Meta Business Verification: What It Means for Your Brand on Instagram

In the dynamic world of social media, staying updated with platform changes is essential. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has introduced a new service called Meta Verified. This subscription-based service offers various benefits aimed at enhancing visibility and support for businesses on Instagram. Here’s a detailed look at what Meta Business Verification entails and how it can impact your brand.

What is Meta Verified?

Meta Verified is a subscription service launched by Meta, providing users with a bundle of benefits for a monthly fee. Initially rolled out in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it is now being tested in the UK and other regions. The service aims to offer enhanced support and visibility on Instagram through various features.

Key Features of Meta Verified

1. Blue Tick Verification: Gain the prestigious blue tick, indicating a verified account.
2. Enhanced Profile: Add more images, links, and addresses to your profile.
3. Links in Reels: Similar to TikTok, users can now add links in their Reels, directing viewers to specific product or event pages.
4. Improved Customer Support: Access to live chat and phone support, which has seen recent improvements even for non-subscribers.

Pricing Tiers for Businesses

For creators, the starting price is around £14.99 per month. This includes verification, higher search ranking, impersonation protection, and enhanced profile features. However, for businesses, the costs are higher, starting at approximately £44.99 per month. Here’s a breakdown of the business tiers:

• Business Standard (£14.99/month): Blue Tick, impersonation protection, customer support, enhanced profile, and search optimisation.
• Business Plus: Additional benefits, including links in Reels.
• Business Premium: Employee impersonation protection, customised message chats for extensive customer interaction.
• Business Max: Includes all features plus an account review from a Meta associate, offering personalised feedback.

Implications for Your Brand

Meta Business Verification is a strategic response to the increasing use of Instagram’s search function. Users are frequently searching for local businesses and activities on the platform. By offering higher search rankings and enhanced profile features, Meta Verified can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and engagement.

However, the higher costs associated with business accounts may pose a challenge for smaller enterprises. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the costs. Consider testing the lower-tier options to see their impact on your profile before making a substantial investment.

Conclusion

Meta Business Verification offers promising benefits for enhancing your brand’s visibility and customer support on Instagram. While the costs are higher for business accounts, the potential for improved search ranking, profile enhancement, and direct support can be valuable. Evaluate your social media goals and budget to determine if this service aligns with your strategy.

Stay informed about these updates and adapt your strategy to maintain a strong presence in the competitive world of social media.

This blog was written using content from our Social Media Marketing Update for May 2024.