Instagram remains one of the most popular social media platforms among users of all ages, used for engagement with friends and brands alike, and forming an important touchpoint in customers’ product discovery and research phase.

But did you know that as well as offering an ideal platform for marketing and discovery, Instagram also has a whole section of the app that’s dedicated to selling?

In this article, the Social Loop team talk through their tips on selling directly through Instagram, considering the journey to get set up and how to maximise your sales through the app.

Why Sell on Instagram?

With Instagram owned by Meta which also owns Facebook, the potential for cross-platform advertising and engagement is great. Users are actively encouraged to share content across both Instagram and Facebook at the click of a button, with Facebook friends and followers recommended on Instagram and vice versa.

All of this means that Instagram is primed for boosting brand visibility, with the app’s incredibly visual set-up lending it to accessible marketing and selling opportunities.

What Do You Need to Sell on Instagram?

Instagram for Business turns your content into ‘shoppable’ links. Whether it be an outfit, a service, or a decorative product, customers can click on a post - revealing the exact items that are shown in the image or video and taking them through to a page on which they can purchase those pieces or items. All without leaving Instagram and the Meta sphere.

Now, let’s consider the benefits of this - as opposed to pointing customers towards a link in the Instagram bio.

For one thing, ‘shoppable’ posts remove the friction of a multi-step buyer experience. They let the customer see what the product is and how much it is with just one click. What’s more, it puts heavy emphasis on inspiration as a marketing tool - showing customers how they can wear or use an item as part of their buyer journey. Thirdly, it’s quick and easy for customers and for you as a business.

Suffice to say, the reasons for adding Instagram for Business to your profile are wide-ranging - encompassing both conversion and brand awareness. But how do you go about marketing your products on Instagram?

Tips for Marketing on Instagram Shopping

While there is a place for paid ads and strategic targeting, Instagram is a platform that lends itself to organic marketing techniques.

These include but are not limited to:

• Driving engagement with potential customers through comments
• Mixing ‘shoppable’ posts with value-added content
• Spotlighting user-generated content such as reviews and product videos
• Repurposing content
• Inviting and encouraging Q&A sessions in Instagram Stories and during Live Streams

Remember, one of the best ways to boost visibility on Instagram is to directly engage existing followers and encourage them to share your brand and products by word of mouth. Doing this, alongside some proactive hashtags and more direct advertising campaigns, should keep your content at the forefront of potential customers’ minds and feeds.

What Can Businesses Do to Boost Visibility and Sales?

With all this in mind, and with the ever-changing nature of Instagram’s backend algorithm ensuring that no direct hack sticks for long, what exactly can businesses do to boost sales through Instagram?

In our experience, it all comes down to content.

More than that, it relies on separating content into a few key areas, highlighting your success, your brand story, and your current offer or product.

In short, whenever a potential customer comes across your profile or content, you want them to immediately understand what you offer, why, and whether it’s any good. One piece of advice we always share with clients is to position each piece of content as if it’s the first introduction a customer sees into your brand - making sense as a standalone post and as a part of your content strategy. So, take the time to inject some highlighting features, some origin or brand story, and some information into each piece of content you post.

Wherever a customer joins you from, you want them to be interested enough that they search for more information about you and about your product - ultimately clicking on ‘shoppable’ posts and deciding to make a purchase for themselves.

Need Some Help With Your Instagram Strategy?

If Instagram is a minefield that you need help navigating, whether you’re a new user or an experienced user struggling with the ever-changing algorithm and rollout of new tools, Social Loop is here to help.

Our team are masters at social media strategy and can help you to create a content calendar that doesn’t just inspire and entertain but also convert and generate sales. For more information on our social media management services, get in touch with the team today.