Instagram shopping: How to get set up and start making sales

Instagram has become a powerful platform for businesses, allowing brands to sell their products directly to customers through Instagram Shopping. With millions of users engaging with brands daily, leveraging Instagram Shopping can significantly boost your sales and online presence.

What is Instagram Shopping?

Instagram Shopping is a feature that enables businesses to create a digital storefront on Instagram. It allows users to browse, explore, and purchase products without leaving the app. Businesses can tag products in their posts and stories, making it easier for customers to shop seamlessly.

How to Set Up Instagram Shopping

Setting up Instagram Shopping requires a few steps, but once completed, it can drastically improve your ability to drive sales. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Ensure Your Business Meets the Requirements

Before setting up Instagram Shopping, your business must meet the following criteria:

Sell physical products that comply with Instagram’s commerce policies.
Have a business or creator account on Instagram.
Link your Instagram account to a Facebook Business Page.
Your business must be located in a supported country.

2. Convert to a Business or Creator Account

If you haven’t already switched to a business or creator account, follow these steps:

Go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu icon.
Select Settings > Account.
Tap Switch to a Business or Creator Account.
Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

3. Connect to a Facebook Catalogue

Instagram Shopping is powered by Facebook Shops, so you need a product catalog. You can set this up via:

Facebook Business Manager – Using the Commerce Manager.
An E-commerce Platform – Facebook integrates with Shopify, BigCommerce, and other platforms.

4. Submit Your Account for Review

Once you’ve linked your product catalog, go to your Instagram settings:

Select Business > Instagram Shopping.
Follow the instructions and submit your account for review.
Wait for Instagram to approve your account, which may take a few days.

5. Turn on Instagram Shopping

After approval, turn on shopping features by navigating to:

Settings > Business > Shopping.
Select the catalog you want to use.
Tap Done.

How to Start Making Sales with Instagram Shopping

Once you have set up Instagram Shopping, the next step is to optimize your strategy to drive sales and maximize engagement.

1. Use Product Tags in Posts and Stories

Adding product tags enhances discoverability and simplifies the shopping experience. To do this:

Upload a photo or video.
Tap “Tag Products.”
Select the product from your catalog.
Share the post with your audience.

You can also add shoppable stickers to Instagram Stories, encouraging users to tap and shop.

2. Leverage Instagram Reels and Live Shopping

Instagram’s latest Reels and Live Shopping features offer additional avenues to promote products. Consider:

Hosting live product demonstrations.
Collaborating with influencers for real-time shopping events.
Featuring bestsellers in short, engaging Reel videos.

3. Optimize Your Instagram Shop

Create an engaging shop that encourages conversions:

Use high-quality images and detailed descriptions.
Organize products into relevant collections.
Include clear pricing and availability information.

4. Run Instagram Shopping Ads

Instagram allows you to promote shoppable posts via ads. Consider using:

Carousel ads to showcase multiple products.
Story ads with direct shopping links.
Collection ads to provide a seamless browsing experience.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Customer engagement is key to boosting sales. Try:

Responding to comments and messages quickly.
Hosting giveaways to increase brand awareness.
Encouraging user-generated content featuring your products.

Final Thoughts

Instagram Shopping presents an incredible opportunity for businesses to increase their online sales in an interactive and engaging way. By setting up your Instagram shop, optimizing your content, and leveraging shopping ads, you can enhance your customer experience and drive meaningful revenue.

Start now, follow best practices, and make the most of Instagram’s powerful e-commerce features to expand your business!