How to Set Up an Instagram Shop and Sell Products?

Introduction:

Instagram is a very popular social media platform. The platform offers you many unique and innovative features. Instagram allows you to upload your photos, videos and reels here. But remember that Instagram is not just a platform for sharing your photos and videos. It is way more powerful than that. This platform is a powerful e-commerce tool as well. If you have an Instagram Shop, then you can showcase your products to a wider audience. Insta directly allows the customers to browse and make direct purchases from your shop.

Don’t you know how to set up your Instagram shop and sell there?. You need not to worry. In this article, I will be telling you everything about how to set up your Instagram Shop. I will also be sharing with you the best tips to boost sales. Then what are you waiting for?. Let’s begin the show.

Why to Sell on Instagram?.

There are many reasons that make Instagram a great platform to sell your products. The best among them are:

Over 2 billion active users:

Instagram has a massive audience for your products. The platform has over 2 billion users. So you can reach a wider audience at a single click.

Instagram Shopping is built-in:

This means that customers can buy directly from your page. So they need not to go to any other link or anything like that.

Boosts brand visibility:

Your products can appear on the Explore page if you use the right tags. This can enable you to reach a bigger audience.

Higher engagement rates:

People love to shop through their social media handles. So if you want to grow your business, then you must set up your shop on Instagram.

How to Set Up a Shop on Instagram:

If you want to set up your shop on Instagram, then you should follow some steps. These steps are:

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible for Instagram Shoppings

Before you set up your shop, your account must meet Instagram’s eligibility criteria. The criteria is:

• You must be in a supported country to sell on Instagram.
 Your business must sell physical products. You can not sell services or digital items there.
 
• Your Instagram account must be a Business or Creator account.
 
• Your account must comply with all of Instagram’s commerce policies.
 
• Your Facebook and Instagram accounts must be connected with each other.

If your business meets these requirements, then move to the next step.

Step 2: Convert to a Business or Creator Account:

If you want to enable Instagram Shopping, then you will need a Business or Creator account. If you already have one, then skip this step. If  you do not have one, then follow these steps to switch:

1. First of all, you should open the Instagram app. Next, you should go to your profile.
2. You should tap on the three lines (menu) at the top right.
3. Next, you should select Settings & Privacy. After that, go to Account Type and Tools.
4. You should tap on Switch to Professional Account.
5. You should choose a Business or a Creator account. After that, you should follow the setup instructions.

Now your account is ready for Instagram Shopping features.

Step 3: Connect Instagram to a Facebook Page:

If you want to sell your products on Instagram, then you should link your Insta to your Facebook Business Page. You can do it by following these steps:

• First of all, you should open your Instagram and go to Settings.
• Now tap on Business. Then go to the Connect a Facebook Page.
• Next, you should select an existing page or create a new one.

This connection is important. It is because Instagram pulls product details from Facebook’s Commerce Manager.

Step 4: Set Up Instagram Shopping in Commerce Manager:

Now, it’s time to set up your Instagram Shop in Facebook’s Commerce Manager. You should follow these steps to do it:

1. You should go to your Meta Commerce Manager.
2. You should click Create a Shop and select Instagram Shopping.
3. You should choose your checkout method. You can choose Instagram, website or direct message. 
4. Next, select your Facebook Page and Instagram account.
5. Now, you should set up your business details and payment options.
6. Finally, you should review your settings and submit your shop for approval.

Instagram usually approves your shops within a few days. But sometimes it can take up to a week. So you should be patient. And you will get your approval.

Step 5: Add Products to Your Instagram Shop:

Once your shop is approved, you should start adding products. There are two ways to do so. These ways are:

Option 1: Use Facebook Commerce Manager:

• You should open your Commerce Manager.
• You should select Catalog and then Add Products.
• You should upload your product images, descriptions and prices.
• You should save and publish your product.

Option 2: Use an E-commerce Platform (Shopify, BigCommerce):

If you have an online store, then you can connect it to Instagram. You can do it by using Shopify, WooCommerce or BigCommerce. This allows Instagram to automatically sync your product catalog.

Step 6: Enable Instagram Shopping Features:

Now that your products are listed, you should turn on your Shopping features. You can do it by following these steps:

1. You should go to your Instagram Settings.
2. You should tap on business and then Shopping.
3. You should select your product catalog.
4. Finally, you should tap on Done.

Now you can tag products in posts and Reels. This will make shopping easier for your customers.

Step 7: Promote Your Instagram Shop for More Sales:

Once your shop is live, you should follow some marketing strategies to increase sales. These strategies are:

Post consistently:

You should post consistently on your account. You should share your product photos, Reels and Stories.
 

Use hashtags:

You should add SEO-optimized keywords like #InstagramShop #BuyOnline to your post. This will help you in boosting your sales.
 

Engage with followers:

You should engage with your followers. You should reply to their DMs and comments to build trust.
 

Run Instagram Ads:

You should promote your products with paid ads. This will also increase your sales to a greater extent.
 

Collaborate with influencers:

You should work with creators to boost your visibility.

If you follow these strategies, then you can grow your Instagram business faster.

Conclusion:

Instagram is a great social media platform. The platform has been trending for years. Insta has different amazing and innovative features. The platform also allows you to sell your products. Remember that setting up an Instagram Shop is very easy if you follow the right steps. First, you should ensure that your business meets the requirements. Then, you should switch to a Business account and link it to Facebook. After that, you should set up your Commerce Manager and add your products. Finally, you should tag your products in your posts and promote your shop to increase sales. Remember that if you go with the right marketing strategy, then you can turn your Instagram into a profitable online store.

FAQS:

Q: How long does it take to get Instagram Shop approval?.

Ans: Instagram usually approves your shops within a few days to a week. But this depends on the review process. So it can take more time as well.

Q: Can I sell digital products on Instagram Shop?.

Ans: No. Instagram Shops only support physical products. So you cannot sell digital items or your services here.

Q: Do I need a website to sell on Instagram?.

Ans: No. You can use Instagram Checkout to sell your products directly. You can also link your Insta shop to your website as well.

Q: Is Instagram Shop free to set up?.

Ans: Yes. Setting up an Instagram Shop is completely free. But Instagram may charge a small fee per sale if you use their checkout.