Get this: To discover new products and brands, 70% of eCommerce enthusiasts use their Instagram account as their go-to window-shopping destination.1
As an eCommerce brand, once you’ve caught a customer’s attention, the goal is conversion. But if that customer has to make several clicks to find the product on your website, view pricing, and subsequently checkout, dropoff is a significant risk.
The solution? Instagram Shopping.
Now, it’s easier than ever for customers to discover your products, view their details, and even purchase directly on the app. Are you wondering how to set up Instagram shopping and start gaining more traction on Instagram? This is our ’s guide.
Instagram Shopping 101
If your brand already maintains an Instagram presence, it’s normal to wonder whether it makes sense to set up the instagram shopping feature.
While setting up an Instagram Shop is free, it definitely takes time and energy.
But Shopping’s unique features can help you connect with customers in valuable ways, including:
Ready to harness these features? Here’s how to get started.
Confirm Eligibility and Switch to a Business or Creator Account
First things first—make sure your business is actually eligible to sell products on the Instagram app.
Once you’re ready to go, the next step is making sure that you’re using a business or creator account.
To switch over from a personal account to an Instagram business profile in the app:
From there, you’ll be asked to select a category, add contact information, and connect your Facebook Page.
Linking With Facebook
If you already have a Facebook Business Page, it’s straightforward to connect it to Instagram.
Are you boycotting Facebook or simply trying to cut down on notifications? Unfortunately, Facebook is Instagram’s parent company, and linking to a Facebook page is not an option.
In fact, Instagram Shopping syncs its inventory through your Facebook Business Page.
Head over to Facebook directly, or click “Create a new Facebook page” in the Instagram app.
Upload Your Product Catalog
Next, it’s time to start uploading your wares. As noted above, Instagram Shopping syncs with your Facebook Business Page to pull product information.
Does that mean you need to enter each product on Facebook?
Not exactly.
There are two distinct options for creating your catalog of products.
#1 Sync With Your eCommerce Shop
Do you already sell your products through an online store?
It’s easy to sync your inventory across your existing store and your Facebook Business Page. Facebook enables automatic uploads from the following platforms:
Use another provider? Check .
The next step is syncing your existing catalog to Facebook.
Syncing with your existing eCommerce store makes it easy to keep track of your products and inventory from one place.
#2 Build a Catalog on Facebook
If you’re a brand-new startup, you might not have an existing sales channel.
To make Facebook and Instagram your primary storefront, use the Commerce Manager. Instead of syncing your online store, choose to “Upload Product Info.”
You’ll see prompts for creating item titles, uploading photos, and adding descriptions.
From now on, you’ll use the Commerce Manager to update your inventory, track sales, and more.
Submit Your Catalog for Review and Turn-On Shopping
Are you ready to start selling?
Once you’ve uploaded your catalog or product information, you’ll need to request that Facebook moderators review and approve your account.
Under your account settings, click “Sign up for shopping.” From there, you’ll be guided through the steps to submit your account for review.
This process usually takes a few days, during which you may be asked to verify details like contact information. If all goes according to plan, you’ll be selling in no time.
Let Customers Start Shopping
Once Facebook has approved your account, confirm that you’re ready to sell on Instagram.
In Instagram, navigate to the “Shopping” panel (under Business Settings). Then, confirm the Facebook shop you want to use, and voila, you’re in business.
Choose A Checkout Experience
Part of the appeal of Instagram shopping is the potential for customers to discover a product and impulse buy. Consider ease of use when choosing between three checkout options:
While checkout via Instagram can streamline the shopping process, be aware that you’ll have to comply with Instagram and Facebook’s policies, which include:2
Likewise, you’ll have to pay a small fee starting at 5% per shipment.3
Start Tagging Products in Posts, Stories, and Ads
Now comes the fun part—featuring your products in posts and stories.
Try out the following strategies:
Customize Your Shop and Create Collections
Influencer partnerships, paid ads, and organic campaigns are all great ways to boost your views and grow your follower count. But what do users see when they click on your “Shop” page?
If there’s simply a grid of similar products, you may be missing an opportunity.
Consider working with an Instagram marketing specialist to speed up the design process.
Track Your Results
How well is your Instagram campaign performing?
Instagram Business provides an “Insights” page that helps you assess the success of particular ads, products, and posts using metrics like views, impressions, and engagement.
As you continue to use Instagram Shoppable posts and other tools, allow data to drive your decision-making. If live content generates more sales, add a regular live event to your marketing calendar. If ads create the best ROI, it’s time to talk to your marketing team.
How We Power Instagram Shopping
You have less than a second to make an impression on the Instagram news feed. And when it comes to Instagram Shopping, the right strategy makes all the difference in reach and conversions. Wondering what the difference is between Instagram reach vs impressions? We’ve got you covered.
At Power Digital, we take the guesswork out of Instagram Shopping so that you can focus on what you do best—innovating new products.
From setting up your virtual storefront to keeping track of analytics, we take care of your Instagram needs from A to Z.
Get in touch today to learn more about our Internet marketing services.
Sources:
Leave a Reply