It’s 2025, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered if Instagram is still worth the effort when it comes to running a business. The short answer? Yes, it is. But only if you actually know what you’re doing with it.
I’ve seen firsthand how Instagram has changed. It’s no longer just about sharing cool photos. There are over 2 billion people using it every month, and more and more tools are being built specifically for business accounts. That alone tells me there’s still a lot of potential here.
But let me be honest.
Can Instagram really help a business grow?
In my experience, yes. Whether you’re running a small bakery or building an app, if the people you’re trying to reach are using Instagram and let’s be real, they probably are then it makes sense to be there too. What matters is how you use it.
I used to think it was enough to just post something nice once in a while. But that’s not what makes Instagram work. What really makes the difference is showing up with a story, a voice, and some consistency. People want to see who you are, not just what you sell.
Instagram feels more personal than other platforms. It gives me space to connect with people in a more real and visual way. And with tools like Stories, Reels, product tags, and even shopping built into the app, it’s easier than ever for someone to go from watching your content to actually buying something.
Let’s break it down:
- Instagram is not just about posting pretty photos it’s about narrative, interaction, and strategy.
- Unlike Facebook or LinkedIn, Instagram gives your business a chance to feel human, personal, and visual.
- With tools like Stories, Reels, product tagging, and in-app shopping, you can drive direct conversions no need for followers to leave the app.
Still not totally convinced?
Here’s something that stuck with me. Around 70 percent of users check out a brand on Instagram before they buy. That tells me people aren’t just scrolling they’re searching, deciding, and spending.
So if I’m not there with a clear message and something real to offer, I’m basically letting those opportunities pass me by.
In the next part, I’ll walk through a few numbers that really opened my eyes to how much of an impact Instagram can have when you use it with intention.
Why Instagram for Business? Surprising Stats You Can’t Ignore
Still questioning whether Instagram deserves a place in your business strategy? Let’s cut through the hype and look at the numbers, because data doesn’t lie.
Here are the stats that might just change your mind:
2 Billion+ Monthly Active Users
Instagram isn’t just popular, it’s massive. With over 2 billion people logging in every month, it ranks as one of the top social media platforms globally. That’s a huge potential audience at your fingertips.
70% of Shoppers Use Instagram for Purchase Decisions
This stat is a game-changer: 70% of users use Instagram to research products or services before buying. If your business isn’t present, you’re essentially invisible to a huge pool of motivated buyers.
50% of Instagram Users Visit a Website After Seeing a Product or Service in Stories
That means Stories aren’t just for fun. They drive real traffic and intent. If you’re not using them, you’re missing a direct line to action.
Engagement Rates on Instagram Are Higher Than Facebook and Twitter
According to multiple benchmarks, Instagram engagement per post is up to 10x higher than Facebook, and even more when compared to X (formerly Twitter). This means more meaningful interactions, more brand visibility, and ultimately, more business.
90% of Instagram Users Follow At Least One Business
Instagram is not just a social tool. It’s an active marketplace. In fact, users expect to find and interact with brands. If you’re not there, your competitors likely are.
What Type of Business Should Be on Instagram?
Instagram isn’t a one size fits all platform but it does work for most businesses when used correctly. The key is knowing how your audience uses Instagram and whether your brand can tell a visual, engaging story.
Businesses That Thrive on Instagram
- Retail and eCommerce
- Food
- Beverage
- Fashion
- Beauty
- Travel
- Lifestyle
- Coaches
- Consultants
- Personal Brands
But What About B2B or Niche Brands?
B2B companies can still find success on Instagram by focusing on:
- Humanizing the brand through culture and team content
- Educating through short-form content like infographics and carousels
- Generating leads through well-placed CTAs and profile optimization
Who Might Not Need Instagram?
While rare, some hyper-local or low-visual businesses might find Instagram less effective especially if their target audience isn’t active there. In such cases, a business may decide to turn off business account on Instagram and focus their energy on platforms better suited to their goals, such as LinkedIn or Google Business.
How to Set Up an Instagram Business Account the Right Way
Getting started on Instagram for business is surprisingly simple but doing it right can make all the difference between attracting your ideal audience and getting lost in the crowd.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to set up your Instagram Business account the right way, with strategy baked in from the beginning:
1. Create a Personal Instagram Account (or Use an Existing One)
You’ll need a standard Instagram account to start. If you’re already using Instagram personally for your brand, no need to create a new one just be ready to convert it.
2. Switch to a Business Account
Go to your profile → tap the three lines at the top → Settings & privacy → Account type and tools → Switch to professional account.
Choose “Business”, not “Creator,” for access to the full suite of tools like insights, contact buttons, and ads.
3. Select Your Business Category
This helps Instagram understand what kind of business you are and suggests relevant tools. Choose accurately (e.g., “Retail,” “Health & Wellness,” “Consulting”) this will be publicly visible unless you opt to hide it.
4. Add Contact Info and Location
Make sure customers can reach you. Include:
- Business email
- Phone number
- Physical location (if relevant)
This unlocks Instagram’s contact buttons on your profile.
5. Connect to Your Facebook Business Page (Optional but Smart)
Doing this gives you access to Meta’s ad tools, lets you schedule posts via Business Suite, and helps with unified messaging.
6. Optimize Your Profile
Here’s where many businesses fall short. Don’t just “fill in the blanks” optimize strategically:
- Profile photo: Use a recognizable logo or brand mark
- Username & Name: Make them searchable and consistent with other platforms
- Bio: Include your value proposition + a call to action
- Link in Bio: Either your website or a multi-link tool (like Linktree or Later)
- Story Highlights: Group key content (FAQs, Reviews, Products, etc.)
What to Post on Instagram for Business? [Content Ideas + Examples]
You’ve set up your Instagram Business account now comes the million-dollar question:
Posting randomly is a recipe for inconsistency and low engagement. To succeed, you need a mix of content types that align with your brand, attract attention, and drive action.
1. Educational Content
Teach your audience something they care about. This builds authority and trust.
- Tips & Tricks: “3 Ways to Use Instagram Stories for Product Launches”
- Myth Busting: “No, You Don’t Need 10K Followers to Sell on Instagram”
- Step-by-step Guides: Use carousels to explain how your product or service works
2. Behind-the-Scenes
People love to see what happens behind the curtain. Show your:
- Daily operations
- Team in action
- Product creation process
This helps humanize your business especially powerful for small businesses.
3. User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage happy customers to share their experiences and repost them (with permission). It’s social proof and marketing in one.
- Reposts of customer reviews
- Unboxing videos
- Before/after photos
4. Product/Service Showcases
But make it creative avoid hard selling in every post.
- Use natural lifestyle shots instead of studio images
- Add product tags to enable in-app shopping
- Create 15–30 second Reels with upbeat music and CTAs
5. Engaging Interactive Content
Instagram’s built-in tools can help spark conversation and increase engagement.
- Polls, quizzes, and question stickers in Stories
- “This or That” choices related to your brand
- Ask your audience to vote or comment
6. Repurpose Long-Form Content
Turn blog posts, YouTube videos, or webinars into bite-sized Instagram content:
- Infographic-style carousels
- Quick video summaries
- Quotes or takeaways as Reels
Example Content Calendar (Week View):
| Day | Content Type | Post Idea |
| Monday | Educational Carousel | “How to use Instagram for small business in 3 steps” |
| Tuesday | Product Reel | “Watch this 20-second demo of our new feature” |
| Wednesday | Behind-the-Scenes Story | “Packing orders at our HQ come with us!” |
| Thursday | UGC Repost | “Thanks @jane_doe for this amazing photo!” |
| Friday | Poll in Stories | “What’s your biggest Instagram challenge?” |
| Saturday | Quick Tip Post | “How to write better captions in 10 seconds” |
| Sunday | Relaxed/Brand Personality | “Team dog photos, because… why not?” |
How to Use Instagram Stories and Reels for Maximum Business Growth
Instagram Stories and Reels aren’t just trendy features they’re growth accelerators for businesses that know how to use them. Building a loyal base of Instagram followers through Stories and Reels can drive lasting engagement and create real customer relationships without spending a dime.
Here’s how to turn these formats into powerful business tools, not just flashy distractions.
Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok and the algorithm heavily favors them. They’re shown to users beyond your followers, which makes them perfect for discovery and growth.
What Works Well in Reels:
- Quick tutorials: Show how to use your product or solve a problem
- Before-and-after transformations
- Customer testimonials (edited into short, engaging clips)
- Trends with a brand twist: Use popular audio and adapt it to your niche
Stories are temporary, casual, and personal perfect for creating direct relationships with your audience.
They disappear in 24 hours, but they’re highly engaging because they sit right at the top of the Instagram feed.
Use Stories To:
- Share limited-time promotions or product drops
- Answer FAQs using the question sticker
- Show behind-the-scenes operations
- Run polls, quizzes, or “Ask Me Anything” sessions
- Add link stickers to drive traffic to your blog or shop
| Feature | Reels | Stories |
| Visibility | Shown to non-followers | Shown to followers only |
| Lifespan | Permanent (unless deleted) | 24 hours (unless saved to Highlights) |
| Purpose | Reach new audiences | Build loyalty + drive action |
| Style | Edited, entertaining | Raw, personal |