We’ve seen a lot of great Instagram updates lately, including the ability to add stories, which is a direct attack on Snapchat. We’ve also seen an overhaul (and the creation of) business pages on Instagram. Here’s an illustrated step-by-step guide that shows you how to get set up right away.

Key Takeaways

Instagram has become more agent-friendly, as you can now promote posts directly from Instagram.
Ensure all of your contact information is up to date.

This overhaul gives real estate agents and brokerages much more power on Instagram, and it’s important that every page owner takes the necessary steps to ensure that his or her profile is current.

Once you’ve claimed your business page (which can be done in the settings tab), first ensure that your contact information is up to date.

From your profile page, click the “edit profile” button, then the “business contact information” button. From here, you’ll be able to add a contact email, phone number and address for your business.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Once you’ve updated this information, your followers will have the opportunity to connect with you directly from Instagram.

All they’ll have to do is tap the contact button featured on your profile page, and they’ll receive the option to call, email or get directions to your business. Here’s what it will look like for your followers:

Step 1: How your followers can contact you

Step 2: How your followers can contact you

These features make it much easier for your followers to get in contact with you and show why Instagram is becoming a more agent-friendly social network.

The recent algorithm update means that you’ll need to be producing content that your fan base wants to interact with.

[Tweet “The recent IG update means that you’ll need to be producing content that your fan base wants.”]

Once you’ve updated your profile, you can also choose to promote posts right within the Instagram platform. Prior to this update, Instagram ads had to be run through a Facebook business account.

Now, you have the option to promote your posts individually right from Instagram and select a call to action that best suits your brand.

Step 1: For promoting your posts

Step 2: For promoting your posts

From here you can select your budget, time frame and set a specific call to action. Remember — if you’re sending people to a website, your site must be mobile-friendly.

Otherwise, you’ll be wasting ad dollars, as all of your traffic will come from mobile devices on Instagram.

[Tweet “If you’re sending people to a website, your site must be mobile-friendly. “]

Let me know in the comments section below if you’ve set up your business page on Instagram, and be sure to connect with us on Instagram.

Justin Kerby is the co-founder of CAVE Social.

Email Justin Kerby.