Ready to take your online store to the next level? If you want to reach more potential customers while utilizing your Instagram content to promote your products, then it is best to connect your Shopify store to your Instagram account!
With that said, here is a step-by-step guide on how you can integrate your Shopify store and products into your Instagram account so you can start making shoppable posts and boost sales!
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Benefits of connecting Shopify to your Instagram account
Instagram account is definitely one of the best social media channels to use if you want your business to build its social media presence while establishing your own community of loyal customers.
Here are some reasons why you should connect your Shopify account to Instagram now!
1. Easier shopping experience
When you connect Shopify to Instagram, customers, and Instagram users can see your products and immediately buy them by just tapping on their screen without leaving the Instagram app!
This quick and easy experience makes it more likely for your target audience to make a purchase.
2. Reach a larger audience
Your products will appear in Instagram’s Shop tab which is used by millions of active users looking for things to buy. This can help you reach a wider audience, increase brand awareness and conversion rate, and attract new customers.
3. Increased sales and leads
When customers can shop directly on your Instagram profile, they don’t have to go through multiple steps to purchase, which increases the chances of them completing the transaction.
4. Promote your products
Instagram is a visual platform. This means you can use Instagram posts like photos, videos, stories, and reels to showcase your products in unique and engaging ways.
Creativity can help your brand stand out and attract more buyers.
How to connect Shopify to your Instagram
Shopify Instagram integration is not really as hard as you may think! With that said, here is a step by step instructions on how to connect your Shopify store to your Instagram account.
1. Create Your Shopify Store
If you don’t already have a Shopify store, you first need to create one. Once you’re at the Shopify website, click on the “Start Free Trial” button and fill in your details including the name of your store.
After signing up, you’ll be taken to your Shopify dashboard. Here, you can begin setting up your store by adding important details, like your business address and preferred currency.
Next, it’s time to add your products. Click on the Products section in the menu, then select Add Product. For each item, upload clear, high-quality pictures, write detailed descriptions, and set your prices.
To make your store look professional and appealing, Shopify offers customizable themes.
Pick a theme that fits your brand, and make any changes you need to match your style.
Finally, set up your payment options. Go to the Settings section, then click on Payments, and choose how you’d like to accept payments, such as through credit cards, PayPal, or other methods.
With these easy steps, your Shopify store will be ready to go!
2. Create a Facebook Business Manager Account
Instagram Shopping is connected to Facebook, so you’ll need a Facebook Business Manager account to get started.
The first step is to visit the Facebook Business Manager website and create an account and connect your existing Facebook account/page.
If you don’t already have a page for your business, you’ll need to create one before moving forward.
Finally, set up your business details in the account. This includes adding your business address, phone number, and website. These details are to check that your account is properly set up and ready to use with Instagram Shopping.
3. Connect Shopify to Facebook
After setting up your Facebook Business Manager account, the next step is to connect it to Shopify.
Start by logging in to your Shopify dashboard. Once you’re in, look at the menu and click on Sales Channels. Then, select Add Sales Channel and choose Facebook from the list of options.
Next, follow the instructions to connect your Facebook account to Shopify. You’ll need to log in to your Facebook account and approve the connection between the two platforms.
Once the connection is complete, Shopify will automatically sync your product catalog with Facebook.
Double check your products because Instagram Shopping will use the same catalog to display your products on Instagram.
4. Set up Instagram Shopping
After connecting your Shopify ecommerce store to Facebook, the next step is to set up Instagram Shopping.
First, make sure your Instagram account is set up as an Instagram business profile or creator account. If you’re currently using a personal account, you can switch to an Instagram business account on the Settings option.
Next, open the Instagram app and go to Settings > Business > Set Up Instagram Shopping. Follow the provided instructions to connect your Instagram account to the Facebook page you linked to Shopify earlier.
Instagram will then show you the product catalog synced from your Shopify store. Review the catalog to make sure it’s correct, and confirm your selection. Finally, submit your account for review.
Instagram will check to make sure your account meets their shopping policies, which can take a few days to process. Once approved, you’ll be ready to start tagging products and selling directly on Instagram!
5. Tag products in your Instagram posts
Once Instagram approves your shopping setup, you can begin tagging products in your posts to make shopping easy for your followers.
Create your post and click the Tag Products option. You will see there your product catalog and just choose the product that is featured in your post!
When people view your post, they’ll see clickable product tags that take them directly to the product page, making it simple for them to shop.
How to promote your products on Instagram
1. Post High Quality Content
Instagram is one of the social media platforms that is known for finding aesthetic and appealing visual content.
This means that the quality of your photos and videos is very important. Make sure your images are well-lit, clear, and eye catching.
Use natural light whenever possible so that your photos look fresh and vibrant. For videos or reels, keep them steady, and make sure the sound is clear if you’re including audio.
Show your products in different ways to catch the viewer’s attention. For example, you can post a close-up of your product to highlight its details or show it being used in real-life situations.
2. Use Instagram Stories
Posting Instagram stories is another fun and personal way to connect with your followers. Because they disappear after 24 hours, they’re great for sharing time-sensitive updates like flash sales, restocks, or limited-time offers.
Use stories to announce your new products or share behind-the-scenes moments from your business.
To make your stories even better and more interactive, use Instagram’s story features like polls, question stickers, and countdown timers. These features can help your audience engage with your business.
If you have Instagram Shopping set up, you can add product links directly to your stories. This allows users to shop instantly by swiping up or tapping the product sticker.
3. Interact with your Followers
Engaging with your followers is one of the most important ways to build trust and grow your business. Reply to comments on your posts, answer direct messages, and thank customers when they share your products in their own posts!
This personal connection makes people feel valued and more likely to support your brand.
You can also urge your followers to comment on your posts by asking questions in your captions like “Which product do you like the most?”, “What color variation should we do next?”, and the like.
4. Create Reels
Instagram algorithm has been continuously pushing reels in everyone’s feeds. This means that you have to take advantage of this.
Use Reels to showcase your products. You can also create videos to highlight what makes your products unique. For example, create a “how-to” video showing how your product works.
You can also create fun videos like packing videos, unboxing videos, or fun behind the scene clips from your team.
Add trending music or use fun text overlays to make them more engaging.
5. Run Instagram Ads
Instagram ads are great for reaching more people, especially those who aren’t following your account. You can use Instagram’s ad platform to target specific groups of people based on their interests, location, age, and more.
This guarantees that your ads are seen by people who are most likely to be interested in your products.
You can promote posts, stories, or Reels, or even create carousel ads that show multiple products in one post. Set a budget that works for you and start small to test what works best.
6. Host Giveaways
Hosting giveaways is a great way to promote your products and boost engagement on Instagram. They’re fun, easy to set up, and can attract a lot of attention!
For example, you can set up the requirements to: have them follow your account, like the post, tag their friends, and share to their stories.
This not only helps you reach a wider audience but also brings in new followers and increases your brand’s visibility.
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.
