{"id":49180,"date":"2024-01-04T18:54:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-04T18:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluehost.com\/blog\/?p=49180"},"modified":"2023-12-14T18:54:17","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T18:54:17","slug":"how-to-sell-on-instagram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluehost.com\/blog\/how-to-sell-on-instagram\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sell on Instagram"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With over two billion monthly active users<\/a>, Instagram currently ranks as the fourth most popular social networking platform in the world. Its popularity makes it an attractive platform for savvy business owners who want to drive sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a 2023 HubSpot Instagram engagement report<\/a>, up to 79% of businesses leverage the power of Instagram\u2019s shopping tools. You, too, can use these tools to sell items online<\/a> and boost your social media presence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to sell on Instagram. We\u2019ll show you how to create an Instagram business account and set up Instagram Shopping for your small business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of selling on Instagram<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Instagram is one of the world\u2019s leading social media platforms, and for good reason. It offers unique shopping features to help you achieve your sales and marketing goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a glimpse at the primary benefits you can enjoy from selling on this platform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Brand exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Internet users spend an average of 3.46 hours on their phones<\/a> every day. Being a mobile-first and highly visual platform, Instagram gets a chunk of this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re running a small- or large-scale business, Instagram allows you to reach a global audience, giving your brand the visibility it needs to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Targeted advertising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instead of displaying your ads to the general public, Instagram allows you to focus on your target audience. This ensures your ads are seen by people who are more likely to buy what you\u2019re selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can create targeted ads based on specific criteria such as age, gender, location, behavior and interests. This leads to higher conversion rates<\/a> and increases your return on investment (ROI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Ecommerce features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instagram shops let businesses tell their brand stories and drive product discovery. You can create a shop and add product catalogs and collections, all within the Instagram app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Instagram Checkout enabled, customers can shop directly on your business profile without leaving the app. This convenience makes online shopping less of a chore and more of an exciting experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Cost-effectiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instagram is a free video and picture-sharing platform, so you don\u2019t have to pay anything to start selling products or services. However, if you enable Instagram Checkout, you\u2019ll need to pay 5% per shipment or a flat fee of $0.40 for shipments of $8 or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, unlike other platforms that charge monthly subscription fees, Instagram allows you to cut down on startup costs, helping you run a profitable eCommerce business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Analytics tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With Instagram\u2019s built-in analytics tool, keeping tabs on your performance has never been easier. This tool gives you an overview of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as estimated reach, impressions, accounts engaged and profile activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The insights you gain from this tool will help you understand your audience so you can optimize your marketing strategy for more conversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility requirements for Instagram commerce<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Eligibility<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With fewer barriers to entry, Instagram commerce is an excellent option if you\u2019re looking to strengthen your online presence and boost sales. However, you must follow specific rules for selling on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Comply with Instagram\u2019s policies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instagram has policies that guide users\u2019 activities to create a safe online community for everyone. Take a moment to review Instagram\u2019s Terms of Service<\/a> and Community Guidelines<\/a> before you start selling on this platform. You should only set up an Instagram storefront if you agree with these policies. Violating any of these policies may cause your account to be disabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Represent your business and domain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instagram requires linking your shop to your website for direct purchase. Your business account must represent the website you\u2019re linking to. To confirm this, Instagram will ask you to verify website ownership. Although domain<\/a> verification is a multi-step process, you should be fine if you have access to your website\u2019s admin panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Be in a supported geographic region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While Instagram Shopping is an innovative feature, it isn\u2019t available in all markets. To access this feature, your Instagram business account must be located in one of the 20+ supported markets for Instagram Shopping<\/a>. However, Instagram Checkout is only available for businesses in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Demonstrate trustworthiness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To protect its customers and reputation, Instagram disables accounts that are used for fraudulent activities. Demonstrate trustworthiness by delivering on your promises, selling quality products and providing excellent customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Provide accurate information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Accuracy can help you build authenticity. It\u2019s one of the strategies you can use to demonstrate trustworthiness and drive sales. You can provide accurate information by ensuring your product descriptions, videos and photos reflect the actual condition of your products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to sell on Instagram<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Things<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can sell most physical goods on Instagram. However, Meta \u2014 Instagram\u2019s parent company \u2014 provides a great guide on things you can\u2019t sell on Instagram<\/a>, like alcohol and adult products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know all the rules for selling on Instagram, here are some of the most profitable items to sell:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Phone accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The global population of smartphone users<\/a> is estimated at 4.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass 5.1 billion by 2028. This makes phone accessories a profitable niche market. Phone covers, selfie sticks, screen protectors and chargers are high-demand accessories to sell on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Apparel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone needs clothes, so whether you decide to sell new or second-hand clothes, you\u2019ll find consistent demand for these products. You can decide to sell sportswear, suits, blazers, sneakers and even seasonal clothes like swimsuits and holiday-themed dresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Gifts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People buy gifts on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine\u2019s Day, Father\u2019s Day, Mother\u2019s Day and Christmas. There\u2019s an endless list of gift items you can sell as long as the products you choose aren\u2019t banned or illegal. Popular gifts include flowers or branded items like cards, t-shirts and water bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fitness accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Fitness<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With more people working out from their homes, the demand for fitness accessories continues to surge. From yoga mats to resistance bands and everything in between, there\u2019s no shortage of accessories to sell to fitness enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Services are an excellent way to create a recurring stream of income without holding inventory. Unlike physical goods, you don\u2019t need to look for suppliers. Passion and expertise are all you need to get started. High-demand services to sell on Instagram include web design, consulting and marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Baby products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UNICEF reveals that over 134 million babies were born<\/a> globally in 2023, with 3.7 million births in the United States. These stats indicate the evergreen nature of baby products. Products you can sell in this niche include toys, diapers, strollers and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Furniture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As people move into new homes and offices or renovate their existing spaces, the demand for new furniture increases. Beds, couches, tables and closets are only a few examples of profitable furniture to sell on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Kitchen accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A kitchen is one of the most important rooms in modern homes, making kitchen accessories high-demand items. Popular products in this niche include knives, tongs, chopping boards, measuring cups and whisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Organic skin care products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Organic skin care products contain natural ingredients grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. These products don\u2019t cause skin damage or irritation, making them highly sought after. Examples include organic lip balms, facial oils, moisturizers and exfoliating scrubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Artworks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Artworks are decorative items that add visual appeal to homes and commercial spaces. There are numerous artworks to sell, as long as your chosen products don\u2019t violate the rules for selling on Instagram. Artworks to sell include figurines, paintings, stained glass designs and sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to sell on Instagram<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Instagram connects you with a global audience interested in your offerings, helping you maximize sales. However, to increase your success rate as a business owner, you must follow the right approach to Instagram commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>1. Choose products to sell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The products you sell determine your overall profitability. While there\u2019s a long list of things to sell online<\/a>, you must ensure the products you choose are in high demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are other factors to consider when choosing new products to sell on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n