Published August 30, 2024 | Edited January 1, 2025
In the last few years, social commerce has exploded, and there’s no sign of it slowing down. According to data from eMarketer, retail social commerce sales in the U.S. could hit nearly $80 billion by 2025—almost double the $46 billion recorded in 2020.
If you haven’t started selling on social media yet, set up an Instagram shop as an excellent way to dip your toes in the water. Instagram’s focus on visuals, combined with the growing popularity of social commerce, provides a perfect environment for showcasing your products. In fact, a survey revealed that 60% of Instagram users discover new products on the platform.
To help you get started, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to setting up an Instagram Shop. Stick around to the end for some useful tips to boost your store’s visibility.
1. What is Instagram Shop, and How Does It Work?
To set up an Instagram Shop, businesses can showcase their product catalog and sell directly on the platform. Shoppers can click the “View Shop” button on your profile and complete purchases within the app. You could also get featured in the Instagram Shop tab, displayed in the main navigation, for increased visibility.
When you set up an Instagram shop, your chances of reaching the right audience increase, as Instagram’s algorithms consider user interactions, like the brands they follow or posts they engage with.
2. Who Can Set Up an Instagram Shop?
Before diving into how to set up an Instagram Shop, check if you’re eligible. Instagram has specific criteria for businesses wanting to open a shop.
- Your business or creator account must be in one of the platform’s supported regions. You can verify this through Instagram’s Help Center.
- You need an eligible product to sell.
- You must have an eCommerce website where you can sell your products.
- You must comply with Instagram’s commerce policies and merchant agreement.
3. Setting Up Your Instagram Shop: A Step-by-Step Guide:
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, here’s how to set up your Instagram Shop in five easy steps:
Step 1: Switch to a Business or Creator Account:
First things first, you’ll need a professional account on Instagram. If you don’t have one yet, follow these steps:
- Open your Instagram profile.
- Tap the three-line icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- If you don’t see an option to “Switch to a professional account,” go to “Account” and select it there.
- Choose your business category, and then tap “Done.”
- Confirm by selecting “OK.”
- Select “Business” and add your contact information.
Step 2: Link Your Facebook Page:
To set up an Instagram Shop, you need to link your Instagram account to a Facebook page. Don’t worry if you don’t have a Facebook page yet; Instagram will guide you through creating one.
Here’s how to link your accounts:
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap “Edit Profile.”
- Under “Public business information,” select “Page.”
- Choose the page you want to link. If you don’t have one, you can create a new Facebook page.
One key thing to note: you must be an admin of the Facebook page to link it to your Instagram account. Once linked, you’ll unlock additional business tools like ad creation, messaging integration, and more.
Step 3: Add Your Product Catalog:
Now comes the fun part—adding your products. You’ll need a product catalog that includes descriptions and inventory details for the items you want to sell.
To set up an Instagram Shop, you can integrate your catalog directly if you’re using eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. This ensures smooth inventory management between your website and Instagram. If you’re not using a third-party platform, you’ll need to create your catalog through Facebook Business Manager’s Catalogue Manager.
Step 4: Review Your Account:
Before your Instagram Shop goes live, Instagram needs to review and approve your account. Here’s how to start the review process:
- Head to “Settings” and select “Sign up for Shopping.”
- Complete the steps as instructed.
You can monitor the status of your review by going back to “Settings” and clicking on “Shopping.” Reviews typically take a few days, but occasionally, it can take longer if more information is needed.
Step 5: Turn on the Shopping Features:
Once approved, the final step is to enable the shopping features. Here’s how:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap “Business.”
- Select “Shopping.”
- Link your product catalog and click “Done.”
Your Instagram Shop is now ready to go live!
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4. Tips for Promoting Your Instagram Shop:
Setting up your shop is only the beginning. Here are a few strategies to help you effectively market your new Instagram store:
Leverage Stickers and Product Tags:
Instagram offers a variety of product stickers that you can use to tag items in Stories. To set up an Instagram Shop, you can add these stickers to new Stories or go back and tag products in existing posts. Using tags and stickers is a simple way to make your products shoppable within the app.
Use Hashtags and Strong Calls to Action:
Hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience. Consider using hashtags like #shoplocal or #onlineshopping to boost your visibility. But don’t forget a compelling call to action, like “Buy before it’s gone” or “Tap the shopping bag to buy.”
Run Instagram Shopping Ads:
With Instagram Shopping ads, you can tag products directly in your ads. To set up an Instagram Shop, users can click these tags to learn more about your items and purchase without leaving Instagram. Be sure to use high-quality photos and relevant tags to make the most of this feature.
Collaborate with Influencers:
Partnering with influencers can amplify your reach. Ask them to curate a special collection of products and share it with their followers. Just make sure the influencer aligns with your brand’s values and audience.
Showcase User-Generated Content:
Reposting content from customers who’ve purchased your products adds authenticity to your brand. User-generated content (UGC) acts as social proof and can foster trust with new potential buyers.
Maintain Consistent Branding:
Ensure that your Instagram posts match the overall style and branding of your website and other social platforms. A consistent look will make your content stand out in a sea of posts.
Share Stories Behind Your Products:
Storytelling is an excellent way to build an emotional connection with your audience. To set up an Instagram Shop, share the inspiration behind your products or demonstrate how they work in real-life scenarios. This personal touch helps humanize your brand.
Offer Discounts and Promotions:
Everyone loves a good deal. Promote your sales in your captions or in shoppable posts to encourage customers to make purchases.
FAQs About Instagram Shop Setup:
What is Instagram Shop and how does it work?
Instagram Shop allows businesses to display their products directly on their Instagram profile. Customers can view and purchase products within the app, with the option to discover items through the Shop tab or via posts with product tags.
Who can set up an Instagram Shop?
To set up an Instagram Shop, your business must meet certain criteria, including being in a supported region, having eligible products to sell, possessing an eCommerce website, and adhering to Instagram’s commerce policies.
What type of Instagram account do I need to set up a Shop?
You need to switch your personal Instagram account to a Business or Creator account in order to set up a Shop.
Do I need a Facebook page to set up an Instagram Shop?
Yes, you must link your Instagram account to a Facebook page to set up an Instagram Shop. If you don’t have a Facebook page, Instagram will guide you through creating one.
How do I add my product catalog to Instagram Shop?
You can integrate your product catalog directly from eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. Alternatively, you can create your catalog manually using Facebook Business Manager’s Catalogue Manager.
How long does it take for Instagram to review my account after I apply for a Shop?
Instagram typically takes a few days to review your account, but in some cases, it may take longer if additional information is needed.
How do I enable shopping features after my account is approved?
Once approved, go to your Instagram settings, tap “Business,” select “Shopping,” and link your product catalog. Then, your Instagram Shop will be live.
What are some tips to promote my Instagram Shop?
You can promote your Instagram Shop by using product stickers and tags in Stories, leveraging hashtags, running Instagram Shopping ads, collaborating with influencers, sharing user-generated content, maintaining consistent branding, and offering promotions.
Can I run ads for my Instagram Shop?
Yes, Instagram allows you to run Shopping ads where you can tag products in your ads. This allows customers to purchase directly from the ad without leaving Instagram.
How can I use Instagram Stories to boost my shop’s visibility?
You can use Instagram Stories to tag products, share discounts, showcase user-generated content, and tell the story behind your products, all of which can help increase visibility and engagement.
Conclusion:
Setting up an Instagram Shop is an incredible opportunity for businesses to tap into the growing social commerce trend. To set up an Instagram Shop, you can reach a wider audience, create a seamless shopping experience, and showcase your products in a visually engaging way.
By following the steps outlined above and applying the marketing tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful Instagram store.
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