Over the past few years, companies looking to boost their e-commerce results have had to take a close look at the most popular platforms.
It's now possible to create an online store on Instagram Shopping to target even more consumers.
According to a study by Accenture, over 64% of consumers bought through a social platform in 2021, and social networks generated almost $500 billion worldwide.
According to experts, this figure will triple by 2025.
If you'd like to know how you can go from "like" to "cart", quickly discover the benefits of an Instagram Shopping store.
We also present a concise, step-by-step guide to creating and using Instagram for online product sales.
In recent years, companies looking for bargains have quickly realized that social platforms are an excellent springboard for increasing their visibility.
In fact, they promote proximity with web users and facilitate communication about the products on offer.
Instagram has developed innovative features to capitalize on the social commerce trend.
It is entirely possible to present a product catalog and promotional offers to create additional opportunities and develop their e-commerce activities.
According to statistics, 80% of consumers consult information on Instagram before making a purchasing decision.
In addition, over 200 million subscribers consulta professional Instagram profile at least once a day.
According to the results of a study conducted by Ipsos in 2020, almost 50% of respondents said they use Instagram to shop on a weekly basis.
Instagram Shopping is a platform that lets you communicate effectively with a targeted audience thanks to Meta tools.
You can add personalized audiences and interact to boost your advertising campaigns.
You have the analytical tools you need to understand the performance of your business.
You can also showcase your products in popular shopping destinations (Facebook stores, Marketplace, Instagram stores).
If you'd like to create a store on Instagram, you should know that it will only take you a few minutes, thanks to the various features that are available.
It's easy to publish photos or real-life images and configure the store using forms.
Here are the 4 steps to create your store on Instagram in 2024:
It's essential to know and respect the various rules that Instagram and Meta have put in place to be able to create a store on the platform.
To do this, you must :
- Create an Instagram Business or Instagram creator account that needs to be associated with a Facebook page. It is always possible to transform a particular account into a business account.
- Service and commercial conditions must also be respected;
- Create a website with a domain name related to your brand. You must operate in a country that supports Instagram Shopping ;
- Make sure your Instagram account and Facebook page are reliable: the information published on the site and the two social networks must be consistent.
You'll need to use Facebook's Shop Manager to set up your store on Instagram.
You'll be able to create a product catalog, and insert essential descriptions for potential buyers (product features, possible delivery locations, payment methods, etc.).
Use Meta's sales manager, which brings together Facebook and Instagram stores. Select the "Create catalog" option, then "next".
Then choose the catalog template that best suits your product presentation: e-commerce, local commerce and delivery, travel, etc.
Next, determine the owner of the catalog by indicating your Facebook business page, and give the catalog a name before validating it.
You can then start inserting photos of your products and descriptions on the Instagram platform.
It should be noted that product validation by the Meta team is required before the catalog goes online and appears in your account.
👉 All you need to know about Meta Shopping
Once the catalog is validated on Meta's sales manager, you can open your store on Instagram.
The platform managers take care of the remaining configuration and any customization required.
Go to your profile by clicking on the burger menu (the three horizontal bars) at the top right of the screen.
Go to "Settings" and select "Company", then choose "Set up a store", and finally click on the "Start" button.
If your Instagram account has never been associated with your Facebook page, Instagram Shopping will ask for it so that you can select a product catalog.
Only the page administrator can link these accounts. Once all these steps have been completed, your store has been created.
Regularly publishing content on the Instagram account linked to Instagram Shopping will enable you to showcase your products.
Don't forget to include shopping tags. Followers will easily find the store button on Instagram and won't hesitate to browse your catalog.
As the payment methods offered on Instagram are not yet valid in France or Europe, customers from these geographical areas will be redirected, and this will increase traffic to your website.
Make sure your pages are "responsive design" toimprove the user experience on mobile devices.
By the way, we have an article on this topic 👉 Optimizing a landing page
For you to use Instagram Shopping, your presence on the platform must be genuine and established.
Maintaining a sufficient subscriber base can also be a determining factor. It should be noted that this feature is still reserved for certain markets and countries.
The physical goods marketed must comply with the Merchant Product Agreement and Facebook's business rules.
TheBusiness Manager account must own the Facebook Page you want to associate with the Instagram business account.
Setting up Instagram Shopping: what are the steps? 🤨
To activate Instagram Shopping features, you need to go back to the "Settings" tab, then "Business" before clicking on "Shopping".
If you don't see a "Shopping" option, it means your account is still under review or your request to use Instagram Shopping has been denied.
Check the eligibility criteria and make sure you meet them before committing to ensure thatInstagram approves your request to use Instagram Shopping.
As a general rule, you must :
Once you've completed all the steps to create your Instagram store and catalog, you'll need to ask Instagram to review your profile.
You should receive a reply within 15 days.
The presentation of your products online is crucial to achieving the best results.
You can publish real, photos or even carousels to showcase your products and develop your community.
Create an attractive publication in three easy steps:
1- Your publications must be attractive to facilitate contact with your community: create original and entertaining videos. Take the time to interact with your audience by creating transitions and effects. Use synchronized text to attract your audience's attention.
2- Illustrate your publication with a striking caption: put the most important information in the first line. Use a personal tone adapted to your audience. Be clear and concise. Invite visitors to take action in just a few words.
3- Don't forget to use useful tags before sharing your publications to improve their visibility. You can also identify your partners and the geographic area where you are located. Product tags are also effective for boosting purchases.
4- Share your feed posts in a story. To do so, click on the paper airplane button below the publication.
You can also create a story by clicking on the option at the top of the screen.
With this option, you can display a publication as a sticker with a custom background. The sticker can be resized or moved, and you can also rotate it.
If you have a Professional Instagram account and your online store is linked to a Facebook catalog and Instagram account, you'll get approval.
You can then create shopping ads using Facebook's ad manager, or from organic posts by integrating product tags.
By clicking on the tags, users will see a more detailed product sheet with a description, price and a link to your brand's website so they can buy the product.
You can use Instagram Boost or Instagram Ads Manager.
If you have an Instagram business account linked to a Facebook page, install Facebook Business Manager to create a product catalog that you can then connect to the Instagram catalog.
Apply to use Instagram Shopping and wait for your application to be approved.
Then, publish regularly to attract potential customers. Rely on the quality of your videos and advertising hooks.
Don't hesitate to showcase your products by using them to demonstrate their quality and effectiveness.
Include Instagram Shopping Ads in your communication strategy for best results.
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And that's it! You now have all you need to integrate Instagram Shopping into your online sales strategy.
By using this platform, you can not only increase the visibility of your products, but also facilitate the shopping experience for your customers, while taking advantage of interactive social features.
Whether you're a small business or a major e-commerce player, Instagram Shopping offers fertile ground for boosting your sales.
Don't forget to follow the steps for creating, validating and promoting your store to maximize your chances of success.
After all, why settle for a little like when you can fill your baskets too? 🧺
With the right practices, 2024 could be the year when your social networking efforts turn into an essential growth lever for your business.
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