The use of social media for ecommerce has been a top consideration in marketing. Using Instagram for eCommerce combines marketing/advertising and making sales via the use of this social media platform. You can set up a business profile on Instagram to increase your customer base and market your products via organic content or different types of ads. Keep reading to know more about how this works.
Instagram for eCommerce
Facebook assures a large user base. In 2012, Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion. From that moment, Instagram has grown to become a reliable platform for marketing, communication, and advertising. As of 2017, there were already about 25 million business accounts actively on Instagram.
Ever since Instagram has made the app easier to use for business owners. They have launched different features for business accounts on eCommerce. The features are known as "Instagram Shopping." The new feature helps businesses to;
- Design a business page that can function as an online store.
- Add customizable product (with name and price) to make it shoppable.
- Sell their products via organic content – theirs or an influencer’s.
- Sell to customers while they do not leave the app.
- Do live presentations to demonstrate their products to customers and increase their conversion level.
How reliable is Instagram for eCommerce? 
Here are top convincing facts to show how reliable Instagram is for eCommerce;
- At least, 90% of users follow an Instagram business page
- More than 85% agreed that they had made purchases on Instagram posts by an influencer
- Data has it that 200 million users check out an Instagram business profile each day
- 130 million Instagram users click on at least a shopping post each month
- 60% of individuals boast of having discovered new products on Instagram
There are more data to prove that Instagram is a top structure for eCommerce. This is 2022, and users want their favorite business to be active on Instagram. Some people even go to verify how reliable a brand is via their activity on Instagram.
You should join the large community of businesses on Instagram. Much more, you should take advantage of the marketing strength of your brand.
How to get Started on Instagram for eCommerce
Here are the necessary steps you may need to begin on Instagram.
- Get approval from Instagram for shopping
- Create an Instagram account for business
- Connect your product catalog to the profile
- Submit your account for review
- Turn the Shopping feature on upon approval
- Take advantage of tags on your Instagram posts
Now that you have set up your Instagram Shopping Features let us get to the main deal – using Instagram for eCommerce. Here are the necessary steps to promote your brand on Instagram.
1- Set up your “Shop”
Instagram has a shop feature that allows you to customize your business page to an online storefront. The implication is that Instagram users can make purchases while on your page. The “Shop” feature is a call to action icon – you can add the feature to every collection on your page.
The idea is that customers do not have to send you any message before they can make purchases. They can choose their desired product from the curated list on your business profile.
2- Explore Instagram Shop
First and most importantly, Instagram Shop is not the same as the Shop feature described above. The Instagram shop is an in-app setting that allows users to discover new brands and their products. Of course, the brands have set up Instagram profiles.
The Instagram shop is like a virtual mall. It is a collection of brands and their products. The Instagram algorithm recommends them to users based on other interests they may have shown in other brands or products.
How to get there on your Instagram? Look out for the "Explore" section. Then, click on the "Shop" icon afterward.
3- Make the Posts Shoppable using the Shopping Tags
Shopping tags help to link Instagram content and advertisements to your Product Catalog. The idea is to make them shoppable. You will see the tags at the bottom left-hand corner of your post. It helps users to see items as shoppable.
A click on the item will show its name and price. There is always another clickable “View Products” that directs them to other products in the Catalog.
4- Create Product Detail Pages
Your Product Detail Pages will contain a collection of products, their sizes, their respective prices, a product description, details on shipping or return, and product recommendations. Any user that tags your product will see it on a Product Detail Page. The page provides additional visual information and enough social proof.
5- Combine Ads with Product Tags
Another way to boost your brand is to use ads. Since Facebook has acquired Instagram, you can create your ads with Facebook Ad Manager. The ads will direct customers to your Instagram page or website. Such posts are always tagged with a “sponsored” mark under the username.
The posts have product names and other details. However, users will get more information before they order.
Types of Instagram Ads You can Explore
- Image Ad
- Ad in Stories
- Video Ad
- Gallery Ad
- Carousel Ad
- Instagram Explore Ad
6- Take Advantage of Influencers and Creators
Instagram influencers and creators are personal pages with a large follower base. Hence, a company can collaborate with them to increase their reach while you pay them a commission. The followers can click on the image and go ahead to checkout to get the product.
On a final note;
It is possible that you do not know about the above-described features before now. As a result, you may need the help of a professional like ConvertedIn to make effective use of Instagram for eCommerce. Reach out to us now and let us get started. Your success is our joy.
