INTRODUCTION
According to a survey by VerticalResponse, 43% of small business owners spend at least six hours per week managing their social media accounts. That may seem reasonable to some, but that is time taken away from other aspects of running a business.
While there are a variety of third-party management tools that can help reduce the time spent on individual social media channels, they can be expensive, especially if you want to manage multiple accounts or unlock necessary features. Businesses that use Instagram (and also have a Facebook page) can use Facebook Business Suite to manage their account at no additional cost.
Following are some tips on how to manage your Instagram posts and Stories with Facebook Business Suite.
HOW TO CONNECT YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT TO FACEBOOK BUSINESS SUITE
There are two ways to connect your company’s Instagram account to your Facebook Business Suite–on a desktop computer or from a mobile device.
In the desktop view, go to Facebook Business Suite and click on the settings icon in the toolbar menu on the left side of the screen. Select “Instagram Connection” and click the blue “Connect Instagram” button. If you’re using a personal Instagram account for your business (you shouldn’t be), it will automatically be converted to a professional account in the next steps.
You’ll then be asked to allow access to Instagram messages, which you can adjust in your settings later. From here, you will complete the connection. If you are already logged in to your company’s Instagram account on your computer, you should be able to select it automatically; otherwise, switch to the correct account.
Once you enter your login information and any additional security codes, you will be able to manage your Instagram account settings, notifications and all comments and direct messages (found within Inbox) from Facebook Business Suite. You also can create and schedule content, cross-post to Facebook and Instagram and view insights for both platforms.
The setup through the Facebook Business Suite mobile app is similar, but you will need to select your Facebook account to complete the connection.
HOW TO MANAGE INSTAGRAM POSTS AND STORIES
One of the biggest perks of Facebook Business Suite is the ability to create and schedule posts and Stories for your Instagram account. In the past, you had to use the Instagram app to publish content immediately or use third-party tools to schedule content. Facebook Creator Studio also was available for publishing or scheduling Instagram posts, but not Stories.
Like many Facebook products, there are multiple ways to access tools through Business Suite. For instance, you can create an Instagram post or Story from the home page or go the the “Posts & Stories” tab. Within the tab, you also are able to view drafts of posts or posts that have been published or scheduled. Similarly, you can view Stories that are active, scheduled or archived.
How to Set Up Instagram Feed Posts
Click “Create Post” on desktop or the blue plus sign, then “Post” on mobile to create an Instagram feed post. Since Facebook Business Suite also is connected to your Facebook page, make sure to select the appropriate placement (e.g. Facebook, Instagram or both if you’re cross-posting). From a desktop, you can check or uncheck the platform under “Placements” in the post window. Within the mobile app, you can make adjustments by clicking the toggle menu at the top of the screen.
Compose your post using photos or videos, text, hashtags and emojis. If you are posting to Facebook and Instagram, you also have the option to create custom text for each platform (desktop only). Business Suite will show you a preview so you can see what your post will look like. When you’re finished with your post, you may publish it immediately, schedule it for later or save it as a draft.
It’s important to note that Facebook Business Suite was developed to help streamline business management, so it doesn’t have all of the same creative capabilities or functions as the Instagram app. For instance, filters aren’t available in the mobile version of Facebook Business Suite, and there are only a handful of options on desktop. You also can’t tag photos from a desktop.
How to Create Instagram Stories
Select “Create Story” to start an Instagram Story on desktop or the blue plus sign, then “Story” in the Facebook Business Suite mobile app. Next, add media to your Story. You can add up to 10 images and videos, which you may crop or add text or stickers. If your Instagram account has 10,000 or more followers, you also may add a Swipe Up link.
If you plan to cross-post on Instagram and Facebook, keep in mind that each platform has its own max Story length. Limit Instagram Stories to 15 sec. and Facebook Stories to 26 sec.
Like feed posts, you cannot access all of the typical Instagram Story features with Facebook Business Suite. Music, for example, is not an option when you create Stories with Business Suite. Certain effects, like filters, also are missing and stickers are limited, particularly on a desktop. The mobile app more closely mimics Instagram’s Story capabilities. Use it to add a location to your Story, tag other accounts or incorporate polls and gifs.
Preview your Stories before they go live and double-check your placement before moving on to the final step. Check or uncheck placements under “Share Story to” on desktop or after clicking “Share to” on mobile. Then share your Story immediately or schedule it for later.
How to Manage Content
Use the Calendar feature to plan ahead and keep your content organized. Aim to create posts and Stories one week to one month in advance if possible. This will help you align your posts with your other planned marketing efforts or important dates on the calendar (e.g. Halloween).
From a desktop, you can view a weekly or monthly calendar. By default, it will show all types of content in addition to notes about upcoming holidays to help you stay on track. Filter by post, Story or ad and/or by platform to focus on specific types of content.
Click on content within the calendar to see the preview of your post or Story as well as insights for content that has been published. You also can edit, delete or reschedule the post or Story from here.
The mobile app also has the calendar feature, but it’s displayed as a scrollable list. Scroll through the dates at the top or select a specific date to advance the list quickly. Once again, you can click on the content to preview it or make adjustments. You also can fill in blank dates by hitting “Tap to Create.”