Connecting Shopify to Instagram – a step-by-step guide

In e-commerce, it is important to seize new opportunities to reach your target audience. Many shop owners already use Instagram to boost their brand awareness, but only a few have linked their Shopify shop to Instagram. Linking your Shopify shop to Instagram offers a number of benefits. Let’s take a closer look at these, and then I’ll show you how to link your Shopify shop to Instagram.

Connecting Shopify to Instagram: the benefits

• Increased visibility: With Instagram, you can reach up to 2 billion active users. This makes the social media platform ideal for reaching your target audience.
• Direct product showcasing: You can tag products directly in your Instagram posts and Stories, so your followers can view and buy the items without having to leave the platform.
• Seamless shopping experience: Your followers can conveniently buy your products on Instagram without having to switch to your Shopify store, which helps prevent abandoned baskets.
• Visual marketing: Instagram is a visual platform, and you can showcase your products in an appealing and creative way. This boosts engagement and brand awareness.
• Performance metrics: You’ll gain helpful insights into your target audience’s behaviour and can optimise your approach accordingly.

How to connect Shopify and Instagram

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

#1 Create a Facebook Business account

To link your Shopify shop to Instagram, you’ll 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.
• Set up a Facebook page for your business (if you haven’t already), as Instagram requires this.

#2 Link your Instagram profile to your Facebook Business account

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

• Open the Instagram app and go to Settings.
• Go to ‘Business’ > ‘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 with 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 shop to Facebook and Instagram.

#4 Set up Facebook Commerce Manager

Once the installation is complete, you’ll be redirected to set up Facebook Commerce Manager. This is where you manage your products for Instagram Shopping:

• Log in to Commerce Manager when prompted.
• Verify your Facebook page and select the Facebook Business account.
• Set up your product catalogue by syncing your Shopify products with Facebook.

#5 Synchronise your Shopify products

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

• In the Facebook & Instagram by Meta app in Shopify, select the ‘Products’ tab.
• Make sure your products are complete (images, descriptions, prices).
• Enable synchronisation and select which products you want to display in your Instagram shop.

#6 Apply for the Instagram Shopping feature

Once your products have been synchronised, you’ll need to apply for authorisation for Instagram Shopping:

• Open the Instagram app, go to Settings > ‘Business’ > ‘Shopping’.
• Instagram will check whether your account is eligible for the shopping feature. This may take a few days.
• Once your account has been approved, you can activate the shopping feature.

#7 Tagging products in Instagram posts and Stories

Once Instagram Shopping has been approved, you can link to 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’ll be redirected to the product page in your Shopify shop.

Conclusion: Set it up once, reap the benefits for years to come

As most Shopify shop owners already use Instagram as a marketing platform, it’s just a small step to linking the two platforms. Connecting them offers a number of benefits that can help you boost your sales. The seamless integration allows you to showcase your products right where your target audience is and to simplify the purchasing process. With the combination of visual appeal, ease of use and extensive reach, you’ll boost your brand awareness whilst efficiently increasing your sales figures. If you need help getting started, as a Shopify agency, we’re happy to assist you with the set-up and any other matters relating to e-commerce and online marketing.

Frequently asked questions about connecting Shopify and Instagram

How can I link my online shop to Instagram?

To link your online shop to Instagram, you’ll need a Facebook Commerce Manager containing your product catalogue. You can synchronise this catalogue directly with Shopify. You then link your Instagram Business account to the Commerce Manager. Once approved, you can tag products in posts, Reels and Stories and sell them directly.

How much does an Instagram shop cost?

An Instagram shop is generally free of charge. You don’t pay any fees for setting up or using the feature. The only costs arise from your shop platform (e.g. Shopify fees) and, if you wish, from Instagram Ads to promote your products.

How do I set up a shop on Instagram?

You can set up a shop on Instagram by linking your Instagram Business account to Facebook Commerce Manager. There, you can create a product catalogue or automatically synchronise your products via Shopify. Once your account has been approved, you can activate the shop on your Instagram profile and link products in your posts and Stories.

Can I sell on Instagram using Shopify?

Yes, you can sell on Instagram using Shopify. Shopify offers direct integration with Meta Commerce Manager. Your products are automatically synchronised, and you can tag them in Instagram posts. In the DACH region, purchases are currently completed in your Shopify shop, whilst users in the US can already use Instagram Checkout.

How do I add products from Shopify to my Instagram shop?

You can add Shopify products to your Instagram shop by linking the Shopify product catalogue to Meta Commerce Manager. All products managed in Shopify (including price, images and stock levels) are automatically transferred to your Instagram shop. Changes made in Shopify are synchronised immediately, ensuring your Instagram shop is always up to date.

What are the benefits of linking Shopify and Instagram?

Integrating Shopify with Instagram gives you the opportunity to showcase your products to a wider audience and boost sales. With Instagram Shopping, you can offer your customers a seamless shopping experience by allowing them to access your products directly via your posts and Stories. This helps to build customer loyalty and enables you to market your brands effectively.

How does Instagram Shopping work for Shopify shops?

Instagram Shopping for Shopify shops allows you to create a product catalogue on Instagram. You can tag your products in your feed and in Instagram Stories, so that customers can buy them directly. To use this feature, you must ensure that your Shopify shop meets all the necessary requirements and that your account is successfully linked.

Can I create my product catalogue on Instagram?

No, you can’t create your product catalogue on Instagram. Alternatively, you can use the Shopify integration. Once you’ve linked Shopify to Instagram, you can add products to your Instagram shop.

How can I promote my products on Instagram Stories?

To promote your products in Instagram Stories, you need to make sure you’ve linked Instagram to your Shopify shop. You can then feature products directly in your Stories and add hashtags to boost visibility. This is a dynamic way to engage with your customers and increase sales for your e-commerce business.