Hey there fellow dropshippers.
It’s another day at Markaz, where we are spearheading different ongoing stuff.
You know what’s the best part about it?
Word on the block is that many aspiring entrepreneurs have recently contacted us with questions such as how to sell on Instagram, how to sell things on Instagram, and whatnot.
Yeah, we’ve been responding to those queries but decided it was taking too long.
So, here’s to unraveling everything there is to know about how to sell products on Instagram – and that too, regardless of whether you are a pro or a beginner-level seller.
How to Sell on Instagram? And Does It Involve Markaz’s Exclusive Reselling and Dropshipping Possibilities?
To kick off with the latter predicament, whether you are “eligible” for reselling or dropshipping on Instagram if you are already doing the same via Markaz.app.
Yes, you can!
There’s no harm n’ no qualms in doing so.
All you need to do is market your selected products from Markaz’s existing inventory of 150,000+ items and list them on your Instagram page or profile.
While doing so, just ensure that you’re not skipping these steps:
That’s the mini version of getting started on how to sell on Instagram with Markaz.
Now, the alternative approach…
What if you are simply looking for different ways on how to sell things on Instagram under your own brand name, Instagram branded page, or as a Shop. Basically, all three of these are the same thing, but the point is that there’s a way to streamline things to start the right way.
And yes, there’s a possibility that you may or may not have a Shopify or some other e-commerce webstore where you regularly dropship your products from.
In either case, the answer is Yes, and Yes!
So, let’s get to it.
If you have absolutely no prior experience with Instagram product selling, then you need to know that they introduced the ‘Instagram Shopping’ feature a long time ago.
The above bit of info is only applicable to your case IF you have been busy doodling your product images on Instagram newsfeed like regular folks – and that too, without knowing that there’s a proper ‘Instagram Shopping’ method to carry things forward.
Specifically speaking, it’s just a bunch of special features for people like you.
As a result, you can create your own store on Instagram, add tags, introduce a checkout system, and maintain a storefront for a delightful customer experience.
To effectively sell on Instagram, it's essential to leverage the platform's unique features and engage with your audience creatively.
Here are a bunch of tips to help you boost your sales on Instagram.
Influencer marketing is a powerful way to enhance your brand's visibility on Instagram. While many brands flock to TikTok, Instagram remains the original hub for influencers.
Partnering with influencers, regardless of whether they are micro, macro, or nano influencers, you can tap into their established trust and reach.
In that order, ensure that you look for influencers who resonate with your brand, whether they have thousands or just a few hundred followers.
Micro-influencers, with fewer than 20,000 followers, often boast higher engagement rates and can promote your products authentically, sometimes even in exchange for free items.
Moving on with insightful tips on how to sell products on Instagram, you need to get familiar with the Instagram ads model.
It’s a conventional way of marketing by running paid ads that coincide with your goals, target audience, and whatnot.
Shoppable ads allow you to tag products directly in your posts, making it easy for users to click through to your product pages or even purchase directly within the app.
Utilize various ad formats, such as single images, carousels, or videos, to capture attention and drive traffic to your shop.
Product tags are a game-changer for driving sales on Instagram.
Tags are a great way of enhancing user experience and improving overall click-through rates.
When users discover your products, they can easily click the tags to learn more or make a purchase. This feature not only enhances product visibility but also allows users to shop directly from their favorite content.
Reels are a fantastic way to showcase your products in a fun and creative format.
These short videos, which can include music, text overlays, and filters, can reach a broader audience when featured on the Explore page. Don’t forget to tag your products in your Reels to make it easy for viewers to shop what they see.
Up next on the best tips on how to sell things on Instagram, we’ve got the UGC aspect.
It’s called user-generated content that comes from a fantastic customer experience as a result of your products and service quality.
So much so that users automatically feel encouraged to share your Instagram product images, their own experience, and anything that may bring in more customers.
However, if it’s your first time running a shop on Instagram as a dropshipper or a reseller, the traction rate will be super low.
As a result, you need to encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products by reposting their content on your profile. Once things have streamlined over time, UGC will keep on generating on its own and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Hashtags are essential for increasing the discoverability of your posts.
If you were to use relevant hashtags, you are also helping the social media platform to understand your content and connect it with users interested in those topics.
Mix broad hashtags with niche-specific ones to reach both a wider audience and targeted groups. This strategy can significantly enhance your visibility and engagement.
Video content is incredibly effective in driving sales.
Research shows that after watching a video, 78% of viewers are more likely to purchase a product online. Use videos to tell compelling stories about your brand and products.
Consider creating product demos, behind-the-scenes looks, or customer testimonials. Remember to keep your videos short, engaging, and informative, and always include product stickers to drive sales directly from your Stories.
Selling on Instagram as a dropshipper or product reseller in Pakistan presents several potential challenges. Here are some key issues to consider:
The dropshipping market is saturated, especially on platforms like Instagram where many individuals and businesses are trying to sell similar products.
This high level of competition can make it difficult for new sellers to stand out and attract customers.
As noted, many people are drawn to dropshipping due to its low barrier to entry, leading to a proliferation of sellers offering similar items, which can dilute individual brand value and market presence.
Finding reliable suppliers is crucial for dropshipping success.
In Pakistan, sourcing quality products that can be shipped efficiently can be a challenge.
Many dropshippers rely on international suppliers, which can lead to longer shipping times and potential issues with product quality.
It’s super-important to thoroughly vet suppliers to ensure they can meet your standards and deliver products on time.
Accepting payments can be complicated in Pakistan, especially for online sales.
While platforms like Instagram facilitate product discovery and marketing, they do not handle payments directly in many regions, including Pakistan.
This means dropshippers need to set up alternative payment methods, which can sometimes lead to complications or delays in transactions.
Markaz connects resellers with suppliers, allowing users to select from a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and accessories.
What’s in it for you?
The app simplifies the reselling process by handling logistics, payments, and customer delivery, enabling resellers to focus on marketing and sales.
Building trust on Instagram involves showcasing your brand's credibility.
You can do this by sharing high-quality content, engaging with your audience, responding promptly to inquiries, and featuring customer testimonials or user-generated content.
Consistency in branding and customer service will also help establish a positive reputation.
To tackle shipping challenges, partner with reliable logistics providers that understand local and international shipping regulations.
Research options that offer timely delivery and good customer service.
Moreover, don’t forget to keep your customers informed about shipping times and any potential delays to manage their expectations effectively.
It’s a great way of building trust from a long-term business operability perspective.
Order deliveries get delayed once in a while, and things might be out of your control.
So, keep the customer informed and ensure that they are on the same page as you.
To enhance visibility on Instagram, utilize a mix of organic and paid marketing strategies.
Start off by creating engaging content that showcases your products, use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience, and consider running targeted Instagram ads to attract potential customers.
Collaborating with influencers or leveraging user-generated content can also boost your brand's exposure and credibility.
