Sell on Instagram

Want to get started on how to sell on Instagram but struggle to find a RELIABLE review?

This is not one of them…

At Leeline Sourcing, we’ve been in the eCommerce industry for the past decade. And we’ll show you how to use Instagram to 10X your sales. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What are Instagram and Instagram shopping
• Why Instagram is the BEST platform to sell
• How to sell on Instagram
• Requirements for selling on Instagram
• Best practices for selling on Instagram

Let’s go…

What are Instagram and Instagram shopping?

Instagram is the LARGEST social media platform. Think of it as the 21st version of Time Square. Where there are millions of people ready to engage, discover, and buy products. 

Instagram Shopping is a set of features that lets users shop for your brand’s photos and images.

These include:

• Shopping Tags
• Shops
• Collections
• Shops in Explore
• Ads with Product Tags
• Product Detail Page

… that’s what Instagram claims. 

Instagram Shopping is for anyone who: 

• Wants to make more sales
• Generate high-converting leads for their website
• Need an EXCELLENT platform with significant traffic

But first…

Suggested reading: How to Market on Instagram for Your Business?

Why Is Instagram A Perfect Platform To Sell?

When it comes to making huge sales and raking up a seven-figure income online. Instagram carries the day because of the following reasons:

VAST CUSTOMER BASE. nstagram boasts over 500 million daily users with 145 minutes of daily usage. The numbers speak volumes about the opportunity that lies on this platform. So, I told my team to leverage its influence, and it’s indeed a solid strategy to convert traffic into customers set you ahead of competition. And dramatically grow your business in NO TIME. 

MOST ENGAGING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM. Instagram lets you interact with your prospects through direct messages. Stories, reels, and live broadcasts. It’s like a dinner party. Where your followers engage and share thoughts about your listing. 

INTEGRATION. You EASILY integrate it with other eCommerce platforms like Shopify. And sell goods directly from Shopify without having to log into Instagram. SWEET. 

IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT.

How To Sell On Instagram?

We are going to run through a quick Instagram selling tutorial. So you can see why it’s #Fastest way to make hundreds of thousands. (if not millions of dollars). 

Without any further ado, here’s how to sell products on Instagram TODAY: 

#1- Find a Profitable Niche

Believe it or not, here’s where Instagram sellers go wrong. They just want to create an Instagram account and start selling ANYTHING.

It’s like asking a girl to marry you on a first date!

YEAH…NO!

So, before you create that Instagram business profile, know what to sell. (…err, what ACTUALLY brings in huge bucks!)

We could write up to 10,000 words on the high-profit margin products to sell (#Great Idea). But instead, check out our guide on products that guarantee repeated, profitable sales. 

#2- Create an Instagram business profile

Now that you have a hot-selling product, It’s time to set up your business account. 

Think of it as an office space. Here’s where you’ll interact with new customers, create offers, and close deals.

In layman’s terms…

It is where you manage your brand’s online presence.

An Instagram business account gives you access to the following: 

• Instagram ads
• Links to Instagram stories
• Quick replies
• Instagram Insights
• Sponsored posts
• Direct messages/ quick replies

…and that’s not even an exhaustive list. 

So, here’s the EASIEST way to create an Instagram business account. 

If you already have an Instagram profile…

Switch to an Instagram business profile by:

1. Open your Instagram app. Then tap on the MENU ICON in the upper right corner
2. Tap on SETTINGS, then ACCOUNT
3. Tap switch to PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNT. And then BUSINESS
4. Add details (e.g., contact information, business address, phone number)
5. DONE! (you are all set to go!)

You want to know what’s cool about an Instagram business account? 

It allows you to connect DIRECTLY to your Facebook business page. So you actually connect with more potential customers and make MORE SALES. 

SIMPLE!

#3- Create your Instagram Shop

OK, now you have a couple of followers and a bunch of products you intend to sell. Well done!!👏

No, you need an Instagram Shop to showcase ALL your hot products. 

Let’s break it down quickly. Here’s how to create your shop:

1. Go to your Instagram profile and click the “menu icon.”
2. Click settings options —› Set up Instagram shopping.
3. Import and sync your product catalog from other platforms, e.g., Shopify
4. Pick one of the three checkout methods. That includes Facebook or Instagram checkout and messaging checkout. Or checkout using your website/ online store
5. Select your sales channel (e.g., your business’s Instagram page or Facebook page)
6. Add products to your catalog.
7. Preview your shop one more time and click Finish set up

DONE!

Checkout hanahana beauty’s Instagram shopping profile:

NOTE. Followers can visit your shop, find products, and shop DIRECTLY from the platform. Pretty awesome, right? 

#4- Create High-Value Instagram Content (Shoppable Instagram posts)

You want to create engaging content that draws leads to you like moths to a flame. I mean creating a post that is pleasing to your customer’s eyes. It makes them want to hit that “Buy Now” icon immediately once they come across your products.

Shoppable posts include Instagram feed posts, stories, and reels that include product tags.

NOTE: All shoppable posts are marked with a shopping bag icon. 

Prospects click on the product tags to learn more about the item before making a purchase.

You create content and post organically. Or through Instagram ad campaigns (MOST RECOMMENDED). The latter guarantees hundreds of leads (if done correctly). And crazy sales too!

EXPERT ADVICE. Remember to add a link to your Instagram bio where new customers learn more about your business.

#5- Use Instagram live shopping

Unlike user-generated content, live shopping is a GREAT way to make more sales.

It’s a way to sell products through Instagram live broadcasts. 

WAIT…WHAT?

Yes, it allows you to engage with potential customers. And interact with followers in real-time. Just go live, wait for people to join, and start advertising your product. EASY-PEASY. 

That’s way easier creating stories or a feed post. 

Plus, you save the videos and post them later. 

Why is Instagram live shopping MORE effective? 

• Interact with your customers in real-time and understand their pains and interests
• An EXCELLENT way to collaborate with Instagram influencers
• EASIER to feature your new products or hot sellers

The only downside is that it’s available to approved sellers based in the U.S.

#6- Adopt Instagram Checkout

This option allows customers to checkout directly from Instagram. Without leaving the app. Hence, fastening the entire buying process. 

In turn, customers are likely to keep coming back for more. That means increased sales and more profit margins. (***gets ready to leave for a vacation***)

Again, this feature is only available for U.S. sellers only. C’mon Instagram!

Requirements For Selling Products On The Instagram

If you want to have ANY CHANCE at selling on Instagram, ensure you meet ALL requirements. 

So first, here are the requirements you MUST MEET: 

• ONLY sell physical items that comply with Instagram’s policies. That includes seller agreements, ad policies, commerce policies, etc. If you want to avoid potential issues on your business account. I suggest you comply with these regulations at all times. 
• Your business MUST be located in one of Instagram’s supported market.
• Have an active Instagram profile
• Have an online store
• Provide ACCURATE information concerning your business operations
• Demonstrate trustworthiness– an authentic, established presence

Other requirements you need before submitting your Instagram shops for review include:

• Add products to your catalog
• Details such as a business address, email, and contact phone
• Your store’s logo as your profile picture
• Post consistently to build brand awareness

Best Practices For Selling On Instagram

We’ll show you the best-kept secrets on selling on this platform like a boss. 

Using these proven tips, you’ll destroy your competition’s Ghengis Kahn style. And leave no survivors. 

Let’s get to it…

• RUN ADS. Paid promotions guarantee way more leads than organic Instagram posts. These ads include photo ads, stories ads, collection ads, carousel ads, etc. 
• CREATE BUZZ WITH INSTAGRAM STORIES. That’s an EXCELLENT way to suck in more story viewers. And convert them to long-term customers. Do this by liking stories and reels and ALWAYS supporting product tags. Also, you add up to five tags per story. So customers shop EASILY from your page. 
• USE HASHTAGS TO INCREASE VISIBILITY. One way to keep our customers informed is through hashtags. Whether it’s a new product, we’re having a big sale or a new promo. Hashtags will truly appeal to those users who have never heard of you. They help group content by specific topics. For example, #SkinCareProducts #HomeDecorTips. Remember to use hashtags that are relevant to your topic and niche. 
• USE INSTAGRAM REELS. They help you reach a significant audience by driving traffic. And creating brand awareness. 
• CURATE USER-GENERATED CONTENT. Encourages brand engagement and helps drive conversations. This includes Instagram post, videos, and stories created by customers. We started using this approach, and our sales went nuts. Completely crazy!

Verdict

Is Instagram shopping really worth my money? 

YES, 100%.

If you are serious about making a killing in the eCommerce space, Instagram is the best bet. 

No hidden charges. No nothing. 

Just switch your personal account to a business profile and start selling TODAY. 

Plus, there are millions of users ready to hop onto your product. 

The time is NOW to start selling with Instagram shopping.

FAQs about Sell On Instagram

What’s Next

Are you still there? PERFECT!

We’ve exhausted all the basics about selling on Instagram. And believe you can NOW create a stunning Instagram shop without any hassle. 

Feel free to try all those over-hyped eCommerce platforms. Just don’t complain when you haven’t made any sales in 6 months.

Looking for RELIABLE dropshipping suppliers in China? Or do you want to find your next hot seller? Worry no more! Hit us up on our service pages. And our team will be SHORTLY.