Whether due to budget constraints or a marketing strategy, you should know that you don’t need to have a website to sell your products and services on the web.
Instagram is one of the platforms that offers the most features for entrepreneurs and retailers to reach potential customers and generate sales.
Therefore, we have prepared a guide to teach you how to have your online store on Instagram without having a website in 2024.
So let’s start with the basics:
Can you sell on Instagram without having a website?
Of course, it is possible! Instagram allows retailers to have their online store without the need for a website. So, you can use your online store to sell your products without any problem.
In fact, many retailers currently use Instagram exclusively as their “online store” to sell and promote their products.
However, keep in mind that sooner or later you should think about having a website for your Instagram store since it offers multiple additional benefits that translate into more sales such as:
You will have additional functions
By having a web page, Instagram will offer you some additional functions that will streamline the purchasing process and boost your e-commerce sales. Here are some examples:
- Purchasable posts: through tags on photos and videos of your products, users will be able to make a purchase with just one click, which incredibly speeds up the purchasing process for the user.
- Product collections: show your products through collections that function as a catalog so that users can view, choose, and buy what they want in less time.
You will generate more trust in your potential customers
Scams are common on social networks. Therefore, having a website generates more reliability from the user’s perspective. And the reason is simple: it gives a more professional face to the user and usually indicates professionalism on the part of the brand.
And scammers usually do not create websites due to the time and money investment required.
So having a website will give you an extra layer of reliability that will multiply your sales.
More traffic and more sales
Google is where most traffic is found. Only a small portion of your potential buyers are present on social networks. In addition to the fact that Instagram has much to improve in its search engine, there is also the fact that users often use Google to make their purchases.
And more traffic means more sales. So you definitely need to think about having a website for your store in the medium or long term.
And once it’s clear that you can indeed sell on Instagram without a website, let’s now see the step-by-step on how to do it.
Step by step to sell on Instagram without a website
Create a business account
It’s essential to have a business account, as this type of account not only gives you a professional look but also offers analytical tools that allow you to see the performance of your posts and ads, better understand your audience, and optimize your marketing efforts. Additionally, it facilitates direct contact with customers through buttons for calling or sending emails.
Steps to create a business account on Instagram:
- Register on Instagram: If you do not have an account yet, download the Instagram app and follow the steps to create an account. You can register with an email or a phone number.
- Switch to a business account: Once your account is created, go to your profile and access the menu (the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner). Select ‘Settings’ and then ‘Account’. You will find an option that says ‘Switch to professional account’. Click there.
- Choose a category: You will be asked to choose a category that best describes your business, such as ‘Clothing’, ‘Beauty’, ‘Food’, etc. This helps users know what type of products or services you offer.
- Set up your business profile: Add details like your email address, phone number, and physical address (if you have one). These details are important because they make it easy for customers to contact you directly from your profile.
- Connect to Facebook: If you have a Facebook page for your business, you can connect it to your Instagram account. This allows you to share posts between both platforms and manage messages from one place.
Determine how to receive orders from your customers
This is one of the most basic aspects that we sometimes overlook, and that is that we have to determine how customers will place orders with us.
Receive Orders Through Instagram Direct Messages
Using direct messages (DMs) to receive orders on Instagram is a direct and personal method to connect with your customers. The good thing about this method is that you can interact immediately and personally by answering specific questions about products and negotiating details such as sizes, colors, and delivery times instantly. This improves the customer experience and increases trust in your brand.
However, depending on direct messages directly impacts time management and order. Orders can get lost in a crowded inbox or be difficult to track if the volume of inquiries is high.
Additionally, this method may be less efficient without an automated system, increasing the possibility of human errors and making it difficult to keep accurate records.
Use an Online Order Form for Instagram Orders
For a more efficient and professional management of orders, you can integrate an online order form. These forms are hosted outside Instagram and are accessed through a direct link in your biography or in specific posts.
Using an online form simplifies the process for both you and your customers. Customers fill in their order details and specifications in a structured manner, which reduces the risk of errors and facilitates tracking.
Some popular order forms you might consider include:
- Google Forms: It’s free and easy to set up. You can customize the questions according to your needs and manage the responses directly from Google Sheets.
- Typeform: Offers a more engaging user experience with interactive forms that can increase completion rates.
- JotForm: Ideal for more complex orders since it allows integrations with payment systems and other automation tools.
NOTE: you could also use WhatsApp to receive orders. You just have to place a direct link in the BIO to your WhatsApp. However, for high sales flows, it represents the same problem as handling it with DMs.
Choose a payment method
- Selecting and clearly communicating the payment methods is crucial for effective sales on Instagram. It is essential that your customers know in advance what payment options are available, which helps to establish trust and clarity from the beginning of the purchase process.
To ensure that your customers are well informed, always include the payment methods in several key places on your Instagram profile:
- In the BIO: One of the first places your followers will see, so it is an ideal place to briefly list the accepted payment methods. You can include icons of the payment methods or simply mention them in text.
- In Highlighted Stories: Create a highlighted story specifically for “Payment Methods”. Here you can explain each method in more detail, how to use them, and answer frequently asked questions related to payments. This section will serve as a quick guide for new and old followers.
- In Specific Posts: Occasionally mention the payment methods in the descriptions of your posts, especially when launching new products or promotions. This ensures that payment information is visible and accessible at the time of maximum interest by the customer.
Optimize your BIO to the fullest
Your Instagram BIO is like the facade of your online store; it is one of the first things your followers and potential customers see when visiting your profile.
A well-optimized BIO not only catches the eye but also plays a crucial role in converting visitors into buyers by effectively communicating who you are and what you offer. Take advantage of this limited space to maximize your sales opportunities.
Here are four key tips for optimizing your Instagram BIO:
Describe Your Value Proposition
Clarify what makes you unique and why customers should choose your brand. This can be your superior quality, competitive prices, exclusive products, or a commitment to sustainability. Make sure your value proposition is brief, impactful, and easy to understand.
Include a Clear Call to Action
Motivate your visitors to take a specific action. This could be “Buy now”, “Discover more”, or “Contact us”. A good call to action guides users to the next step you want them to take, helping to convert initial interest into a concrete action.
Include Your Contact Number
Make it easy for customers to contact you by including a phone number directly in your BIO. This not only increases trust by showing that there is a real person behind the account but also offers a direct and fast means for inquiries and sales.
Use Linktree
Since Instagram only allows placing one link in the BIO, using tools like Linktree is essential to maximize this space. Linktree allows you to create a unique link that leads to a page with multiple links.
You can include links to your online store, specific products, blog articles, promotions, and more. This is particularly useful for directing traffic to different platforms, ensuring that your followers can easily find everything you offer.
Optimize your profile to engage your buyers
A well-optimized profile is essential to attract and retain the attention of potential buyers, ensuring that their experience is smooth and encourages them to take purchase actions. Here we give you some tips to make your profile a powerful sales magnet:
Create an Impactful Feed with Your First Posts
The first posts on your feed should immediately catch the eye. Use high-quality and visually appealing images of your products or services. Ensure that the style and colors reflect your brand identity. A neat and aesthetically pleasing feed not only attracts the eye but also conveys professionalism and quality.
Add Featured Products from Your Store
Use the featured posts function to promote specific products directly on your profile. This can include your best-selling items or items on promotion. Ensure that these posts contain all the necessary information and are easily accessible to users exploring your profile.
Include Contact Buttons
Instagram allows adding direct buttons so that users can easily contact you. Add options like “Call”, “Email”, or even “Directions” if you have a physical store. These buttons facilitate immediate communication and can be crucial for closing sales quickly.
Engage your community through Instagram stories
Instagram stories are a dynamic and effective tool to keep your followers engaged and promote your products: they are an excellent space to interact more directly and personally with your audience by answering questions about your products, the buying process, and delivery.
Schedule Regular Content
Maintain a constant flow of stories to keep your community interested and engaged. You can schedule regular series like “Product of the Week”, “Questions and Answers”, or “Behind the Scenes” that help create anticipation and routine among your followers.
Use Interactive Features
Take advantage of the interactive features that Instagram offers, such as polls, questions, and suggestion boxes. These tools not only increase interaction but also provide valuable information about the preferences and opinions of your customers. For example, you can conduct a poll on what color product your followers prefer or use the question function to resolve doubts about your products.
Promote Specific Products
Use stories to highlight specific products and their details. Showing products in use, whether through videos or action photos, can help customers visualize how they might use them, thus increasing interest and the likelihood of purchase.
Highlight Offers and Promotions
Stories are perfect for announcing time-limited offers, special discounts, or new product launches. Since stories last only 24 hours, they create a “buy now” effect that can quickly boost sales.
Create content regularly in the right format
Maintaining a constant flow of content on Instagram is key to building and maintaining your brand’s visibility. Here we guide you on how to choose the right format and maximize its impact.
Reels or Feed Post?
Reels
Instagram Reels are an excellent option for gaining visibility and attracting traffic to your profile. These short and dynamic videos allow you not only to show your products in a creative and eye-catching way but also to offer valuable content that educates, entertains, or inspires your followers.
Using Reels to share tips, tutorials, or even fun and relaxed moments related to your brand can nourish your community and attract new users to your account. Since Reels have a higher probability of being featured in the Instagram exploration section, they are powerful tools for expanding your reach beyond your current followers.
Feed Post
As for feed posts, these are ideal for more detailed communications about your products and for strengthening your brand identity. Use the feed to talk in-depth about product features, benefits, and customer testimonials.
How Often to Post?
The ideal posting frequency varies depending on your market niche and your audience, but a good starting point is to post on the feed 3 to 4 times a week and upload Reels or stories daily. This helps to keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them.
It is important to observe your followers’ response and adjust the frequency according to what offers the best results in terms of engagement and growth.
Use Hashtags
Hashtags are an essential tool for increasing the reach of your posts. Include relevant hashtags that not only describe your brand and products but also align with what your potential customers might be searching for.
Use a combination of popular and niche-specific hashtags to maximize your visibility. Don’t forget to also create and promote a unique hashtag for your brand, which can encourage the creation of user-generated content and increase engagement.
Use DM and comments to your advantage
Direct messages (DMs) and comments on Instagram are powerful interaction tools that can play a crucial role in building relationships with your customers and optimizing your sales. Here we give you some tips to make the most of DMs and comments on Instagram:
- Respond Quickly: Response speed is key. Social media users value quick responses, which often influence their purchase decision. Make sure to monitor your DMs and comments regularly and provide timely and helpful responses.
- Personalize Your Responses: Although it’s tempting to use predetermined responses, personalizing your responses can make a big difference. Show that you truly care about your customers and are willing to meet their specific needs. A personalized response can turn a simple comment into a lasting and profitable relationship.
- Use DMs for Sales and Support: DMs are an excellent tool for handling sales inquiries and support privately. Use them to discuss product details, negotiate deals, or resolve post-sale issues. This not only helps maintain privacy but also allows each case to be treated with the attention it deserves.
- Encourage Comments to Increase Visibility: Comments are not only a form of interaction but also play a role in how Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes your posts. Encourage your followers to leave comments by asking questions in your posts or starting debates. The more users interact with your content, the greater its visibility.
- Manage Criticism Constructively: If you receive negative comments or criticisms, handle the situation professionally and constructively. Responding calmly and considerately can turn a negative experience into an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Use paid ads to reach potential buyers
Paid ads on Instagram are an exceptional tool to amplify the reach of your store and specifically target potential buyers who might be interested in what you offer. You can opt for the following options:
Instagram Ads
Ads on Instagram allow you to target a specific audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. This ensures that your promotional content reaches those who are most likely to be interested in your products.
Influencer Marketing
Collaborating with influencers can be an effective way to reach new and engaged audiences. Influencers already have the trust of their followers, and a recommendation from them can act as a powerful endorsement for your brand.
Conclusion
It is completely possible to sell on Instagram without having a website. By following the shared tips, you can achieve excellent results.
However, to unlock the full potential of your business, consider complementing your presence on Instagram with a website. This will provide you with additional space to manage your sales and communicate with your customers more effectively.
If this article has been helpful, share it on your social networks or leave a comment with questions or your experience. See you in the next article!
