Instagram is an insanely powerful tool.
Normal people go viral and their life changes overnight. Now just imagine if this happened for your freelance business!
Before we get into whether you should make a freelance Instagram account, we need to start with a disclaimer. I’m a freelancer who doesn’t have an Instagram business account. I show off my portfolio and get clients elsewhere.
Technically, I have an Instagram account for The Freelance Balance. But I’m a lazy poster and not afraid to admit it! Between my client work and life, I have no time.
However, I see so many freelancers using Instagram, and I know close friends in my network rely on it for clients, and it works.
So, drawing on their expertise and suggestions on Reddit, here’s a deep dive into making an Instagram account for your freelance business.
Is Instagram Good for Freelancers?
Instagram might seem all about pretty pictures, and you might be thinking, “I’m not a social media manager!”
But I have freelance friends that swear by Instagram, as it gives them a chance to connect with the people behind the images, many of whom turn out to be long-term clients!
While I’m more of a LinkedIn freelancer, I know editors and clients sometimes reach out to freelancers there, and it’s possible to use it as your main client acquisition channel.
Let’s be real, it’s calmer than other platforms, easier to build genuine relationships, and adds an extra personal touch that shows you as a human rather than a CV.
Honestly, this human element is sometimes what really sells your services to someone!
Can Freelancers Use an Instagram Business Account
Yes, freelancers can use a business account, but you don’t need a strict strategy for it.
Business accounts offer analytics, ads, and professional features, which can help track engagement and showcase your work more effectively.
After all, Instagram is a top social media platform for making purchases, with 29% of users buying directly from the app!
But really, the value depends on how intentional you are about posting and connecting. Even casual, genuine use can yield opportunities, and you can do this without making a business profile.
Which Instagram Account Type Is Best?
Did you know there are three main account types on Instagram?
You can make a freelance account with all of them, but some are better than others for showing off your portfolio.
- Personal Account – Great for showing both your work and your personality. Authenticity matters more than perfection, but if you set work-life boundaries, you might not want your clients seeing your weekend escapades!
- Professional Account (Business) – Offers analytics and ads. Useful if you want detailed insights into what posts resonate with potential clients. Most freelancers go for this set-up.
- Creator Account – Designed for influencers content creators, offering flexible messaging tools and detailed follower analytics. Handy if you want to separate work vs. personal while keeping growth insights. This is another good option.
I’m a freelance writer, not a social media pro. Honestly, to me, these all seem rather similar.
However, after asking around in my network, the general consensus is that one well-managed personal/professional hybrid works best for freelancers.
Pro Tip: You won’t win clients by procrastinating. It’s more important to get started and post than choosing the perfect account. Sorry to call you out, perfectionists!
How To Get Clients on Instagram
Instagram is a surprisingly effective platform for finding freelance work.
It shows off your services in a lower-pressure environment and opens the door for casual chit-chat, which you can convert into retainers.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Connect With Potential Clients
Be brave and say hello!
Follow, like, and engage genuinely with editors, PRs, and companies in your niche. Of course, you should never spam anyone. Be polite and warm the connection with a comment or two.
Some writers confess on Reddit that they get messages from editors who wouldn’t reply to emails but will chat on IG.
Pro Tip: Don’t interact with potential clients’ personal accounts. Keep it business only.
2. Post Case Studies or Your Work
Don’t be coy. Showcase projects or campaigns you’ve contributed to. Visuals + captions = an easy portfolio.
Pro Tip: Don’t post if your work is under an NDA. If you’re unsure, always check with your contact before posting.
3. Comment Thoughtfully
You can get attention with thoughtful or funny comments. There’s a fine line between formal and informal here.
The best way is to answer questions and show expertise without overselling. This way, you start a dialogue and become more than a follower.
4. Don’t Waste Time On Hashtags
Think hashtags will help? Think again.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO, states that hashtags don’t boost post reach anymore. This is because the algorithm is more powerful these days.
Pros vs Cons of Instagram for Freelancers
Creating an Instagram works for some, but not others. Weigh up the pros and cons before you hit post!
Pros
- Builds genuine relationships with potential clients
- Easier to be seen compared to noisy platforms like Twitter
- Offers creative ways to showcase work and personality
- Opportunities to network and pitch directly
Cons
- Time-consuming if you want consistent posting
- Algorithm changes can affect visibility
- Harder to track ROI than LinkedIn or email pitches
- Requires balancing personal vs professional content
Instagram vs LinkedIn for Freelancers
Unsure which is best for you? You can actually use both. And why not?
But if you’re strapped for time, choosing one is wise so you can focus on building a network. I personally use LinkedIn, and have genuinely got long-term work from nurturing relationships on the platform.
Instagram is visual and visual.
It’s great for showing your work (e.g., graphic design or animations), engaging directly with editors or clients, and building a personality-driven presence.
LinkedIn, on the other hand, is professional and text-focused. It’s also closer to old-fashioned business networking.
It’s ideal for sharing credentials, posting articles, connecting with decision-makers, and establishing credibility in your niche.
Is a Professional Instagram Account Worth It?
Time for the frustrating answer: It really depends on how you use Instagram.
If you’re dedicated to building a professional freelance account and posting regularly, you’ll do well.
But if you already neglect social media (like myself), it might not be the best channel for you — and that’s OK, there are other ways to find clients.
I’m a digital minimalist at heart. I don’t like social media that much, and yet I have enough work through email pitching, Upwork, and LinkedIn. This is what works for me right now, and I’m always ready to adapt when needed.
If you are curious, remember that a professional account can provide analytics, insights, and ads, but it’s not strictly necessary. The real key is engagement, meaning you must spend time connecting and commenting.
One well-maintained account often beats splitting your attention across multiple pages. Now go show’em who you are!
Can You Make Money With a Professional Instagram Account?
Yes, but indirectly.
Instagram isn’t a direct marketplace, but it can serve as a pipeline to relationships that lead to paid work.
As a freelancer, you can make money by sharing your work thoughtfully and building visibility. This doesn’t guarantee cash, yet it increases the chances of turning connections into commissions.
Last Thoughts
Instagram is an underrated tool for freelancers, as long as you genuinely enjoy using it.
The main takeaway is that you shouldn’t stress too much about making your profile perfect. Clients won’t care! Just start posting and be approachable. Combine it with other outreach methods, and you’ll be good to go!
Get more freelance tips now. Read more on The Freelance Balance blog.
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