left quadrant, and the live camera is i...

FIGURE 15-11: The photo appears in full screen, and the front camera is in the ...

Chapter 16

FIGURE 16-1: Tap the smiley face sticker icon (left) to access story stickers (...

FIGURE 16-2: Select your location from the list of locations or use the search ...

FIGURE 16-3: Tap the location sticker to choose different color and background ...

FIGURE 16-4: Type the name or username of a person you want to @mention with a ...

FIGURE 16-5: Use the search bar in the GIF sticker screen to find animations re...

FIGURE 16-6: Type your question (left) and then readers can drag the smiley fac...

FIGURE 16-7: Use the question sticker to generate dialogue and participation wi...

FIGURE 16-8: Use the quiz sticker to test your followers.

FIGURE 16-9: Tap the countdown sticker to set the end date and time.

FIGURE 16-10: Add a picture-in-picture effect to your stories.

FIGURE 16-11: Tap and hold any sticker in a story to drag it down to the trash ...

FIGURE 16-12: Tap Draw in the menu to access the drawing tools.

FIGURE 16-13: Doodle tools offer different pen options, different thickness opt...

FIGURE 16-14: Combine drawing tools by overlaying a solid color on top of an im...

Chapter 17

FIGURE 17-1: Story highlights are the series of circles below the bio and are a...

FIGURE 17-2: When starting a new story highlights gallery, you’ll be able to ch...

FIGURE 17-3: When you access an active story, you’ll see the highlight icon, wh...

FIGURE 17-4: Reposition your image as needed.

FIGURE 17-5: Custom covers for highlights offer a creative and appealing way to...

FIGURE 17-6: Use the Add tab to add archived stories to a highlight.

FIGURE 17-7: You can add archived stories to a highlight.

FIGURE 17-8: Deleting any post from a highlight is just as easy as adding a pos...

Chapter 18

FIGURE 18-1: Go Live on Instagram (left); your video is live (right).

FIGURE 18-2: Share your live video.

FIGURE 18-3: Post graphics on Instagram before your Live broadcast to promote i...

FIGURE 18-4: The two-person icon allows you to invite someone into your live vi...

FIGURE 18-5: A guest on a live broadcast shares the screen with you until the p...

Chapter 19

FIGURE 19-1: The Instagram Reels icon is located at the top right of a post on ...

FIGURE 19-2: Instagram Reels have a tab on the account profile page.

FIGURE 19-3: Instagram Reels feed shows reels that Instagram thinks will intere...

FIGURE 19-4: Tap the user name at the top left to view a user’s profile page fr...

Chapter 20

FIGURE 20-1: Use a spreadsheet to organize Reels topics.

FIGURE 20-2: Several options are available to start a new reel.

FIGURE 20-3: Change multiple settings for your reel with options on the right a...

FIGURE 20-4: A color-changing circle wraps around the record button to show you...

FIGURE 20-5: Start over, keep editing, or save the clips as a draft reel from t...

FIGURE 20-6: Tap the clip and the Discard button to delete a clip.

FIGURE 20-7: The name of the audio track is shown at the bottom left of the ree...

FIGURE 20-8: View the number of reels created with a particular audio on the Mu...

FIGURE 20-9: The Inspiration page shows the top trending audio.

FIGURE 20-10: See a preview of the effect on the reel you are creating.

FIGURE 20-11: Change the grid style for your layout reel.

FIGURE 20-12: Use a Green Screen to add a new background behind you.

FIGURE 20-13: Add your prompt here, or choose one that’s already been created.

FIGURE 20-14: Choose the length of your reel.

FIGURE 20-15: The dual-screen feature shows your front and back camera at the s...

FIGURE 20-16: Change the duration of text on the editing screen.

FIGURE 20-17: The Share screen.

FIGURE 20-18: The Remix feature lets you add to someone else’s reel and repost ...

Chapter 21

FIGURE 21-1: Tap Channel to create your new Broadcast Channel.

FIGURE 21-2: Enter your channel name,

FIGURE 21-3: Choose from available themes or upload your own.

FIGURE 21-4: Invite people to your channel via various methods.

FIGURE 21-5: Send a text message to your channel.

FIGURE 21-6: Ask your audience a question.

FIGURE 21-7: Have your audience take a poll.

FIGURE 21-8: On an iPhone, reveal the GIF button by tapping the black + button ...

FIGURE 21-9: Options for sharing or unsending your messages.

Chapter 22

FIGURE 22-1: Clear your Google Play Store data here.

FIGURE 22-2: The storage space that the Instagram app is taking up ...

FIGURE 22-3: The storage space on an Android device.

FIGURE 22-4: Getting password help on an iPhone.

FIGURE 22-5: The Profile screen on an iPhone (left) and an Android ...

Chapter 23

FIGURE 23-1: Instagram Help Center on a desktop browser.

FIGURE 23-2: Swipe to view all options in the Help Center.

FIGURE 23-3: The Help screen on an Android device.

FIGURE 23-4: The Instagram Help Center webpage.

FIGURE 23-5: Privacy and safety topics on an iPhone.

FIGURE 23-6: The Instagram Business website.

FIGURE 23-7: The Instagram for Business page on Facebook.

FIGURE 23-8: Follow the Instagram feed on Threads by clicking or ta...

FIGURE 23-9: Blog post titles appear below the image.

FIGURE 23-10: The Instagram Business blog.

FIGURE 23-11: The Reddit Instagram page.

FIGURE 23-12: The Quora Instagram for Marketers group page.

Chapter 24

FIGURE 24-1: GoPro shares great well-branded content.

FIGURE 24-2: The @takearecess account capitalizes on the new mockta...

FIGURE 24-3: The @leesfeedboutique account staff models all of its ...

FIGURE 24-4: The @rpmitalian account shares a variety of images fro...

FIGURE 24-5: The @newamericanfunding account educates people about ...

FIGURE 24-6: The @themediterraneandish shares an olive oil guide fo...

FIGURE 24-7: The @the.book.report account uses a variety of feature...

FIGURE 24-8: The @lajollamom account uses captions to educate and i...

FIGURE 24-9: The @TSA Instagram account is full of items people hav...

FIGURE 24-10: The @ge_aerospace account shares fun and educational...

Chapter 25

FIGURE 25-1: The Explore page displays a variety of content targete...

FIGURE 25-2: A hashtag gallery displays the Instagram posts that in...

FIGURE 25-3: The hashtag search screen populates other hashtags wit...

FIGURE 25-4: Use the Search field to look up your competitors.

FIGURE 25-5: Products with appealing Instagram posts.

FIGURE 25-6: Photographers often focus on a specific type of photog...

FIGURE 25-7: Bloggers often create cohesive galleries that appeal v...

FIGURE 25-8: Big brands get creative on Instagram.

FIGURE 25-9: The Instagram for Business account on Instagram.

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Begin Reading

Index

About the Authors

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Instagram® For Business For Dummies®, 3rd Edition

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com

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Introduction

Are you ready to have some fun? We hope you are! Because Instagram is all about entertainment and creating exciting content. Because you’ve chosen this book, we know you’re ready to get down to business, creating an Instagram account that will not only help you grow your business but also be something you enjoy!

With more and more people joining Instagram every day, the social media app continues to grow at unprecedented rates. But with that growth comes a lot of noise and saturation from people who don’t quite understand how to use the platform effectively. However, after reading this book, you’ll have the tools and tactics necessary to build a successful Instagram profile.

About This Book

The purpose of Instagram For Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition, is to help you use Instagram effectively. But as you can see by the number of pages in this book, that purpose is easier said than done!

Instagram really is as simple as uploading a photo. But for strategic business use, you should employ a number of marketing and traffic-generating tactics, which we explore in this book. And as Instagram adds more features to the platform, such as Reels, understanding how to create this additional content is just as important.

Instagram is an interactive and community-focused platform, so we hope you are looking forward to building a community around your brand.

We take you through every step of creating and uploading content to Instagram, writing effective captions that get your audience to take action, finding hashtags that help you get more exposure, building your audience, and using all the fun features built into Instagram.

Foolish Assumptions

When writing this book, we assumed that you

Have a business or are getting ready to start a business

Have a website for your business

Know your target customer audience and know that they’re using Instagram

Want to use Instagram effectively to drive real business results

Don’t want to look like an amateur, even if you’re new to using Instagram

Are committed to devoting time and energy to build a presence on Instagram that will reflect your brand

If these assumptions are correct, this is the right book for you! We’re confident that the tactics and information here will help you achieve your goals.

Icons Used in This Book

Various icons appear throughout this book to make things easier and ensure that you don’t miss important details. Here’s what the different icons look like and mean.

The Tip icon is a small piece of expert advice that will save you time and make your experience on Instagram easier to master.

Because we cover a lot of details and information, every now and then we throw in a Remember icon to remind you of important details we’ve already covered. We know you’re reading every juicy detail of the book; the Remember icon just helps resurface some of those tidbits.

Who doesn’t love a little geek-fest on technical jargon? Okay, a lot of people! We’ve pulled out these paragraphs so you can understand the technical aspects of using Instagram without getting overwhelmed.

Yes, this book has a few warnings. When you see a Warning icon, please take a few extra moments to understand the effect of what we’re saying. You’re not going to blow up your Instagram account or do anything irreparable, but we want to save you from any headaches we can.

Beyond the Book

In addition to what you’re reading right now, this book also comes with a free, access-anywhere cheat sheet that provides a handy list of Instagram lingo, steps for sharing posts directly, and more. To view the cheat sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Instagram For Business For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.

Where to Go from Here

The first few chapters dive into how to set up a new Instagram account. If you already have an Instagram account, you can skip the first chapter, but we encourage you to check out Chapter 2 because it contains information on how to set up an effective profile. Don’t worry; you can easily update or edit anything you’ve already started!

After that, we have a ton of information on creating better content and getting strategic with your Instagram content. If you want to focus on specific areas, look at the Table of Contents for guidance.

It’s time to jump into all the fun of Instagram that we’ve been talking about! Enjoy the book.

Part 1

Creating Your Profile and Building Your Narrative

IN THIS PART …

Installing Instagram on your smartphone, tablet, or Windows computer

Setting up your Instagram business profile to draw followers like moths to a flame

Preparing your business goals for your Instagram profile so you can reach the most customers

Taking photos in the Instagram app on your smartphone or tablet and sharing them from your camera roll, Gallery, or computer hard drive

Recording video clips in the Instagram app on your smartphone or tablet

Chapter 1

Installing Instagram

IN THIS CHAPTER

Finding Instagram apps for your device or computer

Deploying Instagram apps on Windows and Mac computers

Installing Instagram apps on mobile devices

Using Instagram on the web

Launching Instagram on your computer or mobile device

The good people at the Instagram division of Meta (which also owns Facebook and Threads) realized long ago that many people use Instagram with all their computing devices, not just smartphones. What’s more, they knew that if business owners were going to adopt Instagram as the de facto photo-sharing app, Instagram had to be available everywhere: on smartphones, tablets, computers, and even the Instagram website.

If you haven’t installed Instagram yet, this is the chapter you need to read. We start by showing you where to find Instagram on the web, and then you find out how to install the Instagram app on computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Next, you see how to use Instagram on the web in case you’re using a computer or device that either doesn’t or can’t have Instagram installed, such as a company smartphone that allows only company-approved apps. Finally, you launch the Instagram app on your computer or device so you can scratch that itch and start Instagramming.

Moving Instagram to the Launch Pad

If you don’t have Instagram installed on your smartphone (or your computer), search in one of the following locations to find and download the app:

iPhone or iPad:

App Store

Android smartphone or tablet:

Google Play Store

Windows:

Microsoft Store

Mac:

App Store

In the iPhone example shown in Figure 1-1, the Instagram entry in the Search screen list shows the Get button so you can download Instagram.

FIGURE 1-2: The Get button on the Search screen.

If your workplace has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, pass this book around to the people in your company so they can refer to the appropriate section in this chapter for installing Instagram on their computer or device.

Installing on Instagram’s Native Platform

The first version of Instagram, which was available for download on October 6, 2010, was for iPhone users. It was a wise decision: The popularity of the iPhone Instagram’s ease of use when sharing photos resulted in more than one million registered Instagram users by the end of 2010. (Ten years later, about one billion users are on the iPhone and Android platforms.) You can install the iPhone app on your iPhone and iPad if you prefer to use your tablet. (If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, don’t worry. We have you covered in the next section.)

Installing on an iPhone

It’s easy to download Instagram from the App Store to your iPhone:

Tap the App Store icon.

Tap the Search icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Tap the Search box at the top of the screen and start typing the word Instagram.

After you type the first few letters, Instagram appears at the top of the results list.

Tap Instagram in the results list.

The app information appears on the screen, as you saw in Figure 1-1.

Tap Get.

If you need to sign into the App Store, type your password in the Sign In to the App Store window and then tap Get. If you have a newer iPhone that doesn’t have a Home button, follow the prompts to complete your transaction. If your iPhone has a touch button and you use Touch ID instead of typing your password, place the appropriate finger or thumb on the Home button.

Tap Open.

The next time you want to open Instagram, swipe to the Home screen with room for icons — because that’s where you’ll find the Instagram icon.

Now Instagram is ready for you to start using it, so move ahead to the “Starting to Gram Instantly” section.

Installing on an iPad

Instagram has yet to create a native app for the iPad, which is another one of life’s great mysteries (but not at the level of where missing socks go). However, you can use the iPhone app on the iPad.

Here’s how to install Instagram on an iPad:

Tap the App Store icon.

Tap the Search icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Tap the Search box at the top of the screen and start typing the word “Instagram.”

After you type the first two or three letters, Instagram appears at the top of the results list.

Tap Instagram in the results list.

In the upper-left corner of the screen, tap Filters ⇒ Supports.

Tap iPhone Only, as shown in

Figure

1-2

.

Tap the Instagram app’s Get button (see Figure1-3).

If you need to sign into the App Store, type your password in the Sign In to the App Store window. Then tap Get. Or, if you use Touch ID, place the appropriate finger or thumb on the Home button instead.

Tap Open.

Now that you’ve installed Instagram on your iPad, go straight to the “Starting to Gram Instantly” section later in this chapter to learn how to start using Instagram.

FIGURE 1-2: Yes, tap iPhone Only when you’re installing Instagram on your iPad.

FIGURE 1-3: The Instagram app is in the upper-right corner.

Instagram Has Android Covered, Too

After Instagram was satisfied with the development of its app on the iPhone, staffers turned their attention to developing Instagram for the Android platform. On the day the app was released in April 2012, more than one million users downloaded it.

Here’s how to install Instagram from the Google Play Store:

Tap the Play Store icon on the Home screen.

If the Play Store icon isn’t on the Home screen, tap Apps on the Home screen and then tap Play Store on the Apps screen.

Tap the Search box at the top of the screen and start typing the word Instagram.

After you type, Instagram appears in the results list.

Tap Instagram in the results list.

The app information screen shown in Figure 1-4 appears.

Tap Install.

Tap Open.

It’s time to start Instagramming, so skip ahead to the “Starting to Gram Instantly” section.

Installing on a Computer

Instagram was designed for a smartphone, but in a business setting, you’ll be more likely to view it at your desk while you’re working. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep looking from your computer screen to your smartphone.

Fortunately, Instagram is available for Windows and Mac, so you can view, like, and comment on photos and videos from other Instagram users. However, you can’t use your computer’s webcam to take pictures or shoot video.

Feel free to skip ahead to the “No App? No Problem: Instagram Is on the Web” section to learn how to use the Instagram website. (This information should go in your brain’s “be prepared” file.) Then, continue reading to the end of the chapter to learn how to log in to Instagram.

FIGURE 1-4: Tap the Instagram icon to read more about the app.

Installing on a Windows PC

The Windows version of Instagram is a Windows 11 app. Windows PC users can install the Instagram app from the Windows Store or the Instagram website. Here’s how to install the app from the Windows Store:

Click the Start icon in the taskbar.

Click Store in the list of programs or click the Start tile in the Start menu.

In the Search box, type Instagram.

In the list that appears below the Search box, click Instagram.

Click the Install button, as shown in Figure1-5.

After the Windows Store installs the Instagram app on your computer, the Get button in the Store window changes to Launch.

Click Launch to start the app.

If you prefer to install the Windows app from the Instagram website, follow these steps:

Navigate to the Instagram website at

www.instagram.com

.

Click the Sign Up link on the Instagram web page.

The Store window appears in front of your browser window.

Click the Install button (refer to

Figure

1-5

).

After installation, start the app by clicking the Launch button.

Now, you can skip ahead of the rest of the class and start Instagramming by going to the “Starting to Gram Instantly” section.

Installing on a Mac

Instagram doesn’t have a Mac version of its app available to download, as you’ll discover if you search for Instagram in the App Store and don’t find Instagram in the list.

The only way you can access Instagram is on its website. And if you use a web browser other than Safari, you’ll only be able to view, like, and comment on photos and videos. Fortunately, you can bamboozle the Instagram website into thinking you’re accessing the website on the iPhone so you can upload photos.

FIGURE 1-5: Click Install in the Microsoft Store window.

You can only upload photos from your Mac from the bamboozled Instagram website. You can’t take photos, shoot videos, or upload videos.

An article by Lewis Painter on the Macworld UK website (www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/instagram-for-mac-3641569/) tells you how to do this. But rather than make you go to the website for this information, we tell you how here:

Open Safari.

Choose Safari ⇒ Settings or press Command+, (comma).

If the Advanced tab isn’t displayed in the dialog box, click the Advanced icon.

Select the Show Features for Web Developers check box, shown at the bottom of

Figure

1-6

.

Close the window.

The Develop option now appears in the menu bar.

Click Develop, move the mouse pointer over User Agent, and then click Safari — iOS 17.4 — iPhone in the side menu.

Apple is always improving its iOS, so the version in the side menu will be newer than 17.4 by the time you read this.

Open the Instagram website and log in.

The Instagram home screen appears, as shown in Figure 1-7.

Click the plus icon at the bottom of the screen.

The File window opens so you can navigate to your desired folder and add photo(s) to your Instagram profile.

If you click the Use the App link (at the bottom of the screen, as shown in Figure 1-7), Safari will just refresh the page and ask if you want to open the App Store. Close the dialog box by clicking Cancel, and close the Use the App link by clicking the X to the right of the link.

Alas and alack, after you upload your photos, you’ll find that the photo-editing options in Safari are more limited than those in the iPhone app. (And remember that you can’t upload videos to Instagram on Safari.)

Now that you have Instagram doing your bidding on your Mac, start using Instagram by moving ahead to the “Starting to Gram Instantly” section.

FIGURE 1-6: Display the Develop menu in the Safari menu bar by selecting the check box at the bottom.

FIGURE 1-7: To upload a photo, click Create in the left-hand menu.

No App? No Problem: Instagram Is on the Web

If your company doesn’t allow you to install unauthorized apps on company smartphones, you can still access the Instagram website on your smartphone or computer, but there is less functionality.

Open the Instagram website by typing www.instagram.com in your browser’s address bar. You can log in to Instagram on the web in one of two ways:

Instagram username and password:

Type your Instagram username in the Username box and then type your password in the Password box. Then click or tap Log In.

Facebook account:

If you prefer to use your Facebook account, click or tap Log In with Facebook. (If your browser doesn’t have your Facebook account information stored in a cookie, the Facebook window appears on your screen so you can type your username and password.) Then click or tap the Log In As button.

If you haven’t created an Instagram account yet, bookmark this page and read Chapter 2 to learn how to create an effective profile.

After you log in, you see the home page with the latest photos and videos from users you follow. The left side of the screen features the Instagram logo with nine menu options below it, as shown in Figure 1-8.

Home:

Opens the home page. When you’re on the home page, this icon is black.

Search:

Opens the Search area on the left side of the screen so you can search for users, posts, and topics.

Explore:

Opens the Explore area so you can view a list of posts from other users whom Instagram thinks you may want to follow. To follow a user, click the Follow button.

Reels:

Opens the Reels page, where you can view and browse the latest Reels from Instagram users.

Messages:

Opens the Direct Message page so you can read private messages from and send private messages to other Instagram users.

Notifications:

Displays a list of notifications, such as when someone comments on one of your photos or videos.

Create:

Allows you to create a post or a live video.

Profile:

Displays your Profile page.

AI Studio:

Opens the Meta AI Studio website in a separate browser tab so you can find and interact with AIs created by others.

More:

Opens more menu options, including Settings, Your Activity, Saved (to view saved posts), Switch Appearances, Report a Problem, open the Meta Business Suite, Switch Accounts, and Log Out.

If you’re on the Reels or Profile page, you can return to the home page by clicking the Home icon or the Instagram logo.

Scroll down the screen to see photos and videos from other Instagram users you follow. You can double-click the photo or click the heart icon to like the photo. You can also add a comment: Click the comment icon (a text bubble) to open the post page shown in Figure 1-9, click Add a Comment, type the comment, and then press Enter.

Note the three-dot icon to the right of the person who posted the photo. (If you’re following this person, the icon appears to the right of the word Following, as in Figure 1-9