How to integrate Instagram with your Shopify store to boost online sales
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a huge number of businesses have shifted their focus online to remain competitive during these uncertain times. This, along with the gradual decline of brick and mortar retail, has resulted in an ever-increasing demand to shop online. That said, now more than ever is a crucial time for store merchants to up their eCommerce game in order to maximise revenue.
Why is Instagram important for online sales?
Instagram has grown to become one of the most powerful social platforms for facilitating online sales. The social media platform was quick to recognise this shift in demand and have over time incorporated a range of new shoppable features into the app, with a view to encourage its users to discover brands and boost eCommerce sales.
Having your Instagram linked to your Shopify store is a great way to build trust between you and your customers. According to PixelRocket, 62% of Instagram users are more likely to be interested in a product if they’ve seen it previously on Instagram. Not only is this an effective way to increase conversion, but it also adds high quality content to your shop.
How do I integrate Instagram with my Shopify store?
As of 29th June 2020, Instagram discontinued it’s API, meaning that Shopify store merchants can no longer directly integrate their real time Instagram feed with their store. But don’t panic, it is still possible to display your latest Instagram posts on your storefront.
There are a number of third party platforms available on the Shopify app store that will allow you to keep your consumers updated with your latest Instagram posts and maintain synergy across both platforms.
Instafeed is an example of an app that allows store owners to display their shoppable Instagram feed on their store, with the added ability to customise the layout, controls and filters so that it fits in seamlessly with the look and feel of the store.
You can view the full list of apps available on the Shopify app store here.
Make your Instagram shoppable
You can also use Instagram’s product tagging tool to make your posts shoppable via the app. By doing so, you are providing a direct link to the specific tagged product on your Shopify store, so this is a great way to ensure a seamless shopping experience for your consumers, and will ultimately boost direct traffic and sales to your storefront.
