The role of social commerce has become the topic every marketer talks about these days. And when Facebook has a feature dedicated to selling products right on the page, why can't Instagram get the love too?
Before we continue to create an Instagram for Business account, let's get to know what Instagram Shopping is and how it helps your brand drive more sales directly on the page.
What Is Instagram Shopping?
Instagram Shopping is a feature on IG designed for brands who want to increase sales directly on their page. IG has added features that each shop can create catalogues to show on their page. Brands can promote and drive more sales quickly through Instagram Shopping.
1. Show off your goods with Product Tag
One of IG Shopping's greatest features is the Product Tag which allows brands to tag product information directly on the image, much like when you tag your friends. Users can click to see more information instantly. This feature is also available when you boost the post or launch ad campaigns, generating CTR and driving product sales significantly.
2. Tag your product in Stories with Shopping Stickers
Shopping Stickers on Stories can show your product information just like post tags. This feature could prove helpful as statistically, the audience spends more time sliding through IG Stories than scrolling post timeline. But a Story lasts only 24 hours, so the brand needs to come back to update content every day.
3. Increase sales by using ‘product detail pages’
The product details page will assist us to present the product in detail. Whether the price, description, images that help visualize the actual use and the actual product model. Since the more the target group receives the product details, the more they decide to buy.
4. Build awareness with Ads in your style
Recognize behavior and preferences in finding new things to be a trend leader of people in this era by creating advertisements to increase awareness about your products and brands. This feature will send the target customers directly to the product details page.
5. Get more insight to work on
Aside from basic information provided in the insight section, posts with product tags or stories with Shopping Stickers will offer you the number of times people click into that tag and complete purchase counts. Marketers can work on this useful information to improve their strategy even further.
What to Prepare Before Setting up a Shop
Instagram for Business account
Facebook for Business account
Product images and information
Website to complete a purchase, as IG Checkout is not available in Thailand yet
How to Set Up IG Shopping
1. Check terms and conditions
Read about Instagram Shopping's conditions. Make sure your brand complies with the Commerce Product Seller Agreement and Commerce Eligibility Requirements.
2. Switch to Business account
Change your brand's account into Instagram for Business account; as the IG Shopping condition states, only business accounts can access this feature. A business account also allows you to observe backend data in the insight section and adds credibility to your account as a whole.
Tap ‘Icon’ or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile then ‘Edit Profile’
Tap ‘Switch to professional account’ > ‘Next’
Tap on a category for your business then ‘Switch to professional account.’
Select Business and add the information.
Complete the optional step and tap ‘X’
3. Connect with your Facebook Page
Connecting Instagram for Business account with Facebook Page is required in IG Shopping's condition. You also need to add products in Facebook catalogue as follows:
Go to your Instagram Profile then tap ‘Edit Profile’
Under Public business information or Profile information, tap Connect or create next to Page.
Tap Continue, then ‘Login to Facebook’
Choose a Page from your Pages that you'd like to connect to or select ‘Create a new Facebook Page’
Tap ‘Connect’ and ‘Done’
4. Upload product catalogue to Facebook For Business
There are 2 ways to upload your catalogue to Facebook Page:
Upload by yourself via Commerce Manager.
Connect to a third-party eCommerce platform partnering with Facebook, such as Shopify or BigCommerce.
5. Turn on Instagram Shopping
You can turn on shopping features with the following step
Go to ‘Get started page’ > Create a shop, then Get started.
If you’re already selling on Shopify or another partner platform, select it to create your shop there.
Set up check out method > select your Instagram business account > ‘Next’
Select your business portfolio or create a new one
Select the ‘product catalogue’
Select "Done"
You can finally access all the features IG Shopping has to offer. It's time to learn how you can use those features and drive sales for your brand!
6. IG Shopping account review
Once you've connected a product catalogue to your Instagram and have products in your catalogue, submit your account for review by following these steps. Account reviews typically take a few days but sometimes can take longer.
Select "Settings".
Sign up for shopping
Follow the steps to submit your account for review.
Visit "Shopping" in your "Settings" at any time to check your status.
Some businesses may be notified that additional information is necessary to prove ownership of your website domain. If you receive this notification, follow the steps to complete our domain verification process to submit your account for review.
How to use Product Tags in posts
To tag products within an Instagram post, start by uploading a photo as you normally would and follow the below instructions before posting:
Tap "Add photo" then, select photo or video.
Add a caption, effects or filters
Tap on "Tag products" > Tap the products in the photo or video that you want.
Search and select on the products that you want to tag > Tap ‘Done’ > Tap ‘Share’
How to use Shopping Sticker in Stories
Immediately after you've chosen an image for your story, follow the below instructions before posting:
Tap the icon ‘+’ > Tap ‘Stories’
Select the photo or video to upload.
Select the sticker from the sticker tray.
Select the collection, storefront or products from your catalogue. > Tap ‘Done’
Move the product sticker to where you would like it to appear on your story.
Share your story
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to use Instagram shopping?
Creating a shop is free and straightforward. As long as you are qualified and eligible, you can use Instagram Shopping free of charge.
How long does it take Instagram to approve Shopping?
It can take a few seconds up to 2 weeks in some cases for the account to be approved for Instagram Shopping. If you haven't heard back after a couple of weeks, I would reach out to Facebook and see what the holdup is.
Why do I not see IG Shopping in my account?
If you do not see IG Shopping under Business Settings, it could mean your account is still under review or it hasn't been approved by the platform.
Do you need a business license to sell on Instagram?
Permits and licenses may be needed to operate an Instagram Business shop. Check with your town, city or county clerk's office for information about local licenses and permits.
Can you sell alcohol on Instagram?
Facebook and Instagram users are not allowed to sell, trade, transfer, or gift alcohol or tobacco products, per a new policy.
How can I sell on Instagram without a website?
You can still create a simple payment process without a website. Adding an online order form is one way to get it. You'll be able to customize the form and link to it right from your Instagram bio.
Need Help Setting up IG Shopping?
If your brand looks to opening a shop right on Instagram to drive more sales, our team at Sphere Agency is here to help you venture into the Instagram Marketing landscape while fine-tuning your account to best suit your target customer. See our Instagram Marketing Service and contact us today!
