Branding Series Part 1: Instagram Personal vs Business Account

Why Branding is a Hot Topic

Branding is one of the most talked-about topics in marketing right now, and I’ve been doing a lot of presentations on it. To help break it down, I’ve decided to launch a Branding Series, and in Part 1, we’re focusing on Instagram Personal Accounts vs. Business Accounts—when to make the switch and why it matters.

Why Start with a Personal Instagram Account?

When you’re just starting out, a personal Instagram account is a great way to establish your online presence. It allows potential clients to get a feel for your personality, interests, and lifestyle. Buyers and sellers love this personal connection because they want to work with someone they can relate to. A personal account helps them see:

• Who you are outside of work
• What interests you
• How they might connect with you on a personal level

For realtors, this kind of engagement is powerful—it builds trust and relationships before you even meet in person.

When Should You Switch to a Business Account?

The key moment to switch to a business account is when you’re ready to invest in marketing and spend money on ads.

Instagram treats business accounts differently because they recognize that businesses want to generate revenue—and they want a piece of that. However, switching to a business account comes with valuable perks, including:

• Access to Insights – See detailed stats on your posts, engagement, and audience behavior.
• Better Ad Targeting – Run ads with specific goals and measure their performance.
• Optimized Posting Times – Discover when your audience is most active to maximize engagement.
• Increased Visibility – Get better exposure online through paid promotions and boosted posts.

While business accounts do require some financial investment in advertising, the added tools and insights help you refine your strategy, reach the right audience, and generate real results.

The Bottom Line

If you’re still in the relationship-building phase, a personal Instagram account works well to showcase your personality and connect with potential clients. But when you’re ready to take your branding to the next level and start marketing strategically, it’s time to switch to a business account and make the most of Instagram’s powerful tools.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Branding Series, where we’ll dive deeper into another key branding topic!