How to Set Up Instagram Shopping

If you’re in the business of selling products online, you should be using the Instagram shopping feature. This feature allows customers to purchase products directly from Instagram, so if they see something they like in your post, they can buy it right then and there rather than searching your website for it. Here’s how you can get started with Instagram shopping for your business if you haven’t already!

1. Ensure that you meet the requirementsThere are three criteria your business needs to meet in order to set up Instagram shopping:
   • You’re based in a country where Instagram shopping is available
   • You have a business profile on Instagram
   • You’ve connected your Instagram profile to a Facebook Page
2. Create your product catalog on Facebook
   The next step is to add products to your catalog on Facebook. Once you’ve done this, you will be able to tag the items in your Instagram posts. Make sure that the product names are descriptive, so when the user sees it in the post, they know what item you are talking about. For example, use something like “The Cali Blue Floral Mini Dress” rather than “The Cali.”
3. Get approved
   Now that you’ve set up your catalog and made sure that your business meets the requirements, you can submit your account for review. Go to Settings, tap Business, and then Sign Up for Instagram Shopping. Simply follow the steps and hit submit. This process may take a few days, but Instagram will let you know if you’ve been approved.
4. Turn on shopping in the Instagram app
   Once you’ve been approved, there will be a new option under Settings and Business, called Shopping. All you have to do is tap it to turn on shopping in the Instagram app.
5. Set up your first post!
   You are now ready to set up your first shoppable Instagram post! Upload the picture displaying your products, then tap the items you want to tag (up to five products per post). The tags must correspond to the names in your product catalog. Once you upload, your users will be able to automatically shop directly from your post!
   

With millions of users on the app everyday, Instagram shopping has been shown to have increased online sales for many businesses. Also, because we have recently been seeing an uptick in online shopping, now is the time to start taking advantage of this feature. So, what are you waiting for? Hop onto this trend today and make the most out of this new online world!