Once you have a customer’s attention, your goal as an eCommerce brand is to convert them. If the customer must click-through several pages to view the product and then checkout, they are at risk of dropping it off.
What is the solution? Instagram Shopping.
It’s now easier than ever to let customers discover your products and view their details. They can even buy directly from the app. Do you want to learn how to create Instagram shopping in order for your business or brand to gain more exposure on Instagram? This is our digital marketing agency’s social media management guide.
Instagram Shopping 101
It’s natural to wonder if it makes sense for your brand to add the Instagram Shopping feature.
It is not free to set up an Instagram shop, but it does take time and effort.
The unique features of But Shopping can help you to connect with your customers in many ways.
- Tagged posts, stories, and more for your followers. Highlight items in stories, reels, and live feeds. Customers can view the product details by clicking on a product sticker or tag. You can add up to five products per shoppable posting.
- Create your storefront – The “Shop” section of your profile acts as a second web storefront. You can curate it to include certain collections or popular products along with their prices and purchase information.
- Exposure outside of your network with Instagram Shop – Users outside of your network will also be able to discover you on the “Shop page.” Shop is a place for Instagram users who want to find new brands and products.
Are you ready to take advantage of these features? How to start:
Confirm your eligibility and switch to a business or creator account
Make sure that your business qualifies to sell on Instagram.
- Instagram is a great platform for most businesses in North America. Check the list of supported markets if you are an international vendor.
- Instagram allows a variety of products to be advertised, but weapons, drugs, and other restricted substances are not allowed.
- Instagram’s Terms of Service also require that you accurately represent your products and accept them. If you violate the terms, your Shop could be closed.
The next step, once you are ready to go, is to make sure you have a business account or a creator account.
Switching from a personal Instagram account to a business Instagram profile is possible in the app.
- Click on the icon
- Settings
- Click Switching to Professional Account under Account.
You’ll then be asked to choose a category, enter your contact information, and link your Facebook page.
Linking with Facebook
It’s easy to connect your Facebook Business Page to Instagram if you already have one.
Do you want to reduce the number of notifications, or do you boycott Facebook? Facebook is Instagram’s parent, so linking to an Instagram page isn’t possible.
Instagram Shopping syncs your inventory via Facebook Business Page.
Click “Create new Facebook page” from the Instagram app or go directly to Facebook.
Upload your product catalog.
The next step is to upload your products. Instagram Shopping pulls product information from your Facebook Business Page.
Do you have to add each product separately on Facebook?
Not exactly.
You have two options to choose from when creating a catalog of products.
Sync with Your eCommerce Shop
Are you currently selling your products online?
You can easily sync your stock between your existing store and Facebook Business Page. Facebook allows automatic uploads of content from the following platforms.
- Shopify
- Big Commerce
- Zento
- Magneto
- Open Cart
Use another provider? Check Facebook for a list of partners.
Next, you will need to sync your catalog with Facebook.
- You can connect to a partner platform using Facebook’s Commerce Manager.
- Click on the link below to see your platform’s unique instructions for integrating Facebook and Instagram.
- Wait for Facebook to sync your inventory and products. In the future, you will only make changes to your eCommerce store and never your Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Syncing your eCommerce store with your product and inventory management software allows you to manage your entire inventory in one place.
Create a Catalog on Facebook
You might not yet have a sales channel if you are launching a new business.
Use the Commerce Manager to make Facebook and Instagram your main storefront. Choose “Upload product info” instead of syncing with your online store.
You’ll be prompted to create item titles, add photos, and write descriptions.
You can now use the Commerce Manager to update your inventory, tracking sales, and more.
Submit your catalog for review and turn on shopping
Are you ready to sell?
After you upload your product or catalog information, Facebook will need to review your account and approve it.
Click “Sign Up for Shopping” under your account settings. You’ll then be guided through the process of submitting your account for review.
During this time, you might be asked to confirm certain details, such as your contact information. If everything goes as planned, you will be selling your home in no time.
Shoppers can start shopping.
When Facebook approves your account, you can confirm that you are ready to sell products on Instagram.
Navigate to the “Shopping Panel” (under Business Settings) on Instagram. You can confirm which Facebook shop you’d like to use.
Choose Your Checkout Experience
Instagram shopping can be a great way for customers to discover new products and make impulse purchases. When choosing between the three options for checkout, consider ease of use:
- In-app checkout can be enabled via Shopify, Shop Runner, or Big Commerce.
- Checkout by DM: You’ll ask your customers to send you a message to arrange payment
- Redirect to your website check-out
- Accepting payment in USD after submitting your EIN
- Tracking shipments
- Refunds are issued within two days after returns