It’s no secret that online shopping is big business. Just recently, Instagram launched Instagram Shopping, making it easier than ever for users of the social platform to connect with brands and buy the products that they see.
Instagram Shopping was launched in 2017, and it’s being utilized more each day. According to Instagram, each month 90 million accounts tab on a shopping post to learn more about a product.
Here’s what you need to know to get started with Instagram Shopping:
- Instagram Shopping does not get away from the visual storytelling that we already love.
- Your account must be a business account, and you must sell primarily physical goods.
- You are able to tag up to 5 products in a single photo, or 20 per carousel.
- Posts with tags show a small icon that makes it easy for audiences to view additional product information.
- When you post, it will be shared with your Instagram followers and on Explore – where it is shown to people with an interest in products like yours.
- 80% of Instagram users follow a business account – so people like seeing messages about products they love.
- You have to get set up and approved through Facebook. Here is more information about how to set up your account.
- Instagram Shopping is only currently available for organic posts; there is no paid option at this time.
- Instagram is apparently working on stand alone app, likely to be called IG Shopping. Development is ongoing, and a release date has not been made public. No need to do anything about this today, but it’s helpful to know that this feature will undoubtedly grow in some way.
- Users have access to a variety of analytics so you can see how each post is performing and resulting in new sales. More information on Instagram Shopping analytics can be found here.
- It costs nothing! Instagram doesn’t take a cut and there are no expenses to incur.
- Check out Kate Spade’s Instagram for some inspiration! Kate Spade was one of the early adopters and the brand has seen great success.
Think Instagram Shopping could be a good fit for your business? I’d love to chat about getting you set up or optimizing your account for increased sales. Feel free to reach out!
