Did you also know that Instagram has over two billion active monthly users? Yes, that’s right! Instagram is now a worldwide marketplace, with 37% of individuals in the United States alone using it.
Much like other platforms, India leads the way even when it comes to Instagram. The country has 229.5 million Instagram users. The United States comes next with 149.35 million users.
Whether you’re a small business owner or an aspiring influencer, this guide will give you the tips and knowledge to start selling on Instagram.
How to sell products on Instagram
If you know how to stand out from the crowd, Instagram may be one of the most powerful platforms for selling products and services.
Because Instagram is a visual medium, it is ideal for businesses that sell products to showcase their offerings.
Scrolling through your Instagram feed gives you a close-up and direct view of the products, events, and experiences that you promote and post.
Instagram Shopping is an excellent approach for businesses to tag products in their posts, build an online storefront, and ease the whole buying process, from discovery to checkout, because 90% of Instagram users follow a business account.
Companies are making use of Instagram’s word-of-mouth marketing characteristics, and they have swiftly identified great ways how to sell products on Instagram.
Why should businesses consider selling on Instagram?
Still not sure Instagram is the place to be?
Instagram has nearly two billion monthly users throughout the world. Instagram, which was formerly reserved mainly for Facebook and YouTube, has officially become one of the world’s most popular programmes.
With so many eyes skimming through feeds each day, there’s a strong possibility your target audience is there, waiting for you to sell to them.
Do you still not believe me?
These three key reasons should be sufficient motivation to begin selling products on Instagram:
Reason 1 – Print on Demand method avoids the problem of unsold inventory. Although screen printing is cheaper, it’s the safest option for new apparel designs. With Sublimation Accessories and Apparels, you can easily print on demand instead of stocking them.
Reason 2 – Thanks to digital printing technology, you have unlimited color options and greater creative freedom in your designs. You can also easily scale the design size across different garment sizes, which would be costly in short runs with screen printing.
Reason 3 – By utilizing Print on -Demand, e-commerce brands can sell to their niche audience without the hassle of inventory management, as they can frequently change or alter designs based on customer feedback. When a design proves to be popular, it can be converted to screen printed stock, leveraging the cost-effective advantage of screen printing.
By combining both Print on Demand and Screen Printed stock, a brand gains an unfair advantage over its competitors in any niche market.
Instagram is used for product research
Instagram is a visual medium, so it’s no wonder that 70% of buyers conduct product research on the platform. A business profile is an excellent starting point, but you’ll also require a website where consumers can explore your products.
Millennials want you to be active on Instagram
When it comes to marketing to Generation Z, these younger customers use Instagram to discover and interact with brands. And your Instagram presence might have a significant impact on Gen Z purchasing habits.
The platform sees the highest usage among people aged between 18 and 34. People within these age groups make up over 60% of Instagram’s user base. As such, the platform is ideal if your target audience consists of young adults and Millennials.
Instagram is where your competitors are selling
With over 200 million companies on Instagram, it’s safe to believe your competitors are selling things there as well. Therefore don’t hold on establishing your Instagram store.
How to sell on Instagram in India?
When it comes to selling products on Instagram, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
But, depending on your target audience and what you’re offering, some techniques make more sense than others.
The best practices to sell on Instagram in India are noted below.
1. Sell yourself in your bio
First and foremost, your Instagram profile is important for real estate, especially if you want to sell something.
After all, if you’re not linked to Instagram Shopping, your bio link is the only way for your followers to reach your storefront.
Make sure your bio includes at least one of the following:
- A call to action that directs followers to your store
- In order to attract user-generated content, mention your branded hashtags
- A trackable link to track visitors to your storefront.
2. Post content regularly
Instagram is a competitive medium, and you must post frequently if you want people to notice your brand. How frequently is “regularly” used?
According to statistics, the average number of Instagram posts each day is 1-2. You may increase your engagement by sharing two Instagram Stories every day.
3. Create content around your product
This may be illogical, but hang on, one of the most successful Instagram selling methods is to avoid selling entirely. Not all of the time, at any rate.
Whether you’re a new business or seeking to expand your following, non-sales-related material is a terrific approach to warm up potential buyers. After all, today’s consumers want companies to express their personalities in a variety of ways.
These sorts of postings generate a lot of conversation and can help new followers find your company.
Marketers must develop content for every stage of the consumer experience. This includes those who are warming up to you or who may not even know who you are.
This also highlights the need of developing a social media content calendar. You may achieve a balance between promotional and non-promotional material by using social media management solutions. This guarantees that your followers engage with your marketing communications constantly.
4. Post product images with humans in them
According to research, Instagram users spend the most time engaging with customer-centric photos out of four categories of business images (customer-centric, employee-centric, product-centric, and symbolic visuals).
Instagram users want to see how items are used in the real world.
Customers will want to take their own photos with your product so you can highlight them on your feed as well. This increases engagement and reach, resulting in even more possibilities to attract consumers.
5. Make your product photographs stand out
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Creativity matters on Instagram, especially if you’re trying to sell anything.
Keep in mind that you’re fighting for your consumers’ attention, and they’re probably following competing brands on Instagram.
You don’t have to be a great photographer to make visually appealing photographs. Just learn how to record and format Instagram images, and then look at creative filters and apps that may add flair to your photos.
6. Make use of video to demonstrate your products in action
Depending on the nature of your products, you may want to publish more videos than static photographs. Customers, for example, may want to witness performance bicycles or high-end timepieces in action if you’re selling them.
Create engaging captions
Want to prevent spamming your followers with sales pitches? There are several methods to create Instagram captions without appearing overly commercial.
Consider how you might show off your products while also asking your followers a question.
Selling on Instagram rules
70% of shoppers look to Instagram for their next purchase
You do not need a business licence for selling on Instagram, but you should follow Instagram’s Commerce Eligibility Requirements and Algorithms:
Follow Instagram’s rules
Instagram’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines must be followed.
If you do not follow all of their policies, your business account may be closed.
Hence, before you start selling, educate yourself about their policies.
Locate yourself in a supported market
You must be physically present in one of Instagram’s supported markets.
Create a trustworthy feed
Your brand and page should be seen as a reliable and genuine presence. You may also need to maintain a substantial and genuine following base.
Examine your follower list to discover if any suspicious-looking bot accounts are following you. If this is the case, you may swiftly unfollow them to demonstrate to Instagram that you are trustworthy.
Give accurate information and adhere to the best procedures
Be certain that your product information is not false. Product information should be correct and consistent with what is posted on your website. Also, your refund and return policies must be provided.
Once everything appears to be in order, you are ready to begin selling!
Popular things to sell on Instagram
Here is a list of 7 popular things to sell on Instagram to make money
1. Apparel
What are the most popular Instagram niches? It’s simple: beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Because these are the pillars of Instagram’s success, clothing products are a no-brainer for Instagram. If you’re into clothing, do some research to see what else is popular – you could already have a winning ticket in your product inventory.
Check out Qikink to start selling t-shirts right away without managing any inventory and with zero investment.
With Print on demand services like Qikink, you can start selling any of their product with your customised designs without any inventory and shipping hassles. They take care of everything on behalf of your brand.
2. Jewellery
Jewellery, like clothing and accessories, is extremely popular on Instagram. Handmade, personalised items are always fashionable.
Go over and above to create a visual concept for your profile that will make your jewellery stand out.
3. Skincare and Beauty
The source of eternal youth. Beauty and skincare have long been one of Instagram’s most dominating markets. Beauty goods such as face rollers and Vitamin C serums are leading the way.
Vegan and cruelty-free items are also strong contenders against the mass-produced big-box brands we’ve come to despise. So when it comes to your face, pampering is the name of the game.
4. Health
#health is one of the most popular Instagram hashtags, and you may capitalise on this trend by offering products that assist your followers maintain a healthy lifestyle. For example, you might sell lifestyle and fitness items such as watches, as well as healthy meals and beverages.
With an increasing number of global health challenges, it’s no surprise that more people are prioritising their health. If you pick this Instagram niche, bear in mind that you cannot sell supplements on Instagram according to the platform’s Commerce Rules.
Protein bars, protein powders, and supplements are all examples. You are also not permitted to market medical gadgets, products, or services.
Scrolling through inspiring interiors online is great, but consumers want their homes to be picture-perfect too. On Instagram, you can show off your home decor products in different designs and settings.
Don’t overlook this opportunity to take your design aesthetic to the home.
If you choose this niche, consider taking your store to Pinterest too. That platform is almost synonymous with the phrase “home decor ideas”. Plus, you can never have too many sales channels.
6. Fitness
Customers’ desire for healthy living is also catered to by the fitness niche. Nevertheless, the fitness business isn’t slowing down anytime soon and remains quite popular on Instagram.
What’s amazing about the Instagram #fitspo niche is the variety of items available. You may sell fitness clothing and shoes, as well as equipment and devices. Choose something that will appeal to customers who live a healthy and active lifestyle.
7. Phone Accessories
Phone cases and airpod cases, and the fun with smartphone accessories doesn’t have to end there! It can include headphones, wires, and even newer accessories that no one realised they required, such as strings to use as a handbag – very simple to take about – or even pop sockets and automobile holders.
The opportunities are limitless, and this is an excellent entry-level business!
11 Most googled questions about selling on Instagram
Now that you already know how to sell on Instagram and what products to sell on Instagram, let’s get deeper into 13 of the most frequently googled questions about selling on instagram.
1. Can I sell on Instagram without a website?
The most obvious answer is, yes!
You don’t need a website or a large online presence to sell products on Instagram! Instagram is a great place to start if you are beginning a new business or simply putting your existing offline business online.
Instagram is a perfect place to start a business and create brand awareness.
2. How to make money on Instagram without selling anything
In 2023, there are several ways for companies and individuals to earn from their Instagram accounts. It’s a viable side business to explore.
Various popular things on Instagram might generate money without having a product to sell. These top five methods to explore if you want to monetise your Instagram account without selling any services.
- Post Sponsored Content
- Consider becoming a Brand Ambassador.
- Provide Shout-Outs
- Create Story Filters and Masks
- Create Business Captions
3. How much does it cost to sell on Instagram?
It is absolutely FREE!
You simply need some free time to get everything in line. Instagram is a free marketing platform that may help you reach a wider audience.
Even if you wish to allow shoppable posts, there is no fee to do so.
4. How to sell clothes online on Instagram?
Setting up your store online is a pretty simple process. Follow these steps to sell clothes on Instagram:
- Decide what clothes you want to sell
- Set up your Instagram account and add your profile photo and write a bio
- Click high-quality photos of your products
- Post your product photos with relevant hashtags and captions
- Use call-to-actions to ease the Instagram shopping experience
- Promote your Instagram account by boosting your posts or running ads
5. How to sell used clothes on Instagram
Selling clothing is one of the finest ways to sell products you no longer wear and even earn a full-time income online. And Instagram is an excellent platform for selling apparel on the Internet.
Instagram is a social networking site where you can connect your business and sell items to millions of people. It’s a great location to sell your clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and jewellery.
Several people are successful on Instagram in showcasing and selling beautiful apparel. You may simply earn money by displaying new or used things on social media.
6. Hashtags for selling clothes on Instagram
Here are the most popular hashtags for selling clothes on Instagram
#Fashion #OOTD #Style #InstaFashion #Vintage #FashionBlogger #Fashionista #StreetStyle #Stylish #MensFashion #WomensFashion #InstaStyle #LookBook #WhatIWore #FashionDiaries #StyleInspo #FashionBlogger #LookBook #WIWT #FashionWeek #FashionStyle #StyleBlog #Blog #StyleBlogger #StreetFashion #OutfitOfTheDay
These are all highly popular hashtags with millions of posts, so we’d recommend using a few of the most relevant and mixing them up with more specific smaller volume hashtags.
7. How to sell antiques on Instagram
Develop an opinion. Instagram is all about showcasing photos. Hence, with your target audience in mind, take photographs that reflect the style and create curiosity.
Because of direct interaction, using Instagram as a digital storefront is quite simple. Numerous sellers post or auction products using the “comments” option. For example, experienced Instagram merchants have a “first to the message, first to pay” transaction strategy. This technique is completely free.
8. How to sell art on Instagram & how to sell images on Instagram
You are already making things that can be sold as a photographer. Instagram is an excellent platform for displaying your portfolio.
The easiest approach to selling prints is to publish an Instagram post in which you inform your followers about your offer. You may make a graphic using a free programme such as Canva. If you wish to sell a certain photograph, you may also use it to promote your work in the Stories area.
Let your followers know that you’re selling prints in the description of your photo. Provide the available sizes as well as the pricing for each size.
9. Sell on Instagram Shopify
There’s a lot more to the Shopify-Instagram collaboration than just shoppable photos.
Instagram feeds on your Shopify website are one of the most potent examples of social proof, and social proof is one of the most effective strategies to increase conversion rates.
What better way to promote your shop than with an Instagram gallery of user-uploaded images? To be honest, not much.
Instagram feeds not only increase confidence in your product and shop, but they also help buyers perceive your product as a lifestyle option with the opportunity to link them to a community.
10. How to sell affiliate products on Instagram
Affiliate marketing is a method that allows influencers to promote a brand’s products or services in exchange for a commission on clicks or sales.
90% of shoppers are influenced to purchase by user-generated content.
Here are 3 steps to sell affiliate products on Instagram,
- Build an Instagram following
- Connect with an affiliate network
- Add your link to Instagram
11. Sell on Instagram using print on demand
Do not have huge money to invest?
Know how to sell on Instagram but are unsure of product sourcing?
You are an artist and wish to create merch out of your artwork?
Want to earn a passive income by selling on Instagram?
We’ve covered you all.
Print-on-demand is a business model where you sell products on any of the platforms like social media and your own website and when you receive an order on your store, the print-on-demand supplier prints, packs and ships your orders directly to your customers and your brand name. You need not manage any inventory or worry about shipping.
All you need to do is
- Create beautiful designs
- List Qikink’s products on your Instagram account and website
- Promote your store
- Fulfil orders with Qikink
Benefits of using Qikink’s print-on-demand services
- Zero sign-up fees
- You only place an order when you receive one in your store
- No minimum order quantity
- Largest product catalogue to help you serve a bigger audience
- Helps you manage cash on delivery orders
Final thoughts
You now have all the tools you need to assist you in setting up your shops, promoting products, and monitoring outcomes. Connecting the links in this way will help you not just make one-time sales but also in developing long-term relationships with new consumers.
This guide should have given you some much-needed motivation and inspiration to increase your Instagram sales. You’re on the right road as long as you follow Instagram’s best practices and keep an eye on your stats.
Create your Instagram account now and start selling.
Read more
1. Building a Successful Online Print-On-Demand Shop: Tips and Strategies
2. All-Over Print on Demand: Taking Customization to the Next Level
3. Print on Demand Services in India: Empowering Creatives and Entrepreneurs
4. The Rise of T-Shirt Print on Demand in India: A Booming E-Commerce Trend
5. 25 Best Print on demand websites in India for 2023
With over 6+ years of experience in the industry, Ayushi excels in building strong customer relationships and guiding clients toward growth as a Brand Partnership Manager. She enjoys sharing her experience in her content.
