Instagram is a powerful tool for business and e-commerce, especially when it comes to accessing visuals and consistently engaging customers. Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has grown into a platform with over a billion monthly users worldwide, making it a prime destination for brands looking to attract a diverse and highly engaged audience. Instagram has amassed nearly 1.5 billion users worldwide and provides brands with an extensive digital shopping platform.
In addition, social commerce revenue forecasts show that platforms like Instagram will continue to grow, making it a crucial channel for any business looking to capitalize on sales through social media.
In this article, we’ll share tips on how to start an Instagram business and make money. Read on to learn the rules for setting up your digital store.
Table of contents
- Benefits of selling on Instagram
- What you can sell on Instagram
- How to Sell on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for showcasing your products
The Benefits of Selling on Instagram
Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms for selling products, and it’s easy to see why. Here are examples of why Instagram is essential for selling products and your online store:
- Visual appeal: Instagram is a visual platform, making it ideal for showcasing products in an engaging, eye-catching way that resonates with your audience.
- Large Audience: With millions of active users worldwide, Instagram offers a vast, diverse audience with different interests, so reaching niche groups becomes even easier.
- Built-in shopping features: Instagram provides robust e-commerce tools, such as shoppable posts, that allow users to purchase items directly through the app, right from the pages where they found those items.
- Customer engagement: Through comments, likes, and direct messages, brands can build a tight integration with their customers, which increases their loyalty and trust.
- Effective marketing and advertising: Instagram offers highly effective paid advertising options that allow brands to target key audiences based on age, location, interests and behavior.
Obviously, Instagram does seem to be the best way to market and advertise online, as the platform provides high-quality video and photo uploads as well as frequent social interaction. Although the site was originally created as a place to simply share photos, it has since evolved into an optimal platform for sales.
What you can sell on Instagram
Instagram is an ideal platform for selling a wide variety of products, from cosmetics to fitness gear. Some popular product categories include:
- Phone accessories
- Clothing
- Makeup Accessories
- Cosmetics
- Sunglasses
- Candles
- Home Decor
- Jewelry
- Art
- Fitness Accessories
…And much more.
If you don’t know what to sell on Instagram, you can search for trending items by hashtags. You can also browse any other online marketplace, such as Amazon. To learn more about a product’s popularity and profitability, try using specialized tools like AMZScout Product Database. This tool helps sellers identify trending products and find and evaluate profitable niches, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the AMZScout website. Sign up for a free trial – no credit card information required. The tool will start automatically and instructions will appear right before you start using it.
- Select a category. If you have ideas about what you want to sell, choose one of the 24 available categories. If you’re not sure, select “All.”
- Customize your filters. You can enter relevant keywords, narrow your estimated revenue, price, and more – there are 16 filters to help you optimize your search.
- Get results. Check the number of sales and revenue for any item, as well as other parameters (like size and weight). Analyze your findings carefully to make a decision. For example, if you find an item that brings in more than 1,000 sales per month, this suggests that you should consider selling it.
AMZScout’s product database allows you to find in-demand products by tracking competitor performance and exploring untapped niches. This will give you a better understanding of what is popular and profitable before launching a project on Instagram.
How to Sell on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide
The platform offers many e-commerce features such as shoppable posts and targeted ads that allow brands to increase sales in an environment designed for engagement. Below, we’ll share some helpful insights and how to successfully sell on Instagram.
1. Create a business account on Instagram
Start by creating a dedicated Instagram business account. This will give you access to features like analytics, advertising tools, and shopping features that aren’t available for personal accounts. Simply go into your Instagram settings, select “Switch to business account” and follow the prompts to set it up.
2. Create a brand concept and Instagram profile
Your brand concept is very important to make a lasting impression on Instagram. Create your own unique style, tone, and theme that matches your brand’s personality. Every element, from your profile picture to your bio, should reflect your brand’s personality and values. Develop a content strategy with a consistent aesthetic, color scheme, and mix of content to make your profile visually appealing and relatable.
3. Add or sync your product catalog
Instagram allows you to upload a product catalog either manually or by syncing with Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or your own website. You can create your product catalog using Meta Commerce Manager, where you can add product details, images, and prices. Once the catalog is created, you can tag products in your posts, allowing users to see your product information and shop seamlessly.
4.Use your business account and shopping features
Utilize Instagram’s shopping features to create posts, product tags, and videos with shopping features. Options like Reels, Stories, and IGTV allow you to showcase products in different formats, adding dynamic variety to your profile. You can also use the tagging feature to link to products directly from your posts and videos, helping subscribers quickly access product information and purchase links.
5. Promote your products
Instagram’s promotional tools can help you attract more users who fit your ideal buyer profile. You can also attract followers through giveaways and contests, which are popular ways to increase brand awareness and engagement. Paid promotions can be customized to a specific target demographic to get your products in front of the right audience.
By following these steps, you are sure to succeed in selling on Instagram and make money from your online store.
Product Showcase Tips
Being a visually-oriented platform, Instagram offers many ways to effectively showcase your products, attract attention and generate interest. Here are some important tips:
- Consistency: Posting regularly is key to keeping your followers engaged and keeping your brand at the center of their attention. By creating a content calendar, you can maintain a steady stream of high-quality posts that showcase your products and services in new and engaging ways.
- Use Highlights in Stories: Highlights in Instagram stories allow you to keep your favorite content accessible on your profile at all times. Organize highlights into categories such as product collections, customer reviews, or promotions to make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for. If you’re wondering how to add highlights to a story, simply open the story and select “Highlight” to save it in an organized, accessible format for new visitors.
- Use user-generated content: Reposting photos of customers using your products not only adds social proof, but also builds trust and authenticity. Seeing real people enjoying your product further adds value and appeal to your brand. This strategy is also cost-effective as it promotes organic promotion without additional advertising costs.
- Create a color palette: A color palette is a powerful way to make your profile visually appealing and easily recognizable. Choose a set of colors that reflect your brand personality and use them consistently throughout your posts. Not only will this make your page more attractive, but it will also reinforce your brand identity.
By applying these strategies, you will set your profile up for maximum engagement and appeal. Unlock these opportunities to represent your brand on Instagram by investing some time and creativity into your submission strategy.
And if you’re worried about fees, keep in mind that posting on Instagram is free, with costs associated only with any additional paid promotions or platform-specific fees for selling certain features. When used effectively, Instagram can be a cost-effective way to build your online presence, build relationships, and drive sales.
Conclusion
Selling on Instagram offers businesses a unique combination of visual appeal, large audience reach, and effective shopping tools, making the platform ideal for e-commerce sellers. By following the steps outlined above and utilizing Instagram’s built-in features, you can create an attractive profile, engage your audience, and drive sales. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned brand, selling on Instagram provides ample opportunity for growth and success in the world of social commerce.
