Instagram has become one of the most common social media platforms today. In previous years, businesses have been on a quest to discover a way to crack the code and make the most of its potential.
When used correctly, Instagram is now one of the most powerful tools for ecommerce stores to sell products and engage with followers.
More so, It’s a place where one can showcase his/her products and communicate the story behind the brand, that’s to say that it’s a wonderful way of showing your customers what life is like with your products!
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating Instagram into your marketing strategy, it’s definitely time to take the leap.
Well, not yet quite convinced? Then here’s 5 reasons you need Instagram for your ecommerce store:
Become More Credible As A Business
For ecommerce, the most important thing is trust. If you’re actively present on social media, people are more likely to trust you.
Lets assume that an influencer has just posted a shoutout for your store. In such case, it’s vital to have an active Instagram page.
You don’t really need an account filled with tons of followers or a feed filled with pictures, however if an influencer posts a shoutout about you, then people might look up your Instagram account first to check if you’re legit or not.
If your Instagram does look legit, then those people will have two great impressions from you. Firstly, someone who they’re following tells them something great about you, and after that, they find out that your Instagram profile looks amazing as well!
Here’s a sample of a well-designed ecommerce store’s Instagram page:
Draws Organic Traffic To Your Store
Instagram account is a great way to drag free and organic traffic to your store.
It’s relatively simple to set up, and once you’re there, you can easily promote your products!
The content you post will not only get seen by your followers but by other users on Instagram as well.
For instance, your post might end up on the explore page if it gains some traction. In such case, other people who don’t follow you will also sight your content.
It can also happen that someone will share your post with their friends, which can also be a great source of extra traffic!
Sell Directly On Instagram Using The Built-in Shop
Recently, this is another exciting reason for businesses to create an Instagram account, especially for ecommerce stores!
With the use of Instagram Shops, people can actually surf through your store’s items and explore your collections from within the Instagram app.
In addition, they will be able to place an order without leaving the app from shops that offer checkout.
Exactly; people can check out and purchase your products directly from the Instagram app!
However, the in-app checkout option is currently only available for businesses in the US.
As you probably know, it’s crucial to make it as simple as possible for people to buy something from you. If it takes too long or someone can’t figure it out, they will often just abandon their checkouts!
With Instagram Shops, Instagram users can make purchases without going off the platform and stay on the app they love; Instagram.
Additionally, you can even use it to create an ecommerce store without a website.
Create Ads Linked To Your Instagram Page
More so, if you do Facebook Advertising, then you will likely be aware that Facebook actually owns Instagram.
That’s why you get to create Instagram ads within Facebook’s Ads Manager.
To get the most out of the Facebook Ads platform, it’s however important to target the part of your audience that is active on Instagram as well.
This will give you a larger audience to target, which in its turn prevents ad fatigue. Furthermore, it will give you another audience to test. Maybe the results will turn out even better than the Facebook audiences that you have been using so far!
But, there’s a requirement; which is having an Instagram account to represent your business and your ads!
So, it’s vital to create it and put some contents on it, because just like for the shoutouts, some people may check your profile to see if you’re legit.
Communicating With Your Customers/Fans
Undoubtedly, sharing photographs is the cornerstone of Instagram marketing. When it comes to managing your ecommerce store’s Instagram page, this is your main job.
However, there are other jobs on Instagram that are quite crucial as well.
One of them is engaging with your fans and customers.
Therefore, don’t just post images or videos of your products and leave it like that. Build relationships with your followers and have meaningful conversations.
By so doing, they will get the feeling as if they know you, like you, and have a relationship with you. This is true engagement!
The most successful ecommerce stores are very engaged with their community:
Furthermore, you can also engage with your followers by showcasing your products through Instagram stories or livestream events.
One out of the various ways of creating interaction in your stories is by use of polls. But, livestream events can be even more engaging.
For instance, if you’re an online jewelry store, you could organize a weekly live-stream that features new products that you will be selling.
It’s also important to not only communicate with your followers but to listen to them as well.
By so doing, you get to understand their desires and challenges. In addition, they can provide you with feedback on how to further improve your ecommerce store.
As you can see in the picture above, you should have already noticed one problem that someone is having; it’s not clear whether or not this company sells a boy’s version.
On the other hand, you will able to identify lots of needs:
- Cuteness
- Coziness
- Softness
Now, do you see how valuable it is to have engagement with your fans? Yes, you should!
Summary
Instagram is an excellent marketing tool for ecommerce stores in any niche. From pet stores to jewelry stores, it’s a great way to reach new customers!
If you’re not already on Instagram, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with potential customers and increase your brand awareness.
Even if you’re just starting out with your ecommerce store, you could be able to create an Instagram account. Since everyone has a smartphone these days, it’s quite very simple to take photos of your items and then post them to Instagram.
