Connect Shopify with Instagram - step-by-step guide

In e-commerce, it is important to take advantage of new opportunities to reach your target group. Many store operators already use Instagram to increase their brand awareness, but only a few have linked their Shopify store and Instagram. Linking Shopify offers a number of advantages. Let's take a closer look at these and then I'll show you how you can connect your Shopify store with Instagram.

Connecting Shopify with Instagram: the advantages

• - Increased visibility: With Instagram, you can reach up to 2 billion active users. This makes the social media platform ideal for reaching your target group.
• - Direct presentation: You can tag products directly in your Instagram posts and stories so that your followers can see and buy the items without having to leave the platform.
• - Seamless buying experience: Your followers can conveniently buy your products in Instagram without having to switch to your Shopify store, which prevents abandoned purchases.
• - Visual marketing: Instagram is a visual platform and you can present your products in an appealing and creative way. This increases engagement and brand awareness.
• - Performance measurements: You get helpful insights into the user behavior of your target group and can optimize accordingly.

How to connect Shopify and Instagram

Connecting Shopify and Instagram is relatively straightforward, here is a step-by-step guide to connecting the two platforms.

#1 Create a Facebook Business account

To connect your Shopify store to Instagram, you need a Facebook Business account. If you don't have one yet, follow these steps:

• - Go to business.facebook.com.
• - Click on "Create account" and follow the instructions to set up a business account.
• - Create a Facebook page for your business (if you haven't already) as Instagram requires this.

#2 Connect your Instagram profile with your Facebook Business account

In order to use Instagram Shopping, your Instagram account must be linked to your Facebook Business account:

• - Open the Instagram app and go to the settings.
• - Go to "Company" > "Linked accounts" and select Facebook.
• - Log in to your Facebook account and select the Facebook page you want to link.

#3 Install the Facebook & Instagram app in Shopify

Shopify offers an official app that integrates Facebook and Instagram:

• - Log in to your Shopify dashboard.
• - Go to Apps > Shopify App Store and search for the Facebook & Instagram by Meta app.
• - Install the app to connect your Shopify store with Facebook and Instagram.

#4 Set up the Facebook Commerce Manager

After installation, you will be redirected to the Facebook Commerce Manager setup. This is the area where you manage your products for Instagram Shopping:

• - Log in to the Commerce Manager when you are prompted to do so.
• - Confirm your Facebook page and select the Facebook Business account.
• - Set up your product catalog by syncing your Shopify products with Facebook.

#5 Synchronize your Shopify products

Once your Facebook Commerce Manager is set up, you can synchronize your Shopify products with Instagram and Facebook:

• - Select the "Products" tab in the Facebook & Instagram by Meta app in Shopify.
• - Make sure that your products are complete (pictures, descriptions, prices).
• - Activate synchronization and select which products should be displayed in your Instagram store.

#6 Apply for the Instagram shopping function

After product synchronization, you must request approval for Instagram Shopping:

• - Open the Instagram app, go to Settings > "Business" > "Shopping".
• - Instagram will check whether your account is suitable for the shopping function. This may take a few days.
• - As soon as your account has been approved, you can activate the shopping function.

#7 Tag products in Instagram posts and stories

Once Instagram Shopping has been approved, you can link products in your posts and stories:

• - Create a new Instagram post or story.
• - Select the Tag product option and search for the product name you want to display in your post.
• - When users tap on the product, they are redirected to the purchase page in your Shopify store.

Conclusion: Set up once, profit continuously

Since most Shopify operators already use Instagram as a marketing platform, it's only a small step to linking the two platforms. By linking them, you gain a number of advantages that can help you increase your sales. The seamless integration allows you to present your products directly where your target group is and simplify the purchasing process. With the combination of visual appeal, ease of use and comprehensive reach, you will increase your brand awareness while efficiently boosting your sales figures. If you need help with the implementation, we support you as a Shopify agency we are happy to support you with the setup and all other topics relating to e-commerce and online marketing.