Why Sell on Instagram?
Want to know how to sell on Instagram and turn it into your personal ATM? Listen up. This isn't some fluffy guide. It's a battle plan for beginners who want to sell on Instagram and actually make money.
The first step in how to sell on Instagram: Switch to a Business account. Now. It's like upgrading from a butter knife to a swiss army knife. You get Ads Manager for laser-focused advertising and analytics that'll make your head spin. Use them or you're leaving money on the table.
Setting up a shop to sell on Instagram is dead simple. No excuses. Write a bio that grabs eyeballs. Add call-to-action buttons that scream "BUY NOW". Create a branded hashtag. Make it stick. This is how you sell on Instagram - by making it easy for people to find and buy your stuff.
Wondering how to sell on Instagram effectively? Post content that doesn't suck. Use Stories and Highlights like they're going out of style. They're not. They're your ticket to more eyes on your products. This is how you sell on Instagram without being pushy - by being everywhere.
Ready to pour gas on the fire and really learn how to sell on Instagram? Promote your posts. But don't just throw money at it. Choose your ad objective like you're picking a fight. Target your audience like a sniper. Pick the right ad format or you're just burning cash. This is advanced-level how-to sell on Instagram stuff, but it's what separates the pros from the amateurs. If you don't know how to promote on Instagram then look take a look at this article.
Do all this, and you're not just figuring out how to sell on Instagram. You're building a money-making machine. Now get to work. That's how you really sell on Instagram - by taking action.
Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account
First things first. You need the right tools in order to start to sell on Instagram. Here's how to get them:
Create a Business Profile
Go to your profile
Hit the menu button (top right)
Tap Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account
Choose Business
Follow the prompts
Boom. You now have access to ads and analytics for your business. Use them a lot. Seriously. These tools are your secret weapon to get more out of your sales.
Optimize Your BIO
Your bio is your storefront. Make it count. You've got seconds to grab attention. Don't waste it.
Keep it short: 140-160 characters
What do you offer? Be specific.
Why should they care? What's in it for them?
Add a call to action. Tell them what to do next.
Use emojis (yeah, really). They catch the eye.
Include a branded hashtag. Make it easy to find you.
Pro tip: Test different bios. See what works. Stick with winners.
We have also compiled a list of 1000+ Instagram Bio Ideas for you. Take one of them and you are ready to go.
Use Instagram Insights
Data is king. Instagram Insights is your kingdom. Ignore it at your peril.
Check it weekly. No excuses.
Look at reach, engagement, follower growth
See what content works. Do more of that.
Find out when your audience is online. Post then.
Double down on winners, and cut the losers. Be ruthless.
Remember, feelings lie. Numbers don't.
Crafting Your Instagram Marketing Strategy
Strategy beats tactics every time. Here's how to build yours:
Build Your Brand
Your brand is more than a logo. It's your vibe. Your essence. It's why people choose you over the competition.
Choose a profile pic that screams "you"
Use consistent colours and fonts. Be recognizable.
Tell your story (people buy stories, not products)
Show your face. People connect with people, not logos.
Be authentic. Fake it and you'll get found out.
Develop a Content Strategy
Content is the fuel for your Instagram engine. Don't run on empty.
Mix it up: photos, videos, carousels. Variety is key.
Plan ahead (use a content calendar). Winging it doesn't work.
Use relevant hashtags (research them). Don't guess.
Encourage user-generated content (it's free marketing)
80/20 rule: 80% value, 20% promotion. Give before you ask.
Pro tip: Batch create content. Set aside one day a week to create all your content. It's a game-changer.
Leverage Instagram Features
Instagram gives you tools. Use them all. Each one is a chance to get in front of your audience.
Stories: Show behind-the-scenes, daily updates. Be real.
Reels: Short, catchy videos. This is where the growth is.
Live: Connect in real-time with your audience. Build trust.
IGTV: Long-form content for die-hard fans. Go deep.
Guides: Curate content around a theme. Show expertise.
Don't half-ass it. Master one feature at a time.
Showcasing Your Products and Services
Now we're getting to the meat. How to actually sell your stuff.
Create Appealing Product Posts
Your products need to look good. Period. No one buys ugly.
High-quality photos and videos (no excuses)
Show products in use (context sells)
Use Shoppable Posts (tag products directly)
Update your catalogue regularly (keep it fresh)
Use carousel posts to show multiple angles or features
Pro tip: Invest in good lighting. It's the difference between amateur and pro.
Use Instagram Stories and Reels
Stories and Reels are your secret weapons. Here's how to use them:
Stories: Quick updates, flash sales, exclusive offers
Use polls, questions, and countdowns (engagement = sales)
Reels: Product demos, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes
Keep it fun, keep it real. No one wants to watch boring content.
Use trending sounds and effects. Ride the algorithm wave.
Remember: Consistency beats perfection. Post daily.
Set Up an Instagram Shop
Make it easy for people to buy. Set up your shop. Remove friction.
Sync your product catalogue. Keep it updated.
Create collection pages (organize your stuff)
Enable product tags (make it easy to shop)
Update regularly (new stuff = new sales)
Use the "View Shop" button on your profile
Pro tip: Test your shop as a customer. If it's not smooth, fix it.
Maximizing Sales Through Engagement and Promotion
You've got the setup. Now let's sell.
Engage With Followers
Engagement isn't just nice. It's necessary. It's the difference between a community and a billboard.
Respond to comments and DMs (fast). Within hours, not days.
Run interactive stories (polls, Q&As). Get them involved.
Encourage user-generated content (repost it). Show appreciation.
Share behind the scenes (be human). People buy from people.
Ask questions. Start conversations. Build relationships.
Remember: Engaged followers become customers.
Advertising and Promotional Tactics
Sometimes you gotta pay to play. Here's how to do it right:
Use Instagram Ads (target like a sniper). No spray and pray.
Set clear objectives (what do you want?). Track everything.
Run flash sales (create urgency). FOMO is real.
Partner with influencers (borrow their audience). Choose wisely.
Retarget website visitors. They're warm leads.
Pro tip: Start small. Test. Scale what works.
Utilize Instagram Checkout and Shopping Features
Make buying smooth as butter. Every click is a chance to lose a sale.
Enable Instagram Checkout (buy without leaving the app)
Optimize product descriptions (sell the sizzle, not the steak)
Arrange products in collections (make it easy to browse)
Update your catalogue (new stuff = new interest)
Use product stickers in Stories. Make everything shoppable.
Remember: The easier it is to buy, the more people will.
The Bottom Line
Selling on Instagram isn't rocket science. But it's not a walk in the park either. It takes work, consistency, and a willingness to adapt. Most people quit before they see results. Don't be most people.
Remember:
Set up your business account right. Use the tools.
Create content that doesn't suck. Be consistent.
Use all of Instagram's features. Master them.
Make your products look irresistible. Invest in quality.
Engage like your business depends on it (because it does).
Don't be afraid to spend on ads. Test different ad creatives and scale more into those that work.
Make buying easy for a customer. Remove all the friction they may encounter in the process of buying your product or service.
Now it is time to stop reading and start selling on Instagram. The knowledge you've received in this blog is enough to start and rapidly scale your Instagram store and business yourself. If you wish to get even more sales on Instagram - Gainsty will help you sell more on Instagram. Try out our 7-day free trial offered to businesses and creators looking to sell on Instagram.
