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:
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.
Frequently asked questions about the connection between Shopify and Instagram
How can I connect my online store with Instagram?
To connect your online store with Instagram, you need a Facebook Commerce Manager that contains your product catalog. You can synchronize this catalog directly with Shopify. You then link your Instagram Business account to the Commerce Manager. After approval, you can tag products in posts, reels and stories and sell them directly.
What does a store on Instagram cost?
A store on Instagram is basically free of charge. You do not pay a fee to create or use the function. Costs are only incurred via your store system (e.g. Shopify fees) and, if you wish, via Instagram Ads to promote your products.
How do I make a store on Instagram?
You can create a store on Instagram by connecting your Instagram Business account with the Facebook Commerce Manager. Create a product catalog there or synchronize your products automatically via Shopify. After successful verification, you can activate the store in your Instagram profile and link products in your posts and stories.
Can I sell on Instagram with Shopify?
Yes, you can sell on Instagram with Shopify. Shopify offers a direct integration with the Meta Commerce Manager. Your products are automatically synchronized and you can tag them in Instagram posts. The checkout currently takes place in DACH in your Shopify store, while users in the USA can already use the Instagram checkout.
How do I add products from Shopify to my Instagram store?
You can add products from Shopify to your Instagram store by linking the Shopify product catalog with the Meta Commerce Manager. All products that are maintained in Shopify (including price, images and inventory) are automatically transferred to your Instagram store. Changes in Shopify are synchronized immediately so that your Instagram store is always up to date.
What are the advantages of linking Shopify and Instagram?
Connecting Shopify and Instagram gives you the opportunity to showcase your products to a wider audience and increase sales. With Instagram Shopping, you can offer your customers a seamless shopping experience by giving them direct access to your products via your posts and stories. This promotes customer loyalty and allows you to market your brands effectively.
How does Instagram Shopping work for Shopify stores?
Instagram Shopping for Shopify stores allows you to create a product catalog on Instagram. You can tag your products in your feed and Instagram stories so that customers can buy them directly. To use this feature, you need to make sure that your Shopify store meets all the necessary requirements and that your account is successfully linked.
Can I create my product catalog on Instagram?
No, you can't create your product catalog on Instagram. Alternatively, you can use the Shopify integration. Once you have linked Shopify with Instagram, you can add products to your Instagram store.
How can I promote my products in Instagram stories?
To promote your products in Instagram Stories, you need to make sure that you have connected Instagram to your Shopify store. You can then add products directly to your Stories and hashtag them to increase visibility. This is a dynamic way to engage with your customers and increase sales for your e-commerce business.
Luke Schmidt
Senior SEO Consultant
As an external SEO and content marketing consultant, Lukas helps Golden Web Age clients strategically increase their visibility on Google.
On the Golden Web Age blog, he publishes insightful articles on online marketing, SEO, e-commerce, and Shopify as an independent expert.
