You are the boss of your business, so it only makes sense for you to take control of the tools you need to remain competitive across social media accounts. And those tools need to work together. Here's why and how.
In late 2017, Instagram unveiled the test phase of its Instagram Shopping program. Initially, the program was available to large companies but in its later stages, the venue was open to any U.S.-based business with an Instagram account. The test phase ended and now businesses in 44 different countries can create shoppable Instagram posts. This means that businesses have access to Instagram's 500 million active users. And these users can visit your business' page, click on the shopping bag icon, order a product, choose their preferred international shipping service and complete their purchase seamlessly.
To provide this service to your current and future customers, you will have to integrate Instagram, Facebook and Shopify. Here's how.
Only business accounts are able to tag shoppable posts. If your business already has a business profile then ensure that your account is updated and that you are running current versions of the app.
Shopify
If your business does not currently operate a Shopify store, then opening one will make it easier for you to take advantage of Instagram Shopping. You won't have to worry about shipping options for your store because eShipper's Shopify app makes integration simple. Once you have opened your Shopify store, you will need to link it to your business' Facebook page.
Each of the products you intend to offer on Instagram must be listed in your Facebook catalog. Add as many or as few items as you wish.
Instagram + Shopify + Facebook = Shoppable Instagram Posts
Once each platform is set up the way you would like, start integrating them. You will have already connected your Facebook page to your Shopify account. From there, add your Instagram sales channel to your Shopify account. Shopify will have to approve your business, but once you have cleared that hurdle you can enable the shopping feature on your Instagram account. As of this writing, you can enable shopping by visiting the Shopping area of your Instagram account which is found under Business Settings.
Once this step is accomplished you can begin tagging products by tapping the tag product option found in the area where you normally type captions.
Your customers will have a new way to find your products and buy your products. Companies like ORO LA has attributed an over 29% increase in month-to-month revenue to their Instagram shopping channel.
For more information on how to ease your clients' online shopping experience and improve their shipping services, please contact us.
