Instagram confirmed the development of business profiles, which is directed towards businesses and influencers.

The profiles, which are currently being tested with a small group of users, suggest a variety of useful features for those who run a business account on Instagram. It includes a “Contact” button, access to maps and directions, and the ability to categorize the business by type.

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The Contact button sits right beside the Follow/Following button on the upper right side of the profile. When the Contact button is pressed, an option menu will pop up, allowing users to choose between getting directions to the business or to email the account directly.

This also avoids businesses from writing down their email information on the profile descriptions, and it will also prevent spam. Adding the Contact button would provide businesses more room on their profile descriptions to immediately inform users of what type of business they are and what they can offer.

The business pages are categorized as well just like Facebook Pages list. The business profiles have not yet launched broadly, so it is not likely that most users will see them in their Instagram feeds at this time.

In addition, there is Get Directions option that will be especially useful for local retailers. Upon pressing, it will open up a map interface showing the exact location of the owner of the profile. It will prevent businesses from writing down their addresses on their profile description, which only accommodates 150 characters.

“We are testing new business tools coming to Instagram in a few months,” said an Instagram spokesperson confirming the business profiles.

Facebook-owned Instagram has long allowed brands, small businesses, and well-known figures to create accounts on its platform. It applies the same blue checkmark verification system its parent company adopted from Twitter years ago.

TagsInstagram, Instagram Business Profiles, Instagram Contact buttons, Instagram Get Directions, Facebook Instagram