Instagram has been a powerhouse for visual storytellers. Today, it isn’t limited to storytellers but extends to creators, businesses, and brands.
With posts that allow your consumer base and those beyond it to buy your products immediately without having to spend too much time. Posts that you shop in automatically give links to the corresponding product pages on your website- so they can quickly add to their cart and check out (or scroll through the rest of your site).
Instagram Shopping is a brilliant opportunity for you and your brand- one that you don’t want to miss out on. Why? Instagram shoppable posts increased traffic by a whopping 1,416%!
Do you want to hop aboard?
Update your Application
Go to your Play/App Store and ensure your application has updated. If you’re not able to see the product tags, there’s a high chance your application hasn’t updated yet.
Confirm your eligibility
Instagram has a checklist that it uses to confirm your eligibility to use their Shopping feature. You need to check if:
- Your business is located in a supported market
- Your product is eligible
- Your business complies with their Merchant Agreement and Commerce Policies
- You own a website domain
Convert to a Business/Creator Account, if you haven’t already
If you haven’t already, convert to a Business/Creator Account. Other than the Shop, this kind of account will give you greater insights and control over your business’ page. Among other things, you can add in relevant business information, such as opening hours, business address, phone number and a link to your website.
Connect to your Facebook Page
For you to run your shop, you will need to link your Instagram account to a Facebook page. If you haven’t got one, make one. It is important to note that it isn’t necessary to have a Facebook Page Shop- although if you do have that, the next step will be easier- just a page will do.
Upload your Catalogue
Instagram pulls products from your catalogue. There are two ways to upload your catalogue to their platform:
- DIY it
Use the Catalogue Manage to upload your catalogue within the Facebook Business Manager. - E-Commerce Platform Partner
That integration is through one of their certified e-commerce platform partners such as Shopify or BigCommerce.
Submit your Account for Review
Once you’ve got the catalogue in order, you can submit your account for review.
In some cases, you might even be asked to verify the ownership of your website domain. This review usually takes a few days or longer.
Turn on Shopping
Once your account is approved, you can turn on shopping features!
Upload your Product photo
Upload your picture the way you normally would. The only difference will be that you now have the options to tag people *and* products!
Tag away!
Select “tag products” and tap on the photo to tag products, the way you would if you were tagging a person. You can add up to 5 product tags per photo. If this isn’t working, make sure your catalogue is synced.
With that, you’re all set up. Good luck!