How to make money on Instagram as on creative

01. Switch to a business account

If you're looking to monetize your Instagram account, one of the first steps you should take is to switch from a personal to a business account. This can be done quickly and easily by going to your account Settings and selecting "Switch to Business Profile." However, keep in mind that you will need to have a business Facebook page in order to do so.

By making the switch, you'll gain valuable insights into your audience and how your posts are performing. This information can help you create more targeted and effective content that resonates with your followers. Additionally, you'll be able to create promotions and add a "contact" button to your account, making it easier for potential customers to get in touch with you.

Overall, switching to a business account on Instagram is a simple but important step in the process of making money on the platform. It provides you with the tools and data you need to optimize your content and reach your audience more effectively.

02. Write a clear bio with a link

Looking to make more money from your design skills? Check out our tips on how to monetize your Instagram account. Start by switching to a business account to gain valuable insights into your audience and post performance. Then, make sure to write a clear and engaging bio that showcases your personality and includes an active link to your website, shop, or recent project. If you're interested in focusing your efforts on Pinterest, be sure to read our guide on how to make money on the platform. Start taking your design career to the next level today!

For more information on ways to make more money from design, click here: [insert link] And if you'd like to learn how to monetize your Pinterest account, check out our guide here:

03. Treat your feed like a portfolio

To make a strong impression on Instagram, it's important to treat your feed like a portfolio. This means maintaining visual cohesiveness and showcasing your unique style. As illustrator Bodil Jane notes, followers appreciate consistency and knowing what to expect. This sentiment is echoed by doodle artist Jon , who stresses the importance of repetition in building recognition and a following.

In order to create a cohesive and effective portfolio on Instagram, it's helpful to take a step back and curate your feed with an outside perspective. As designer Gavin Strange advises, "be a curator" and approach your feed as a collection of your best work. By taking the time to refine and showcase your style, you'll be better positioned to build a strong following and make a lasting impression on the platform.

04. Use captions and hashtags

To maximize engagement on Instagram, it's important to use both captions and hashtags effectively. While Instagram is primarily a visual platform, a well-crafted caption can enhance your image and better connect with your followers. Simple captions paired with relevant emojis can be enough, but don't be afraid to occasionally include a call to action that encourages people to engage with your content or learn more about your work.

When it comes to hashtags, it's important to strike a balance between generic and specific tags. As photographer Michael Zee has found with his audience of over 750,000, overly generic tags like #sunset can easily get lost in the millions of photos using the same tag. On the other hand, overly specific tags like eahing for them, but also have fewer images competing for attention. It's all about finding the right balance between specificity and reach to maximize the visibility of your posts.

05. Use Reels and Instagram Stories

To boost engagement and creativity on Instagram, don't overlook the power of videos. Compared to photos, videos tend to attract more comments, making Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories a great way to interact with your followers in a fun and engaging way. While Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, they offer more creative freedom than the main feed.

Doodle artist Jon prefers using Instagram Stories, stating that there is more room for creativity in that space compared to the main feed. If you're new to Reels or want to learn more about how to use them effectively, check out our Instagram Reels tutorial for tips and tricks.

06. Engage with others

Engaging with others is crucial for building an engaged following on Instagram. Rather than having a large number of unengaged followers, it's better to have a smaller group of followers who actively interact with your content.

According to , interacting with your followers is essential. "I like to acknowledge any comment that someone leaves and get back to the user if they leave a conversation or question. It's enjoyable to interact with your following, and people appreciate you responding to their inquiries."

You can also use the Repost app to share other people's posts, such as your customer's pictures, and experiment with creating your own hashtag. By encouraging people to use your hashtag when they post about you, you can increase your brand's visibility on Instagram.

07. Post regularly and at the right time

Posting regularly and at the right time is crucial for success on Instagram. It is recommended to post once a day or more, but avoid posting too many images at once as it may overwhelm your followers. According to Sprout Social, the best time to post is from Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Thursday is the best day to post, with specific times of 5am, 11am, and 3-4pm. On the other hand, Sunday is the worst day for engagement. However, keep in mind that the optimum times keep changing, so it is essential to keep track of the current engagement patterns. You can use Later or Buffer to schedule posts if these times are not suitable for you. If you are targeting an audience in a different time zone, make sure to adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

08. Act as if you were an influencer

Acting as an Instagram influencer is a potential way to earn money from the platform. According to who has collaborated with brands like Nike, Land Rover, Getty, and LG, you should consider such partnerships as you develop your feed. "Post regularly and post content that you're passionate about and would like to do more of. This way, when a brand approaches you, it will hopefully be a brand that has some connection to the work you put out," he suggests.

Bodil Jane recommends being selective about who you partner with. "I feel like I have a responsibility to support only the brands I genuinely like, rather than selling everything to my followers," she says. "I don't like seeing clearly sponsored posts when I'm browsing through Instagram. So, I think there should be a creative aspect to it."

09. Use Instagram Shopping and Checkout

To enable your customers to purchase from you directly within the Instagram app, utilize Instagram Shopping and Checkout features (checkout currently available only in the US). First, make sure your business account is connected to your Facebook page, then create an Instagram shop by uploading your products in catalog form and get your account reviewed. Once approved, start creating Instagram shopping posts, streams, stories, and guides with your products tagged for customers to browse and purchase using Insta checkout.

Remember to follow the usual engagement rules, such as posting visually appealing content, adding relevant hashtags, and posting at optimal times. If you don't have access to these features yet, hold tight, as Instagram's plan is to expand access beyond the US.