Instagram serves as a visual platform for individuals and businesses to showcase their creativity, products, and services.
For business owners using Instagram, it is important not only to have a Business account but also to have it under the right Category to attract and engage the right audience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to change your Instagram category and make sure your profile accurately represents your business.
For example, if you change your career from a photographer to a restaurateur, obviously, your content and presentation are going to change.
So to change your business category; open your profile and go to Edit Profile > Profile information > Category, select the Restaurant option and tap the tick (✔) to save.
Instagram Business Account and categories
An Instagram Business account offers numerous benefits for businesses looking to establish a strong presence on the platform.
When you upgrade to a business account, you unlock a range of exclusive features and tools including Insights, Ads, and Profile optimization, among others.
These features are designed to enhance your Instagram experience and help you achieve your business goals
Profile Optimization enables you to enhance your profile for business purposes by adding essential information about your business, such as your address, contact details, and website link.
This makes it easier for potential customers to find and engage with your brand.
Additionally, you can select a category for your account which will help your visitors understand the nature of your business and increase your chances of attracting the right audience.
Furthermore, your profile will be recommended to users who are genuinely interested in your particular content, leading to higher engagement and more meaningful interactions.
Instagram Business Categories
As previously stated, categories help users understand what your business is about and make it easier for potential customers to find you.
Instagram offers a diverse range of categories to choose from, here is a list of some popular ones:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Advertising/Marketing | Businesses specializing in advertising and marketing services. |
| Art | Artists, art galleries, and businesses related to visual arts. |
| Automotive Repair Shop | Shops providing vehicle repair and maintenance services. |
| Beauty Salon | Salons offering beauty treatments and services. |
| Clothing Store | Retailers selling clothing and fashion items. |
| College & University | Higher education institutions and affiliated businesses. |
| Financial Service | Businesses providing financial advice and services. |
| Grocery Store | Stores selling groceries and food items. |
| Restaurant | Establishments offering food and dining experiences. |
| Retail Bank | Banks and financial institutions providing retail banking services. |
| School | Primary and secondary schools, educational institutions. |
These are just a few examples of the Instagram Business categories available.
When selecting your category, consider the nature of your business and choose the option that best represents your products, services, or industry.
Remember, you can always update your category if needed, ensuring that your Instagram profile accurately reflects your business at all times.
Steps to Update Your Instagram Business Category
To update your Instagram Business category, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page; do this by tapping your Profile picture at the bottom.
When your profile page opens up, tap the Edit Profile button below your profile picture.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Profile Information section, find the Category option and tap on it.
A list of suggested categories will appear, choose the one that suits your niche.
If none of the categories match your business, tap on the Search bar and type in a specific category that suits your needs.
Step 3: When you are done selecting your category, tap the tick (✔) at the top right corner to save your changes.
Tip: Your Instagram Business category can be changed at any time as your business evolves or expands, to ensure that your profile accurately represents your business.
Tips for Choosing the Right Instagram Business Category
The category you choose for your business should accurately represent your business and align with how your customers perceive your offerings.
Below are some tips to help you make your choice:
Consider Language
If you have been in your business for a while, think about how your customers already describe your business.
What language do they use when talking about your products or services?
Then choose a category that reflects their understanding and makes it easy for them to find you on Instagram.
Explore Different Categories
Instagram offers a wide range of category options, you don’t have to settle for the first category that comes to mind.
Take the time to explore different categories related to your business and ensure find the most relevant category for your business.
Keep Your Category Up to Date
Remember that your business may evolve or change direction over time.
Be sure to regularly review and update your Instagram Business category to ensure it accurately represents your current operations.
This way you can continue to attract the right audience and stay relevant in your industry.
FAQ
Can I change the category of my personal Instagram account?
No, Instagram categories are typically associated with business or creator accounts. Personal accounts do not have this feature.
How often can I change my Instagram category?
You can change your category as often as needed, that is, as your business changes or evolves. However, I would also advise you to be strategic while doing so to maintain a consistent audience.
Will changing the category affect my existing followers?
No. Changing your business category typically shouldn’t directly affect your existing followers. It may instead attract new followers interested in the updated category.
Can I create a custom category on Instagram?
No, Instagram gives you predefined categories to choose from. You’ll need to select the one that best fits your business and content.
Conclusion
With these simple steps, you can easily change and manage your Instagram category to ensure that your profile accurately represents your business.
And to keep your account up to date to allow potential customers to understand your business at a glance and to ensure that you appear in relevant searches on the platform.
Remember, customizing your Instagram profile is an ongoing process. Your business will undoubtedly evolve and when this happens, be sure to adapt your category accordingly so that you can maximize your visibility.
