If you run an ecommerce store, how can you use Instagram to your advantage? Instagram is more than just Facebook's jet set sister or Twitter's ultra-trendy cousin.With over 800 million monthly users (and growing), Instagram is the place to document life's big and small moments in beautiful little pictures. Instagram has a discerning millennial audience – 59 % of 18-29 year olds are active Instagram users. This demographic turns its nose up on traditional marketing tactics and avoids old-school advertising mediums like cable TV, making it difficult for businesses to find a way out. On Instagram, users actively invite brands to their feeds – 80 percent of Instagram users follow at least one brand.Ecommerce brands are particularly well positioned to flourish on Instagram, with 14 percent of users likely to shop within the app, not to mention see-through conversion opportunities. These seven tricks can help boost your Instagram sales funnel: 1: Add a Call to Action to Your Bio Instagram doesn't have a lot of space for text or links, so you need to use what's available to your advantage. A simple trick is to add a call-to-action (CTA) to your bio that will drive your followers back to your ecommerce store. If you have a current product special, new range of products, or anything else you want to promote, use your bio to show followers where else to go. 2: Link in the story This feature is only available for accounts with more than 10,000 followers – all the more reason to prioritize Instagram and start building that audience. Eligible accounts can paste links into Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories, added last year, allow users to combine photos and videos into a temporary slideshow that disappears after 24 hours. Elite users can now add a CTA to an Instagram Story so people can swipe up to read more. 3: Collaborate with Influential People Brands spend an estimated $1 billion annually on Instagram Influencer Marketing. Influencers ranging from local fitness instructors or photographers to A-list celebrities have turned social media marketing into an art form.While top influencers like Beyonce can earn upwards of $1 million per post, the average sponsored post costs around $300. With the right strategy, your brand can form a strategic partnership with influencers that generates a high return on investment in terms of conversions and brand awareness. By collaborating with influencers, you can leverage their network and brand to spread the word about your ecommerce offerings. 4: Free product, you only pay the shipping Many watch and sunglasses companies are popping up on Instagram with paid ads with a tempting offer: Get a free product, just pay for shipping. This can be a good way to get your product out there and into the hands of consumers, especially if it is a product that may be purchased more than once. This strategy can get a lot of attention, but you need to make sure it is executed correctly. Be careful about these buyers as guaranteed prospective customers. 5. Shopify Integration Shopify is currently testing Shoppable Instagram posts. This integration allows ecommerce stores to sell to shoppers directly from the Instagram app without navigating to a website or external platform. This feature is now available in beta for some accounts. If you want the option of post purchaseable before the full Shopify/Instagram rollout, LIKEtoKNOW.it is a great option. With this app you can take screenshots on Instagram and make purchases directly in the app.
