We’ve learnt how to maximise Instagram for your business, how the platform can aid communication and customer retention, and even how Instagram stories can help engage with new and existing customers. Now it’s time to focus our attention on the raison d’être of business, generating sales.
Instagram has revolutionised into a key sales channel for online shops and e-commerce brands. With features like tagging products in feed posts, shoppable Instagram stories stickers, ‘swipe up’ web links and more, businesses have access to a multitude of ways to convert followers into customers. But in July of this year, things really turned up a gear. The arrival of Instagram Shop – a significant nod to e-commerce.
Businesses can now display their entire online shopfront via a brand-new feed, which sits on Instagram’s main navigation menu. Through its algorithmic powers, Instagram has even found a way to show users on Instagram Shop a selection of e-commerce brands, based on what posts they like and what brands they already follow. Clever huh!
As the past year has shown us, the existence of brands’ online presence is more important than ever. So when our Action Consultancy team helped create Everyone Active’s new online shop, which launched during a national lockdown, the next step was to maximise it via Instagram. The EA shop can also be found here by the way (if you’re in need of some Christmas presents for the family!)
Here are some of the top shoppable features we utilised…
Instagram Feed Posts
Feed posts are great for spotlighting some of the different products on your online shop. A brilliant aspect of these is the ability to use carousel posts. Have an item that comes in several colours? No problem. Let your followers swipe through each variant and decide which they like best. With the ability to tag exact products in the image, users can see how much the item costs, click through to the shop website, and purchase – the easiest customer journey there is.
Instagram Stories
Instagram stories are where you can let your creativity run wild. Through dynamic content, the use of GIFs, ‘swipe up’ links and more, stories can be a really engaging way to showcase your awesome products. Due to the instantaneous nature of stories, they are also brilliant to alert followers to a flash sale or last minute deal.
One way to utilise stories is by posting a video tutorial of navigating through your online shop, which allows you to showcase many more products than a still image can. Add a direct ‘swipe up link’ and a GIF encouraging this call to action, and before they know it your followers will be doing the exact same.
Another way to use stories is to encourage upselling. Show followers how to style their looks by pairing up two items from your website with a fun and visually appealing story. Add the product tags to enable customers to click directly through to the product page on your website and they will be rocking the full look in no time at all.
The past year has shown us just how essential having an online presence is for businesses. By harnessing these free and effective shoppable Instagram features, brands can not only survive during these times but thrive.
Want advice on how to generate sales through social media? Or want to build an ecommerce platform of your own? We can help! Get in touch at info@action-group.co.uk