If you want to turn your Instagram account into a sales center, you’re in the right place. Instagrammers upload up to 500 million posts DAILY. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple photo and video sharing tool to a powerful marketing tool that has a significant impact on the purchasing behavior of its users and how businesses can target their audience.
90% of users follow a brand on Instagram83% discovered a product/service from Instagram. 80% made a purchase based on a product or service they discovered on the platform.
So, if you are a small business owner and want to stay competitive but have a limited budget, or if you want to increase your brand awareness and prove your ROI, you should use Instagram Shopping.
Key Takeaways
- Use impulse buying power – Instagram shopping is how to help your target audience see your product and want to buy it immediately. Instagram ads with a link to your online store are a great way to get your product in 1 click.
- Limited budget? – No problem! The Instagram store doesn’t cost a dime. The only time you have to pay is when you choose to run Instagram ad campaigns.
- Use user-generated content and influencers – 51% of Americans trust UGC more than other forms of media. Use it to drive traffic to your Instagram store.
The ultimate guide to Instagram shopping
Instagram shopping isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how brands connect with consumers. Did you know that 70% of users turn to Instagram to discover new products? So if you’re not using this platform, you’re seriously missing out!
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about setting up your Instagram store, optimizing your posts, and using the platform’s features to increase engagement and sales.
1. Setting up an Instagram store
First things first: let’s build your store!
Step by step installation
- Create a business account: If you haven’t already done so, change your personal account to a business account. Go to Settings > Account > Professional Account and select Business. It provides access to insights and shopping features that are essential to tracking performance and ROI.
- Link your product catalog: You need a product catalog to showcase your items. You can create through Facebook Business Manager or connect with platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce. For example, brands like Alo Yoga seamlessly integrate their Shopify catalogs to showcase their latest collections directly on Instagram. This integration makes it easy to manage inventory and display products hassle-free.
- Activate shopping features: Once your catalog is set up, go to Settings > Business > Set up Instagram shopping. Follow the instructions to submit your account for review. This usually takes a few days. Tip: Make sure your account complies with Instagram guidelines to avoid delays! Instagram typically looks for a complete profile, high-quality content, and a consistent posting schedule.
- Customize your store: Once approved, you can change how your store will look. Highlight your best-selling or seasonal collections. A good example is Revolve, which showcases curated collections that entice users to explore further. Make sure you use eye-catching visuals and clear images to attract potential buyers.
2. Product labeling and promotion
Now that your store is set up, it’s time to showcase your products effectively.
Best practices
- Use Product Tags: Tag your products in your posts and stories. This allows viewers to click on an item to view details and make a purchase. This direct connection makes it much easier for potential customers to shop. Research shows that posts with product tags can increase engagement by 25%! Victoria’s Secret has NAILED the product labeling game – they use shoppable reels, videos and posts to make shopping easier for their customers by labeling items. Often times, they’ll tag their own model elements, creating more coverage and user-generated content. If you want professional advice on how to use reviews, read on 5 Ways to Leverage Customer Reviews to Increase Sales.
- Create interesting stories: Use Instagram Stories to promote new arrivals or sales. Include polls, questions, and countdowns to engage your audience and drive traffic to your store. Did you know that a third of the most viewed Stories are about business? So don’t underestimate the power of this feature! Use story points to save your best promotions and product showcases for newcomers.
- Leverage Influencers: Collaborate with influencers in your niche. They can showcase your products to their audience, expanding your reach and credibility. For example, Glossier has successfully used influencer partnerships to build a loyal customer base that generates 11 times the ROI of traditional marketing. Their approach? Authenticity over perfection resonates well with its audience. You can read more here’s how to create a strong brand identity.
3. Optimization of the algorithm
Understanding Instagram’s algorithm is key to getting your posts seen by your target audience or on any social media platform. If you want to sell on more than one social channel, read this guide How to Sell Directly Through Social Media.
Tips for optimization
- Type in sequence: Maintain a regular broadcast schedule to keep viewers engaged. Research shows that brands that post at least once a day see higher engagement rates. Use scheduling tools like Later or Clipboard to schedule your content in advance. Consistency not only keeps your brand top notch, but also helps build a loyal community.
- Use relevant hashtags: Research and use hashtags relevant to your target market. Mix popular hashtags with niche ones for better visibility. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, use hashtags like #HandmadeJewelry along with trending ones like #JewelryAddict. Hashtags can increase the visibility of your post, leading to a 12.6% increase in engagement.
- Connect with your audience: Reply to comments and messages! The more interactions you have, the more likely your content will appear in their feeds. Remember, Instagram rewards engagement – so don’t leave your fans hanging! Host Q&A sessions or give behind-the-scenes looks to grow the community. Theo Chocolate encourages shoppers to share photos, which helps expand its community and links them to the online store.
- Analyze the time: Use Instagram Insights to determine when your audience is most active. Posting during peak times can significantly increase your visibility. Experiment with different times to see what works best for your audience.
4. Analytics and Corrections
Tracking your performance is critical to proving success and that all important ROI.
How to use analytics:
- Access Insights: Go to your profile, click the Insights button, and review key metrics like reach, engagement, and sales.
- Evaluate Content Performance: Determine which posts drive the most traffic and sales. Adjust your strategy to focus on what works – whether it’s certain types of posts, timing or style of content.
- Test and learn: Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. Test different types of content and promotions and be ready to pivot based on what the analysts tell you.
5. Emerging Trends
In the ever-evolving world of social media, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve.
Latest Features and Trends:
- Instagram reels: Short, engaging videos attract attention. Use Reels to showcase products, share behind-the-scenes clips, or give styling tips.
- Live Shopping Events: Consider hosting live shopping events. This allows for real-time interaction with potential buyers and creates a sense of urgency for your products. Sephora tapped into its target market with live-streamed shopping events to showcase a variety of cosmetic products in real-time tutorials, allowing customers to shop directly from the aisles next to the stream. according to McKinsey & Companylive streaming events see conversion rates of almost 30%, well above traditional e-commerce strategies.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Explore AR features to allow customers to try or use your products virtually. This can enhance the shopping experience and increase conversions. For example, just before COVID, Adidas introduced AR Sneakers. This innovative addition enabled shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions without physically visiting the store.
- Sustainability and Ethics: Today’s consumers value sustainability. Emphasize eco-friendly practices or materials in your products to resonate with conscious shoppers. Green businesses flourished with Instagram marketing! NowThe Portland-based apparel company has pioneered the fashion industry by combining style, performance and durability in its products. #NauMadeToLast highlighted how durable Nau clothing is. The campaign was a huge success with over 5,000 participants.
And there you have it – your ultimate guide to shopping Instagram! If you own an e-commerce brand, are thinking of starting one, or are a marketing manager, you should take advantage of this! By following these steps, you can turn your Instagram account into a vibrant showcase that not only engages your audience, but also drives sales. Get out now and start turning those likes into sales!
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How successful is Instagram shopping?
Instagram users spend on average 30.6 minutes daily on the platform 500 million people using Instagram Stories daily and 130 million Instagram users tap shopping posts every month. Does Instagram Shopping Increase Sales? The results are: Brands +1,416% Traffic, +20% Revenue Report.
How can I make my Instagram store successful?
As you set up your Instagram store, use these Instagram marketing tips to start driving sales:
- Partner with influencers
- Run Instagram ads
- Use product labels
- Publish the reels
- Edit user-generated content
- Use the right hashtags
- Use video to showcase your product
- Use Instagram Stories to sell
What are the disadvantages of Instagram shopping?
Evaluation! Although it’s free to install, there are a few hidden fees you should be aware of:
- Subscription Fee – Signing up for Instagram Shop is free, but you will have to pay a processing fee for your sales.
- Transaction Fees – Transaction fees are an important aspect of using the Instagram Store. The sales fee is 5% per shipment or a flat fee of $0.40 for shipments under $8.00.
- Additional charges.