How to create an Instagram Account

1. Download the app

Instagram is different from other social networks in that it is primarily a mobile platform.

Once your account is set up, you will have a page that can be viewed on desktop, but the majority of your activity will take place within the mobile app.

Click here to download the app.

2. Choose a recognizable username

You can sign up for Instagram with an email address or a personal Facebook account.

Once you sign up, you’ll be asked to choose a username.

Your username will display publicly, and will be what people see when they find you on Instagram. Make sure the username you choose is recognizable, and is as close to your business or organization’s name as possible.

When signing up, Instagram will also ask for your full name. Here, you can put your full business name which will make it easier for people to find you through Instagram’s search function.

3. Update your profile

Instagram lets you fill out a 150 character bio about your business. Because of the text-limitations, you’ll want to be clear and concise about who you are and what you offer. If you serve a local customer base, you’ll also want to add your location.

Constant Contact uses the bio to share our mission, and let people know what types of photos we share from our Instagram account:

You can also add your business’s website, which users will be able to click to visit right from their mobile device.

4. Add a recognizable profile picture

The perfect Instagram photo will be 160×160 pixels.

But what’s most important is that the photo you choose is recognizable to people who know your business. In most cases, the best choice will be your business’s logo.

Your profile photo can only be updated on a mobile device. If you don’t have your logo saved to your smartphone or tablet, Instagram has the option import it from Facebook or Twitter.

You can also take a new photo with Instagram.

5. Get set up for social sharing

If you chose to import your profile photo from Facebook or Twitter, you’re one step ahead.

But if you haven’t yet, you should take steps to integrate your Instagram account with your other social