From being a media-sharing app for selfies and anything visually appealing, Instagram is branching out into the eCommerce field.
It will soon roll out a shopping feature which online retailers and shoppers will find very convenient.
The social giant is pretty much aware that mobile commerce is going to overtake PCs in two years' time or even earlier, it's wants to be one of its cornerstones.
What's nice about Instagram's new feature is that it could serve as a promotion channel for your products, and even more so for your online store.
As for your potential customers, they will be able to see and explore your products without having to leave Instagram for another site.
How to sell on Instagram
The regular Instagrammers along you will find Instagram's shopping feature super easy to use.
Now, if you're not a fan of this visual media sharing app, but looking into it as a potential revenue source, you just need to prepare high-quality photos which highlight your products.
To get started, upload a photo which features up to five products that you're selling.
When a user clicks on the tap to view products link at the bottom left of the photo, a tag will appear on each of the items, showing the product's name and price.
Once they click on a tag, they will be taken across to a page that shows the complete description, special features and accessories-if there are any-of a product.
While the customer is there, they may opt to click on the Shop Now link within the product details, which will redirect them to the product on your website where they can purchase it.
Know who buys from you
Instagram recently reported that it has hit 400 million daily active users, many of whom are prospective customers of yours.
Using Instagram's shopping feature gives you the opportunity to promote your products and double your sales projection.
Aside from increasing your sales, the shopping feature also gives you access to Instagram Insights which provides critical information that will help improve your marketing strategy.
Instagram Insights records your followers based on their demographic factors; it also shows you which of your posts draw their interest the most.
Most important of all, it lets you see who buys from your store through Instagram's shopping feature and which of your products have high demand.
Is not that something worth exploring for your business?
Are you already an Instagrammer or planning to be one for the sake of selling more?