Instead of the mall, shop until you drop on Instagram. Instagram Shopping reaches over 1 billion monthly users by bringing retail to social media.
Instagram Shopping lets customers choose and buy products from your Instagram account instead of your website.
Each month, over 130 million Instagram Shopping users click on posts, bringing dreams to brick-and-mortar stores. Set up your online storefront if you sell products. Let’s begin.
What’s Instagram shopping?
Instagram Shopping lets eCommerce brands create a digital, shareable catalog on Instagram. The app lets users research products and buy them on Instagram (with Checkout) or on the brand’s eCommerce site.
Instagram product sharing and sales promotion are nothing new. Instagram reports that 87% of users say influencers have influenced them to buy, and 70% of avid shoppers use the platform to discover new products.
Until recently, the only ways for e-commerce brands to use Instagram to drive sales were through clickable Instagram Stories or bio links. Thanks to Instagram’s latest shopping features, it’s easier than ever. In just a few clicks, you can see it, like it, buy it – go the full Ariana Grande cycle.
Every Instagram retailer should know these details and terms before starting:
- Instagram Shops are customizable digital storefronts that let customers shop from your Instagram profile. Imagine a landing page where users can browse all your products.
- From description to price to photos, Product Detail Pages show all the important information. Instagram product-tagged images are also pulled into the product detail page.
- Stores may adorn their virtual storefront with carefully selected product groupings.
- Use Shopping Tags in Stories, Reels, and Instagram posts to link to catalog products for more information or purchase. U.S. businesses using Instagram’s limited Checkout can tag products in captions and bios. You can use Shopping Tags in ads!
- Checkout (only available in select regions) lets Instagram users buy products without leaving the app. (Brands without Checkout will direct customers to their ecommerce checkout page.)
- The new Instagram app Shop Discovery tab helps non-followers discover. Window-shopping 2.0: browse global brands big and small.
Instagram shopping approval process
Before setting up Instagram Shopping, your business must meet some requirements.
- Instagram Shopping is supported in your market. Verify with the list.
- Sell a physical, eligible product.
- Your business follows Instagram’s merchant agreement and commerce policies.
- Business owns an eCommerce website.
- Set your Instagram business profile. Changing your account type from personal to business is simple.
12 Instagram shopping tips for increased sales
After stocking your virtual shelves, attract buyers. Top tips for encouraging users to shop until they drop. Or should it be “‘Gram til they… blam?” Still workshopping that one. One effective way to boost your presence is to buy IG followers, which can help increase your reach and credibility.
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Use striking images
Instagram is visual, so your products better look good in the grid! To present your products professionally, use high-quality photos and videos.
Show your products in action or in a real-world setting for an exciting, editorial look. Stunning detail shots can also be appealing. For more Instagram post ideas, watch Fridge-worthy, where our two social media experts explain why this furniture store sells rugs so well:
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Use hashtags
Relevant Instagram hashtags are good for all posts, including shopping. They’ll make it more likely for someone new to find you, opening up new engagement opportunities.
Searching #shoplocal yields many small businesses.
Using the right hashtags can also get you on the Explore page, which has a “Shop” tab and is visited by over 50% of Instagram users each month.
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Share offers or codes
Everyone loves a deal, and a promotional campaign will boost sales.
Promoting the code in shoppable Instagram posts makes it easier for customers to act.
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Show your product in use
Instagram tutorials are the most popular type of video. Shopping posts benefit from this format’s product education and proof of concept.
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Be genuine
The same social media engagement principles apply to product posts. The principle of authenticity holds.
Not all product copy is necessary. Your voice and personality should shine through! Connect with your audience with a thoughtful caption that provides surprising insight or an emotional connection. What inspired it? How was it made? Timeless sales tool: storytelling.
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Color play
Use a bright background for your product shot — color is always eye-catching. Strive for contrast if influencers are using a certain color palette to stop scrollers.
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Get a signature look
Maintaining a consistent Instagram aesthetic will boost brand recognition and identity. Customers scrolling through their feed or exploring the Explore tab can also spot your posts.
Do you know? Business feed posts with product tags generate 37% more sales.
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Be inclusive
Your images must be meaningful if you want your brand to reach many people. With over a billion users, Instagram is diverse.
Unfortunately, Instagram promotions and images often feature white, able-bodied, slim people. Present models of all body types to attract customers. Caption your images so visually impaired users can learn about your amazing product.
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Promote user-generated content (UGC)
These posts provide new, real photos of your photos in action and boost your credibility. Real user posts are more authentic, which builds trust. Like visual testimonials.
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Make a captivating carousel
Display your product line with a carousel. Users can quickly browse your latest collection without tapping into your Instagram Shop.
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Team up with tastemakers
Partner with a tastemaker to promote your products. Your favorite influencer or person can curate a special Collection of your catalog’s best products.
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Create compelling CTAs
A strong call to action complements a stunning photo. A call to action — “Buy now!”, “Share with a friend!”, or “Get it before it’s gone!”— instructs the reader to act. Refresh your CTAs and use your new power responsibly.
Instagram shopping will continue to grow, and Instagram Checkout will soon be global. There’s no better time to try it as part of your social media strategy and see how it can help your business. Start online shopping!
