How to Create and Optimise Your Instagram Business Account

Create instagram account

Instagram has become one of the most powerful platforms for businesses in the UAE. Whether you are a small local brand or a growing company in Dubai, having a strong presence on Instagram helps you reach customers where they already spend their time. But success does not come from simply creating a profile. It comes from setting it up correctly and optimising it with purpose.
This guide explains how to create and optimise your Instagram business account step by step, using simple language and practical tips. If you want better reach, stronger engagement, and more enquiries from your Instagram presence, this is where you start.

Why an Instagram Business Account Matters for UAE Brands

Many businesses still use personal profiles without realising the limitations. A business account gives you access to tools that are designed specifically for growth. These include analytics, contact buttons, and advertising options.
For brands in Dubai and across the UAE, Instagram also supports location-based discovery. When optimised properly, your content can reach users searching for services in your area. This is why working with an expert social media marketing team in Dubai or following proven optimisation steps can make a visible difference.
An Instagram business account also builds trust. Customers expect to see clear contact details, professional branding, and consistent content before they decide to message or visit you.

Step 1: How to Create an Instagram Business Account

Creating an Instagram business account is simple and free. You can either convert an existing profile or start from scratch.

Create or Convert Your Account

  • Download the Instagram app and sign up, or log in to your existing profile.
  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Account.
  • Tap Switch to Professional Account.
  • Choose Business (not Creator).
  • Select the category that best describes your business.

At this stage, you officially have an Instagram business account. You now have access to insights, promotions, and profile features designed for businesses.

Connect to Facebook (Optional but Recommended)

Instagram is part of Instagram’s wider ecosystem. Linking your account to a Facebook page helps with ads, messaging, and credibility. For UAE businesses planning to run paid campaigns, this step is strongly recommended.

Step 2: Optimise Your Profile for First Impressions

Your profile is often the first thing people see. It should clearly explain who you are, what you offer, and how customers can reach you.

Profile Photo

Use your logo or a clean brand image. Keep it simple and recognisable, even at small sizes.

Username and Name Field

Your username should match your brand name as closely as possible. The name field is searchable, so include keywords related to your service and location where relevant.

Bio That Converts

Your bio should answer three questions quickly:

  • What do you do?
  • Who is it for?
  • Why should someone follow or contact you?

If you are unsure where to start, focus on writing a catchy Instagram bio that highlights value rather than generic statements. Clear, benefit-driven bios perform better than clever but confusing ones.

Contact Buttons and Location

Add your email, phone number, and address if applicable. For Dubai-based businesses, adding your location improves local discovery and trust.

Step 3: Set Up Business Features Properly

Once your profile looks professional, the next step is enabling features that help you manage and grow your account.

Insights and Analytics

Instagram Insights shows you:

  • Profile visits
  • Follower growth
  • Content performance
  • Best times to post

Use this data weekly. It helps you understand what works and what needs improvement.

Action Buttons

Enable buttons such as Call, Email, WhatsApp, or Book Now. These reduce friction and make it easier for customers to take action.

Story Highlights

Create highlights for services, reviews, FAQs, and offers. These stay visible on your profile and guide new visitors.

Step 4: Content Strategy for Better Reach

Posting randomly does not work anymore. Your Instagram business account needs a clear content direction.

Content Types to Focus On

  • Educational posts that explain your service
  • Behind-the-scenes content to humanise your brand
  • Customer reviews and testimonials
  • Reels for visibility and reach
  • Stories for daily engagement

For UAE audiences, visual quality matters. Bright images, clean layouts, and short videos perform better.

Consistency Over Volume

Posting three to four times a week consistently is better than posting daily for one week and disappearing the next.

Step 5: Optimise for Growth and Engagement

Growing an Instagram business account is not about shortcuts. It is about optimisation and patience.

Use Relevant Hashtags and Locations

Use a mix of:

  • Industry hashtags
  • Local UAE or Dubai hashtags
  • Brand-specific hashtags

Always add a location tag when relevant. This helps your content appear in local searches.

Engage Actively

Reply to comments and messages quickly. Engage with similar accounts in your niche. Instagram rewards active accounts with better visibility.

Caption Strategy

Write captions that start strong and encourage interaction. Ask questions, invite opinions, and guide users to take action.

Step 6: Track Performance and Adjust

Your Instagram business account should evolve based on data, not guesswork.
Review insights every week:

  • Which posts get the most saves?
  • Which reels bring new followers?
  • What time your audience is most active?

Small changes based on data lead to steady growth over time.

Step 7: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses struggle because of avoidable mistakes:

  • Incomplete profiles
  • Irregular posting
  • Over-promotional content
  • Ignoring messages and comments
  • Not using insights

Avoiding these mistakes helps your account grow naturally and sustainably.

Final Thoughts: Turning Your Instagram into a Business Asset

When done right, an Instagram business account becomes more than a social profile. It becomes a lead generation tool, a brand builder, and a customer communication channel.
Focus on clarity, consistency, and value. Optimise your profile, post with purpose, and track what works. Over time, these steps help you build trust and visibility in a competitive market like Dubai.
If growth is your main goal, learning how to get more followers on Instagram through optimisation, content planning, and engagement will always deliver better results than quick fixes.