Instagram shopping is a great way to enhance your business and take it even further. To get started with setting up an Instagram Shop, create a business account and connect it to a Facebook page. Then, set up your product catalog, connect your shop link, and get your account approved.

In this guide, we will walk you through the full step-by-step process of how to set up your Instagram shop in the easiest possible way. Let’s get started!

What Is An Instagram Shop?

Instagram Shop is a feature that lets you turn your Instagram profile into an online store. With this, you can tag your products in your posts. When your customers click on the tags, they’ll be taken straight to the product page on your website to make a purchase. It’s a simple way for them to shop without leaving Instagram.

Who Can Set Up an Instagram Shop?

Before I tell you “how to set up Instagram shop”, let’s first ensure you qualify. Think of it like checking off boxes to get your storefront ready for business. Here’s what you need to qualify:

1. Supported Location

Your business or creator account must be located in a region where Instagram Shop is supported. Not sure if your location qualifies? You can find the full list of supported countries in Instagram’s Help Center.

2. Sellable Products

You can only sell physical items that comply with Instagram’s Commerce Policies. Your account must list products available for purchase through your website and represent the store linked to your domain. Domain Verification may be required.

3. Website Domain

 Obviously, you need an e-commerce website up and running. Your Instagram Shop will directly link to your website, from which consumers can easily purchase items.  

4. Compliance

The account should comply with Instagram's Commerce Policies and Merchant Agreement to ensure everything runs smoothly and ethically.

If you have checked all the above, well and good! You're all set to turn your Instagram profile into a lively shopping hub.

Why Should You Set Up An Instagram Shop for Your Business?

Now that you know your eligibility for setting up an Instagram Shop, let me tell you why it’s important to set one up for your business. Here’s why it deserves a top spot on your to-do list:

Get Discovered By Millions Of Shoppers

Instagram has over a billion active users, and many of them browse for products on the platform. Setting up an Instagram Shop puts your business right in front of these potential customers.

Smoothen The Buying Journey

Product tags and a "View Shop" button integrated with your products make customers discover, explore, and buy your products without having to leave the comfort of the app. This is all about convenience.

Boost Visibility

Since shoppable posts are favored by Instagram's algorithm, that automatically means more chances to get discovered by new customers who could have never found your brand.

Showcase Your Brand Creatively

Use Reels and Stories to tell your brand’s story and showcase your products. This blend of creativity and commerce helps attract and engage customers in a more personal way. Want to learn more about branding yourself effectively on Instagram? Check out this guide to branding yourself on Instagram.

Outshine The Competition 

Large and small businesses alike are taking the plunge with Instagram Shops. Set one up for yourself, and you will already be ahead, meeting the changed habits of your customers.  

Start turning your Instagram profile into the most dynamic storefront-the sure-fire way to grow your business!

How To Set Up Instagram Shop: A Step-By-Step Guide

By now, I’m sure you’ve already figured out your eligibility and why setting up an Instagram Shop is essential. Now, it’s time to get practical. Follow these steps accordingly to set up your Instagram Shop:

1. Create a Professional Instagram Account 

First, open your Instagram app and create an account. Then, switch your account to a business account. Set up all the information based on your business, such as adding a profile picture, bio, contact information, and more.

2. Connect To Your Facebook Page

Instagram Shopping requires connecting a Facebook Page to manage your catalog. If you do not have one:

• Set up a Facebook Page for your business.
• Link that one with your Instagram account through the "Accounts Center" in your Instagram settings.

This way, you could easily interconnect your product catalog and manage your shop.3. Developing A Product Catalog

The product catalog forms the hub of your Instagram Shop. Here's how to set it up:

• Use the Facebook Commerce Manager to add products manually, along with their images and descriptions, and their prices.
• Or connect your existing e-commerce store-e.g., Shopify, Big Commerce, and WooCommerce to have the inventory updated automatically. This way, your inventory will be kept up-to-date.

Your catalog is the library of all your shoppable items, so make sure it's organized and visual.4. Connect Your eCommerce Store

Once your catalog is uploaded, connect your eCommerce website to your Instagram Shop by pasting your store’s URL link into your Facebook and Instagram business accounts. This ensures that your customers can make purchases directly from your website.5. Send In Your Account For Review

Now, Instagram has to verify your account in order for you to go live, for this:

• Head into your settings in Instagram, click Business, then Set Up Instagram Shopping.
• Submit your account for review with the system's prompting. 

This usually takes about three working days. Within this time Instagram will let you know if they need more information or if you’re approved.6. Enable Instagram Shopping

After approval, go back to the “Business” settings and enable Instagram Shopping. Now, you can start tagging products in your posts, stories, and reels. You’re all set to provide your audience with an easy shopping experience!

Tips to Market Your Instagram Shop for Maximum Impact

Once the shop goes live, it's time to create the buzz around it. A few of the  very tried-and-tested ways to market an Instagram Shop are as follows:

1. Utilize Instagram Stories And Reels

Stories offer sneak peeks, product demos, or deals, while Reels help you create engaging, short videos to showcase your products. Instagram even pays for Reels, so make sure to use these options wisely.

2. Partner With Influencers

This will expose your shop to an even bigger and more targeted audience with aligned influencers. Such influencers will go ahead and create really authentic content with your products to tell their followers why they should check your shop.

3. Running Instagram Ads

Instagram ads let you target key audiences and highlight your shop. You can showcase products with carousel ads or invite customers into your shop using video ads. It's a great way to grow your business and reach more potential customers.

4. Engage With Your Audience

Engagement goes beyond responding to comments or messages. Keep an eye on how many followers tag your brand in their posts and use creative hashtags to inspire more user-generated content. 

Want to make shopping even simpler for your audience? Add links to your selling platforms. For example, you can include a link to your Crowdfundly shop, making it easy for customers to browse and buy your products in just a few clicks.

Why Crowdfundly?

Crowdfundly lets you share your brand's story in a way in a way that grabs attention and excites your audience. It gives you a dedicated space to display your products and highlight your achievements. It’s more like having your own spotlight. Plus, you gain valuable insights from supporters which helps you to refine your products and meet market demands effectively.

5. Special Deals And Promotional Offers

Lure people to your store with some particular savings or a limited-time deal. Infuse urgency within the posts, Stories, and even the Bio: now is not like every other time. 

6. Optimize Your Store For Search

 Clearly use product names, descriptions, and keywords so that they show up in the search results on Instagram. A well-structured catalog will make it easier for clients to find in it just what they are looking for. 

How Instagram Shopping Posts Can Drive Sales

Instagram Shopping posts are powerful tools that will drive casual scrollers into loyal customers. Here they are, bound to improve your sales:

Seamless Product Discovery

This will let you tag products in your posts, stories, and reels, making it very easy for users to discover what is offered. Tapping through will take them directly to product details, pricing, and purchasing options all within Instagram.

Personal Recommendations

Instagram's algorithms show Instagram users shopping content based on engagement and followers. In other words, your products get in front of the right person; that increases the chances of selling them something.

Visual Storytelling

With shoppable posts, the products are shown in action. Its visually compelling content, from styled photoshoots to tutorials and customer reviews helps customers visualize how your product might fit into their own lives, spurring them to make a purchase. 

Simplified Purchase

 Process Instagram's effortless integration with product catalogs and checkout options smooths out any obstacles in the purchasing process. With fewer steps involved, there lies a greater opportunity to transform interest into sales.

FAQs

Is There Any Charge For Using The Instagram Shop?

Setting up an Instagram Shop is free, but Instagram takes a transaction fee when you are using the in-app checkout to buy something.

What Should I Do If My Account Is Not Approved?

If your account isn't approved, revisit Instagram's commerce policies to understand why. Appease any flagged issues, such as product eligibility or even missing website details, and then apply again.

How Do I Measure The Success Of An Instagram Shop?

Use Instagram Insights to track related engagement metrics: impressions, clicks, and sales. The insights will help you to make changes in the content or strategic initiatives for higher impact.

Conclusion

Finally, we hope that you got your desired answer on how to set up Instagram shop. Just make sure to follow all the steps carefully and you’ll have another effective way to grow your business. To get the best of it, try to apply all the strategies and tips we have shared in this article. Wish you all the best.