Selling on Instagram: 10 Tips to Increase Sales

Setting up shoppable posts is only part of the story. If you really want to increase sales on Instagram, you need to make sure the rest of your strategy is up to standard too.

Here are 10 tips to help you maximize sales from your shoppable posts:

1. Grow an Authentic Following

We’ve already spoken about the importance of adopting a long-term approach when it comes to your marketing.

This is especially true when marketing your business on Instagram.

There are many agencies out there promising rapid follower growth. But here’s the thing:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

By now, we should all know it’s a bad idea to buy followers. But it’s also important to make sure we’re growing our accounts sustainably.

We want to make sure each follower we acquire has a genuine interest in the brand. When you focus on getting authentic followers that fit your customer avatar, they’re more likely to buy from you.

Not only that, but we want to make sure our followers engage with our content. The algorithm works by testing your content on a small proportion of your audience to see how they react.
If your followers aren’t interested in what you have to say, they’ll be less likely to interact with it.

And if nobody interacts with your post, fewer people will see it.

On the flip side, if your followers are actively engaged with your account – and interested in what you have to say, they will be more likely to interact with it.

The more interaction your post gets, the more people will see it.

So focus on getting the right people on board. Prioritize quality over quantity, and watch your sales increase from selling on Instagram.

2. Share High Quality, Valuable Content

As well as finding the right followers, you also need to make sure your content is what they want to see.

This starts with a solid understanding of your ideal customer.

Do your market research: Who are your customers? What do they like? What do they dislike? What are their biggest problems and challenges?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you can create a content strategy that resonates with them.

This is essential.

Instagram has so many brands out there sharing the same content. There are only so many sunset photos and inspirational quotes one audience can take.

Stand out from the crowd. Give your audience more. Create content that builds trust, inspires and – ultimately – sells.

Don’t forget, Instagram is a visual network. Although your captions are important, it’s imperative you start with an appealing, high-quality image.

Research suggests accounts with a consistent aesthetic get the best results. Think about your brand image. What type of theme would compliment it best? Bright and colorful? Monochromatic? Light and airy?

Experiment by creating some grid mockups – and develop your theme from there. Then use this to shape content that will capture attention and – in time – make your brand instantly recognizable in your followers’ feeds.

3. Run Retargeting Campaigns

Retargeting campaigns display adverts to people who have already been on your website. If you’re going to invest in advertising, we recommend you start with these.

If a potential customer has visited your website, they have already expressed an interest in your brand. They may even have browsed your products or gotten as far as your check out.

When you install Instagram’s advertising pixel on your website, it’s possible to target all these people with adverts in an attempt to get them back onto your website.

An even better idea? Set up a retargeting campaign using a shoppable post. Make it even easier for your audience to complete their purchase without leaving the app.

This is how you maximize your profits from selling on Instagram.

4. Work with Relevant Influencers

Influencer marketing is a controversial subject.

So many brands attempt to develop influencer campaigns without a significant return on investment.
But when it’s done right, it’s a great way to increase brand awareness, build trust and sell more products.

The key lies in effective research and relationship building. You need to ensure the influencers you choose are the right fit for your business.

Start by creating a database of influencers in your field. These won’t always be the people with the highest follower count. Remember what we said earlier about the importance of an authentic following?

In your database, make a note of the influencer’s typical engagement rate.

And don’t discount micro-influencers – who can have as little as 1,000 followers. One study found that 82% of consumers are “highly likely” to act on a recommendation made by a micro-influencer.

This might be due to the fact it’s easier to create a more personal connection with fewer followers, which results in a more engaged, trusting audience.

Once you’ve found the right influencers for your brand, you can start building a relationship with them.

Many influencers expect more than the product in return for their time and exposure. Make sure you’ve decided on a budget before entering any discussions and be clear on what you can expect in terms of ROI.