How to set up Instagram Shopping for your Business
If you know you want to start selling through social media and capitalize on the new Instagram Shopping feature within the app but you don’t know where to start with setting up your store, get comfy with a cup of coffee (or something stronger, no judgement here!) because this post is for you!
According to Facebook, a whopping 70% of their users use Instagram to discover products within the app! Therefore, this is a huge pool of potential customers you can tap into to get your goods in front of their eyes and (hopefully) make a sale.
If you are down the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole about where to start with Instagram Shopping, this step by step guide will take you through the basics of what you need to know to get started. With 44% of IG users using the shopping tab on a daily basis, there is no better time to jump on the bandwagon and be in with a chance for you to convert your views into customers and make bank.
What is Instagram Shopping?
Instagram Shopping is the modern way to sell your products online and showcase your store within the social media app. The shop allows users to discover more about the product and even make snappy purchases within the app.
This feature allows eCommerce brands to reduce the customers’ buying hesitation as the sale is directed from or stays within the trusted Instagram app.
How to be Approved for Instagram Shopping
To avoid getting rejected for Instagram Shopping, check your business account fits the following criteria:
Your marketplace location is supported by the app. See FAQs at the end for more info!
You sell physical goods (not a service or digital product).
You already have a functioning and self-hosted eCommerce website.
Your profile is set up as a business account.
How to set up Instagram Shopping in 5 simple steps
Step 1: Preparation
First things first, you need to set your account up correctly! This means ensuring you have converted your personal account to a professional account and connecting your brand’s Facebook page with the Instagram account. You can find the ‘switch to professional account’ button under > Settings > Account > Scroll to the bottom of the page. Then connect your Facebook page by going to > Edit Profile > Page > Connect to a Facebook Page.
Step 2: Upload products
Get ready to showcase your products to the eyeballs of Instagram. There are two main options when it comes to uploading your goods to the shop:
Take the manual approach and upload individual products, filling in the details, prices, uploading photos etc. This option requires more manual labor but maybe the best option is you don’t use an eCommerce platform that Instagram partners with.
Use a ready-to-go catalog of products from another eCommerce site that is supported by Instagram (such as Shopify). This option can save you a few hours of work (and perhaps a headache or two) but you still may wish to review each product and check the data has been added correctly.
Step 3: Apply for shopping
Almost there! Your account is ready to submit for review. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear back right away as the Instagram team may need a few days to review your application.
To submit your account for review click > Profile Settings > Sign Up for Instagram Shopping and follow the instructions within the app.
Step 4: Activate Shopping
Yay. You’ve passed! Now it’s time to active your shop. To connect your products with the shop click > Profile Settings > Business > Shopping > select the product and complete the process. For users in the US make sure you also sign up for Checkout on Instagram so you can sell within the app.
Step 5: Update your products and tag products as you go
Step five is generally a never-ending task (sigh) but it’s worth it! Check your products, make updates, check the links go to the right place, add new items to your storefront, and generally give the shop a facelift every 2-4 weeks.
You’ll also want to ensure you go through your feed posts and use the Tag Products feature to make it even easier for viewers to see a post think ‘ooo I want to try that’ and get a direct link to the product.
FAQs
Why am I not eligible for Instagram Shopping?
The Shopping tab should appear under your Business Settings tab in the Instagram app. If you don’t have access to the features yet your account may still be in review or you may have been denied use. But, fear not because you may be able to make some minor changes and then reapply!
Is the Instagram Shopping app separate from the main app?
At the time of writing, the IG Shopping app is integrated within the main app. You can find the shopping tab on the lower navigation bar to the right (between reels and your profile).
What countries have access to Instagram Shopping?
View the full list of countries where Instagram Shopping is available here.
The good news is that if you are in the US and Canada, you can be reviewed and approved for Instagram Shopping!
Want Someone to Hold Your Hand Through the Process?
Setting up Instagram Shopping can be a challenge if you are unfamiliar with the app, or maybe you just don’t have time between meetings, updating your website, and trying to make sure you sleep at night to start setting up Instagram Shopping feature for your store.
Don’t worry! The team at NOAH can hold your hand and guide you through the process or take on the full job for you, leaving you more time to get on with creating content and fulfilling your new orders.
