How to use Instagram to make more sales

In this article we’ll explain some of the basic mistakes people make with instagram, and some basic tips on getting started to get people from Instagram to your website, and get them buying.

TIP 1) Follow people relevant in your industry to get them to follow you back

Many of our clients sell antiques and antiques dealers frequently sell stock to other antiques dealers. So a great way of getting more relevant followers is to search for “antiques” on instagram, and then click on “People”.

Then click on people on the list, and follow them by clicking on the “Follow” button. This will mean you’re following them, but will also notify them and give them the opportunity to follow you back. You’ll usually find as a result the majority of people start following you back.

Don’t follow too many people all at once as Instagram might think you’re a spammer. So follow a couple of dozen a day.

TIP 2) Use hash tags to get more people to see your posts

An obvious one for some, but massively overlooked by others.

Without using hash tags, the only people seeing your posts on Instagram will be those following you. However, if you use hash tags then this will help other instagram users discover your posts. For example, somebody looking for inspiration on antique tables might search on instagram for “antique table” or hash tag #antiquetable.

So make sure you add plenty of hash tags which are relevant to what you’re posting. In the example below, the item for sale is a 19th Century Swedish Antique Table, so the hash tags used are:-

#antiques #antiquetable #swedishantiques and #19thcentury

A hash tag is simply added into the post title when posting a picture. All you need to do is use the # key on your keyboard, followed by the tag. As you type, Instagram will give you hash tag ideas, and tell you how many people are using those hash tags.

TIP 3) Instagram shopping

Get visitors from Instagram buying on your website

Instagram Shopping is a great way to highlight and provide more information on products in your posts. Instagram doesn't allow you to link to an item on your website in a post, but you can link to your items in Instagram Shopping which can include a lot more information about the item AND a link to view (or buy) that item on your website.

Our websites have an automated Instagram shopping feed meaning any items you add to your website are automatically published on Instagram Shopping.

This feature is available on our Large plan and you can find more information by clicking here.

TIP 4) Make sure your photos aren’t too cluttered

Ensure that photos you take put focus on the item you’ve got for sale. Often we see people take very cluttered and busy pictures. With pictures like this, your eye doesn’t know what to look at; especially if you’re looking at the picture on a phone. So it’s really important to spend even just 5 minutes setting a photo up and “staging” before taking the photo.

TIP 5) Get lighting right

All a camera does is capture light. So with this if the lighting where you’re taking a picture is poor, then the overall quality of the picture may also be poor. So be sure to have as much decent light as possible when taking pictures.

Read our other Instagram tips

We've written a variety of other articles on Instagram on our blog. Please see them below:-

5 ways to bump up your follower count on Instagram

10 types of Instagram posts that do really well

Instagram - Business or Personal profile?

Instagram Shopping