Instagram Shopping Guide 2025: How to Sell on Instagram

Did you know that almost 80% of marketers have turned to Instagram Shopping as part of their digital marketing strategy? In 2025, Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app anymore – it’s become the world’s most vibrant digital marketplace, where double-taps turn into dollars faster than you can say “add to cart.”

From a post on Instagram, your audience can choose to ‘Learn More’ about a business by clicking on the button at the bottom of a post. This will then redirect you to their whole shop.

For our visual and audio learners, be sure to watch the YouTube video we linked below:

It builds an easier shopping experience for users and creates a great storefront for brands. But… it’s not like going to the mall. Shopping and selling via social media is an entirely new approach. While you can’t yet grab a soft pretzel or enjoy a whiff of a free perfume sample on Instagram Shopping, it’s still becoming a top online shopping destination for 2025.

Seriously though, using Instagram for sales can be a huge win for your brand! Especially when you are taking advantage of the best strategies, expert marketing tips, and creating compelling ads. Here’s how you can get your foot in the door with Instagram shopping.

What Is Shopping On Instagram? 

Instagram Shopping is the new feature that lets brands and stores to tag their products on their posts. Tagging a product is as easy as tagging other people. This new feature didn’t take us by surprise, since it was already available in the USA. After the successful results registered in this country, Instagram has expanded it to other places.

• An Instagram Shop is your Instagram online storefront. This is essentially your store’s landing page where users can virtually browse through all of the products that you offer without leaving the app.
• Product Detail Pages are where you list your item’s information, such as what the product is, what the price is, etc. This is where you will find the images that are tagged with this item.
• Collections are essentially the titles of your items. For example DIY gifts, trendy winter fashion, etc.
• A Shopping Tag is used to tag the products in your posts whether it be a post, Reel, or story. This allows users to click on the item directly from the post.
• Instagram Shop Discovery Tab allows users to browse your brand even if they are not following you. Using this, users can discover new brands and items

Shopping On Instagram Requirements

The brands or stores that want to use this feature must fulfill the following requirements. Making sure you’ve got all of these bases covered before you start your Instagram Shop will not only save you time, but also makes your first sales super easy and smooth.

1. Meet Instagram’s Commerce Eligibility Requirements. Instagram requires that you business complies with certain policies and eligibility standards. This means that you must comply with Facebook’s Terms of Service, Commercial Terms, and Community Standards. AND you must also own a solid website or e-commerce store that supports transactions for your sales.
2. As the account owner, you must be located in a country that supports the use of Facebook and Instagram Commerce platforms. Check for your country here.
3. Your product catalog is the backbone of Instagram Shopping. It doesn’t matter if your catalog is hosted on Facebook’s Commerce Manager or through a supported e-commerce platform like Shopify. You have to make sure your catalog includes: high-quality images, accurate product descriptions, consistent pricing, inventory levels, and have shop refund and return policies available.
4. Consistency in your brand’s aesthetic and voice will improve your chances of bringing in new buyers. Instagram pushes brands that have quality brand guidelines (logos, color schemes, tone of voice, etc.)

How to Set Up Instagram Shopping

Once you have met the previous requirements, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start setting up your Instagram account for shopping success. To open up an Instagram Shop, you must first complete the set-up process in Commerce Manager. To do this you must:

Convert Your Instagram Account

If you haven’t already converted your Instagram account to a business or creator account, head over to Settings and make the switch. This gives you access to:

• Instagram Insights to track engagement
• Promotional features and advertising tools
• The ability to add clickable product tags to your posts

Optimize Your Profile

Your Instagram profile is like a digital storefront. Here are some actionable tips to make it inviting and informative:

• Profile Image: Use your logo or a professional photo that represents your business.
• Username and Handle: Keep it simple, recognizable, and consistent across all your social media accounts.
• Bio: Clearly state what your business is about, and mention that you offer Instagram Shopping if possible. Use relevant hashtags or keywords. For example: “Bringing you handcrafted accessories. Now available for shop on Instagram!”
• Contact Information: Utilize the contact buttons provided by Instagram to add an email, phone number, or physical address if applicable.
• Story Highlights: Create dedicated story highlights for products, behind-the-scenes looks, reviews, and FAQs. This keeps important information easily accessible.

Link Your Facebook and Instagram

Connecting your Facebook Business Page with your Instagram account is the best for catalog integration and product tagging. To do this:

1. Go to Settings on your Instagram account.
2. Select “Account” and then “Linked Accounts.”
3. Choose Facebook and log in with your Facebook Business credentials.

This simple step will make sure your product catalog flows smoothly over to Instagram, enabling you to tag your products in posts and stories.

Enable Shopping on Instagram

Once your account is set up and connected, navigate to your Instagram settings to locate the “Business” section. Here, you’ll find the option to “Set Up Instagram Shopping.” Follow the prompts which typically include selecting the product catalog that you want to connect with your account. After review, Instagram will notify you if your account is approved for shopping.

Creating and Managing Your Product Catalog

Again, if we haven’t made it clear, your product catalog is your bread and butter. It’s the ONE thing that customers will base their whole shopping experience on. Let’s break down how to create, optimize, and manage your catalog and make Instagram Shopping work for you!

Setting Up Your Catalog through Facebook Commerce Manager

If you choose Facebook Commerce Manager as your hub for product catalog management, here are your steps to success:

• Organize Your Catalog: Utilize categories and collections to help customers easily navigate through your products. Think of it as creating departments in a physical store.
• Create a Catalog: From your Facebook Business Manager dashboard, select “Catalogs” and create a new catalog. Choose the type of catalog (e.g., products, hotels, flights, etc.) that best represents your business.
• Add Your Products: You can manually input product details or integrate with a supported e-commerce platform like Shopify or BigCommerce to automatically sync your inventory.

Product Information you Need to Display in Your Instagram Shopping Catalog

Each item in your catalog should include clear and accurate details. Make sure you provide:

• Product Name: A catchy and descriptive title.
• Description: Detailed product information, including material, dimensions, and care instructions.
• Price: Competitive, transparent pricing.
• High-Quality Images: At least one high-resolution image; multiple angles are ideal.
• Availability: Stock levels or any special cases (e.g., custom orders).

This data ultimately influences how attractive your products are to shoppers. Also, remember to update information regularly to avoid confusing potential buyers.

Syncing Your Catalog with Instagram

Once your catalog in the Facebook Commerce Manager is ready, it needs to be synced with your Instagram shop. Generally, this is done automatically if your accounts are properly linked. However, if issues come up, visit Instagram’s help center or review your settings under “Shopping” in your account.

Managing Inventory and Product Updates

As your business grows, so will your catalog. Periodically review your inventory and ensure that your products are always updated with the latest availability, pricing, and promotional information. Use batch uploads or automated integrations if your catalog is large, which saves you time and reduces the possibility of errors.

Instagram Shopping Optimization for Maximum Sales

Having set up your store, the next step is to optimize your Instagram shopping experience. This is where you transform your online storefront into a high-converting sales machine. Here are some actionable strategies.

Optimize Your Content for Discoverability

There isn’t much you can expect to happen if you just upload your products and wait for buyers to come to you. Especially if you aren’t engaging with your followers or taking the time to make your products truly stand out. Consider these tips:

• High-Quality Visuals: Invest in high-resolution images and consistent branding. Good visuals capture attention and improve your professionalism.
• Compelling Captions: Describe your products in a way that resonates with your audience. Use conversational language that highlights benefits, not just features, and always include a call to action (CTA).
• Effective Use of Hashtags: Make use of popular and niche-specific hashtags. For example, if you offer handmade jewelry, include hashtags like #HandcraftedJewelry, #SmallBusinessLove, or #UniqueAccessories. Use our free Instagram hashtag generator
• Location Tags: For local businesses, geotagging your posts can significantly enhance local discoverability.

Create Badass Instagram Content

Instagram Stories and Reels are not just spur of the moment; they serve as dynamic platforms for showcasing your products in action, allowing you to engage closely with your audience. These features can elevate your brand by providing an authentic and energetic glimpse into the unique aspects of your brand. Here are some creative ideas to help you create badass Instagram content.

• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Give followers a sneak peek into your production process. This builds trust and adds a personal touch.
• Short, Engaging Videos: Use Reels to highlight key features of a product or demonstrate how it can be used in daily life. Consider doing quick tutorials or lifestyle shots.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their experiences using your products. Repost these stories and give credit, which not only validates your brand but also builds community.

Remember to tag your products in these posts so users can quickly tap on a product link and be taken directly to your shop. **Loading up your posts with too many product tags is like shouting at your followers to buy everything at once. Keep it simple – stick to 1-3 tags per post.

Power Up Your Sales with Instagram Shopping Ads

Instagram Shopping Ads are a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their online sales. These ads allow brands to showcase their products directly within the Instagram app, enabling users to discover and purchase items conveniently. With visually appealing images and a clear path to purchase, Instagram Shopping Ads can significantly improve your conversion rates.

There is quite a lot that goes into a quality ad campaign not to mention the investment. If you and your brand are new to the Instagram market, that above tutorial will be a saving grace.

Host Giveaways and Promotions

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Giveaways and time-sensitive promotions are a surefire way to drive engagement, build your community, and increase sales. Some strategies include:

• Collaborations: Team up with influencers or complementary businesses to host a giveaway. This can boost your visibility while also providing mutual benefits.
• Limited-Time Offers: Create a sense of urgency by offering exclusive discounts for a short period. For example, “Flash Sale: 20% off only for the next 24 hours!”
• Engagement Incentives: Ask followers to comment on a post or share it in their stories to enter the contest. This increases engagement and the spread of your brand message.

Have a 🔥🔥Instagram Profile

If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is the fact that a crappy brand profile page is a one-way ticket back to our feed. We wouldn’t spend two seconds shopping through a catalog that has blurry images, crappy product descriptions, odd pricing, etc. The same goes for your profile because it’s not all about aesthetics… it’s about how your customers experience your profile. Here’s some tips.

• Highlight Important Information: Use story highlights to keep key details like FAQs, product categories, or shipping policies immediately accessible.
• Seamless Navigation: Keep your bio neat and make sure your website link (if applicable) is updated with the latest promotions or product launches.
• Interactive Features: Incorporate features like polls, Q&A sessions, and “Swipe Up” links in your stories to engage users and drive them towards your catalog.

Engage Engage Engage!!

There are plenty of things that a brand can do to turn us off. One of them being horrible with interactions. Brands that are silent and don’t engage with their community will never make it in today’s market. Engagement is key to success on Instagram. Respond to comments, direct messages, and mentions, personalizing interactions when possible. Featuring customer feedback in your stories demonstrates your appreciation and builds trust, leading to increased organic sales.

Tracking Success and Revenue

With your Instagram Shop now fully operational and optimized, the next step is keeping track of your performance. Rather than relying on guesswork, clearly defined metrics and success indicators can help you understand what’s working and where to make improvements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This information will tell you everything you’re doing right and everything you’re not doing so hot with. Knowing how these factors affect your shop can make it way easier for you to fine tune your process. These are the main KPIs to know about when setting up Instagram Shopping.

• Traffic Metrics: Monitor the number of visitors to your Instagram Shop through link clicks and profile visits.
• Engagement Rate: Measure likes, comments, shares, and saves on your product posts to gauge customer interest.
• Conversion Rate: Track how many visitors make a purchase after visiting your Instagram Shop.
• Average Order Value (AOV): Calculate the average dollar amount spent each time a customer places an order through your shop.
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Determine how much it costs to acquire a new customer via Instagram marketing efforts.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Evaluate the profitability of your Instagram Shopping campaigns by comparing revenue with marketing spend.
• Product Performance: Analyze which products are selling well and which are not to optimize your inventory.
• User-generated Content (UGC): Track the amount of content created by customers featuring your products to amplify brand trust.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): Measure how many users click on your product tags and visit your catalog.
• Follower Growth and Demographics: Understand your audience to tailor your product offerings and content strategies effectively.

Get Feedback From Followers

An often-overlooked metric is customer satisfaction. Use surveys, reviews, and direct feedback via messages or comments to understand what’s working or what might need improvement. For example, if customers frequently ask about shipping times or color options, it’s a sign that you may need to update your product details or FAQ sections on your profile.

Using Instagram Insights and Facebook Analytics

Take full advantage of the built-in analytics tools offered by Instagram and Facebook. Instagram Insights provides data on post performance, audience demographics, and overall engagement, while Facebook Analytics can offer a more detailed look at customer behavior on your linked website. Regularly review these analytics to adjust your strategies in response to trends. For instance, if you notice a drop in CTR during a specific period, consider refreshing your visuals or captions.

Instagram Shopping Advantages

This new feature is very straightforward for users, it only requires one click on the product that they are interested in.

• Images that contain links to products will include a shopping bag icon located in the top right corner of the image on an account profile.
• Once you click on the image, the message “Tap to view product” will appear in a small window.
• When you tap on the product, a pop-up window will appear with the product photo, and an option to buy it along with other details.

• If you tap the Shop Now button, Instagram will take you directly to the brand’s website

The main advantage: There is no need to go to the Instagram link in the bio to access the website where you want to buy a product. It saves you time.

Advantages of Shopping on Instagram for Businesses

You’ll be interested in using this new feature if you are a business since it means access to a new sales channel. Now, it will be much easier to measure sales on Instagram. Besides, you will get the following:

• More traffic from your Instagram account to your website: You will increase traffic to your website with Shopping on Instagram. Customers will be redirected to your web as soon as they tap on “Shop now”.
• A higher number of orders: Instagram users like it when things go fast. Now, you can increase your sales and know exactly which ones come from Instagram.
• Another source of positioning: it might be the case that your brand does not have a favorable SEO positioning on Google. Now, you can focus your efforts on Instagram to get a better overall positioning on social networks.

Shopping on Instagram will change the way of selling and probably, the way of designing product cards too. A new storefront has opened to the world. And will also change the way of doing marketing on Instagram.

Alexis Turner , 15 April 2025