Instagram as a shopping platform

From being a media sharing app for selfies and anything visually appealing, Instagram is expanding into the field of e-commerce.

It will soon be launching a shopping feature that retailers and online shoppers will find very convenient.

The social giant is quite aware that mobile commerce will overtake PCs within two years or even sooner, so it wants to be one of its mainstays.

The good thing about the new Instagram feature is that it could serve as a promotional channel for your products, and even more so for your online store.

As for your potential customers, they will be able to view and explore your products without having to leave Instagram for another site.

How to sell on Instagram

Regular Instagram users will find the Instagram shopping feature very easy to use.

Now, if you are not a fan of this visual media sharing app, but considering it as a potential source of income, you just need to prepare high-quality photos that highlight your products.

To get started, upload a photo showing up to five products you’re selling.

When a user clicks on the touch to see products link at the bottom left of the photo, a label will appear on each of the items, showing the name of the product and the price.

Once they click on a tag, they will be taken to a page that shows the complete description, special features and accessories, if any, of a product.

While the customer is there, they can choose to click the Buy now link within the product details, which will redirect them to the product on your website where they can purchase it.

Know who buys from you

Instagram recently reported that it has reached 400 million daily active users, many of whom are potential customers of yours.

Using the shopping feature of Instagram gives you the opportunity to promote your products and double your sales projection.

In addition to increasing your sales, the shopping feature also gives you access to Instagram Insights, which provides crucial information that will help you improve your marketing strategy.

Instagram Insights tracks your followers based on their demographic factors; it also shows you which of your posts attract their interest the most.

Most important of all, it allows you to see who is shopping at your store through the Instagram shopping feature and which of your products are in high demand.

Isn’t that something worth exploring for your business?

Are you already an Instagrammer or do you plan to become one to sell more?