If you are using print-on-demand to power the manufacturing and logistics for your storefront, you understand the power of Instagram. As a product-based company, the perfectly angled, filtered photos are an essential part of your marketing strategy. More and more consumers are actually using Instagram, not Google, to find more information about brands they like or are curious about. Your brand’s Instagram profile has essentially become your second homepage, if not your first. This means that your feed should not just be aesthetically pleasing, but also informative. So are you using Instagram to its fullest potential in order to drive more orders?
We’ve compiled a few cost-effective and proven methods on how to transform your brand’s Instagram profile into a steady source of sales.
1. Make your feed shoppable
In order to do this, you need to link your shop to your profile and then Instagram will approve your account within a few days. Once you’re approved, you can tag your products directly in the posts you share, making it even easier for customers to purchase. As of July 9, 2020, Instagram has expanded its eligibility requirements to enable Instagram Shopping, making it even more accessible for all types of businesses and creators to sell their merchandise on Instagram.
2. Utilize the “swipe up” feature
With the swipe up feature, you can quickly and easily send potential customers to your shop from the Instagram Stories you share. After having a shoppable feed, it is the simplest way to boost your traffic and sales with a single tap.
*Note: This feature is currently only available for accounts with at least 10,000 followers or verified accounts.
3. Go Live!
Many more brands and influencers have turned to Instagram Live to authentically connect with their audiences, given the recent stay at home guidelines. Instagram Live is a great way for your target audience to engage with you in real-time, making it one of the most interactive video platforms. Also, when you go Live, you are bumped to first place in the Stories section shown above the feed. No more worrying about how to beat the Instagram algorithm. Just go Live, and you’ll be at the front of the line!
Never gone Live before? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Conduct an interview with your brand’s founder
- Unbox a new product or collection
- Host a Q&A with your customers
4. Share UGC (User-Generated Content)
UGC can be a significant source of content for brands. It’s a great way to put your customer front and center, making them an important part of your brand story. Because UGC tends to be more trustworthy than branded content, it is a great way to build social proof (plus it’s free!).
5. Offer exclusive Instagram offers
What better way to reward your Instagram followers than with an exclusive offer made for them? Make sure to use a unique promo code to track your sales.
