Once you’ve established a business account on Instagram, you may realize that it’s not the best fit for your needs and you want to revert to a personal account. Fortunately, Instagram makes it easy to switch back to a personal account, giving you more control over your content and privacy settings.
First, let’s address why you might want to switch from a business account to a personal account. There are several reasons why you might make this change. For example, if you’re no longer using Instagram for business purposes, it may not make sense to keep your account as a business profile. Additionally, business accounts have some limitations that personal accounts don’t have, such as the inability to post certain types of content. If you’re looking for more freedom and control over your account, switching to a personal account may be the right choice for you.
The process of switching from a business account to a personal account is quick and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow: First, open the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right-hand corner. Then, tap on the “Edit Profile” button and scroll down to the “Account Type” section. Here, you’ll see the option to switch to a personal account. Tap on this option and then tap on the “Switch to Personal Account” button. Instagram will ask you to confirm your decision, and once you do, your account will be switched to a personal account.
Navigating Instagram Account Settings
To access your Instagram account settings, begin by tapping on your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Then, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner. A menu will appear, from which you should select Settings.
Once in the Settings menu, you will find a range of options to customize your account. These options are organized into several sections, including:
- Account: This section allows you to manage your profile information, such as your username, name, and bio.
- Security: This section provides options for enhancing your account’s security, such as two-factor authentication and login alerts.
- Privacy: This section allows you to control who can see your posts, stories, and profile information.
- Notifications: This section allows you to customize the notifications you receive from Instagram, such as when someone likes or comments on your posts.
In addition to these sections, the Settings menu also includes options for managing your saved posts, adjusting your ad preferences, and connecting your Instagram account to other services.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Account | Manage your profile information |
| Security | Enhance your account’s security |
| Privacy | Control who can see your content |
| Notifications | Customize the notifications you receive |
Switching to a Personal Account
If you decide that a business account isn’t right for you, you can switch back to a personal account. Here are the steps:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner.
- Tap “Settings” and then “Account”.
- Under “Account type”, tap “Switch to personal account”.
Once you’ve switched to a personal account, you’ll lose some of the features that are available to business accounts, such as the ability to add a call-to-action button to your profile, track your insights, and schedule posts. However, you’ll be able to regain access to these features if you decide to switch back to a business account in the future.
What Happens When You Switch to a Personal Account
When you switch to a personal account, the following changes will occur:
| Feature | Change |
|---|---|
| Username | Your username will remain the same. |
| Profile picture | Your profile picture will remain the same. |
| Bio | Your bio will remain the same. |
| Posts | Your posts will remain the same. |
| Followers | Your followers will remain the same. |
| Following | Your following will remain the same. |
| Insights | You will lose access to your insights. |
| Call-to-action button | You will lose the ability to add a call-to-action button to your profile. |
| Scheduling | You will lose the ability to schedule posts. |
Restricting Access to Business Tools
Converting your Instagram account back to a personal account restricts access to various business tools that were previously available. These tools enhance your marketing capabilities and provide insights into your account’s performance. By transitioning to a personal account, you will lose access to the following features:
1. Business Profile
The business profile feature allows you to add specific information to your account, such as your business name, contact information, and website link, making it easier for customers to reach you.
2. Insights
Insights provide valuable data on your account’s performance, including metrics such as post reach, engagement, and follower demographics. This information is crucial for understanding how your content aligns with your target audience and making informed decisions about your marketing strategy.
3. Branded Content
Branded content allows you to collaborate with other businesses or influencers and tag them in your posts, which can help increase brand awareness and potential conversions.
4. Shopping Features
If your account has an established online store, the shopping features enable you to tag products in your posts and tag products in your posts and enable direct purchasing. This functionality simplifies the purchasing process for your followers and provides a seamless shopping experience.
5. Advanced Targeting Options
Advanced targeting options allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors within your Instagram ads. This granularity helps you reach the most relevant audience for your products or services and optimize your advertising budget effectively.
| Feature | Availability |
|—|—|
| Business Profile | Not available |
| Insights | Not available |
| Branded Content | Not available |
| Shopping Features | Not available |
| Advanced Targeting Options | Not available |
Deleting Business Pages
If you’ve decided to close your business or no longer want to manage your Instagram business page, you can delete it permanently. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Log into Your Account
Use your Instagram username and password to log in to your account.
2. Go to Your Profile
Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen to go to your profile page.
3. Tap on the Menu Button
In the top right corner of your profile page, tap on the three horizontal lines to open the menu.
4. Select Settings
From the menu, scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
5. Tap on Account
In the Settings menu, tap on “Account” to view your account settings.
6. Delete Your Business Page
Scroll down to the bottom of the “Account” settings page and tap on “Delete Your Business Page.” You’ll be asked to confirm your decision. If you’re sure you want to delete your business page, tap on “Delete,” and your page will be permanently removed from Instagram.
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Log into Your Account | Use your Instagram username and password. |
| Go to Your Profile | Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner. |
| Tap on the Menu Button | Select the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. |
| Select Settings | Scroll down and tap on “Settings” in the menu. |
| Tap on Account | View your account settings by tapping on “Account.” |
| Delete Your Business Page | Locate and tap on “Delete Your Business Page.” |
Optimizing Your Personal Profile
Once you’ve switched your account to personal, it’s time to optimize your profile to make the most of your personal brand. Here are some key steps:
Choose a Relevant Username
Your username is your online identity, so make sure it’s memorable and reflects your personal brand. Consider using your real name, a variation of your name, or a nickname that you’re commonly known by.
Craft a Compelling Bio
Your bio is a brief description of who you are and what you do. Use this space to showcase your skills, interests, and personality. Keep it concise and to the point, while still providing enough information to pique curiosity.
Add a Profile Picture
Your profile picture is often the first thing people see when they visit your profile, so choose a photo that represents you well. It should be clear, well-lit, and reflect your personal style.
Include Call-to-Actions
If you want people to follow you, like your posts, or visit your website, make sure to include clear call-to-actions in your bio. This could include a link to your website, social media handles, or a specific hashtag you want people to use.
Personalize Your Feed
Your Instagram feed is a reflection of your personality and interests. Share content that you find interesting, inspiring, or simply makes you smile. Consider mixing up your posts with a variety of photos, videos, and Stories.
Engage with Your Audience
Building a personal brand is all about engaging with your audience. Like and comment on other people’s posts, respond to DMs, and host Q&A sessions. The more you interact with your followers, the more likely they are to stick around.
Collaborate with Others
Collaborating with other creators can help you reach a wider audience and grow your personal brand. Partner up with people who share your interests or values, and create content together that appeals to both of your audiences.
Track Your Progress
It’s important to track your progress over time to see what’s working and what’s not. Use Instagram Insights to monitor your follower growth, engagement rate, and other key metrics. This information will help you make informed decisions about your content and marketing strategy.
Use the Right Hashtags
Hashtags help people discover your content, so include relevant hashtags in your posts and Stories. Do some research to find hashtags that are popular in your niche, and avoid using too many hashtags (generally, 5-10 is a good number).
Additional Tips for Optimizing Your Personal Instagram Profile
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a custom URL | Customize your Instagram URL to include your name or brand name for a more professional and memorable touch. |
| Add highlights to your profile | Create Instagram highlights to organize your best content and provide more context to your audience. |
| Be consistent with your branding | Maintain a consistent visual aesthetic across all your Instagram elements, including your profile picture, bio, and content. |
| Use Instagram Reels and Stories | Leverage the popularity of Instagram Reels and Stories to engage with your followers in a creative and fun way. |
How to Take Your IG Account Off Business
If you’re no longer using your Instagram account for business purposes, you can switch it back to a personal account. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app and log in.
- Go to your profile page.
- Tap the “Edit Profile” button.
- Scroll down to the “Account Category” section.
- Tap the “Switch to Personal Account” button.
- Tap the “Switch” button to confirm.
Your account will now be switched back to a personal account. You’ll lose some of the features that are only available to business accounts, such as the ability to add contact information to your profile, but you’ll be able to use your account for personal purposes.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my IG account is a business account?
If you see a “Business” badge next to your account name, then your account is a business account.
What are the benefits of having a business account on IG?
Business accounts on IG have access to a number of features that are not available to personal accounts, such as the ability to add contact information to your profile, create shoppable posts, and run ads.
How do I switch my IG account back to personal?
Follow the steps outlined in the “How to Take Your IG Account Off Business” section above.
