Maximizing Instagram for Ecommerce Success in the Philippines

As social media-driven ecommerce gains traction, Instagram stands out as a preferred platform for businesses, especially in the post-pandemic era. Local enterprises, in particular, find solace in establishing their online presence on Instagram, offering a cost-effective, straightforward, and far-reaching alternative to traditional street shops. If you’re considering delving into the Instagram ecommerce scene in the Philippines, here are some social media marketing tips to help you get started on your ecommerce journey. Diverse Ecommerce Styles on Instagram Before we jump into the tips, let’s grasp the diverse ecommerce styles flourishing on Instagram: Retail : Direct sales from a company to a client without intermediaries. Wholesale : Selling in bulk to merchants who then sell directly to consumers. Dropshipping : Selling third-party products delivered directly to the customer. Crowdfunding : Collecting funds from consumers before product release. Subscription : Recurrent purchases until the subscriber cancels. Physical Goods : Tangible items requiring inventory management and shipment. Digital Products : Downloadable goods like templates, courses, or media. Services : Offering skills or talents for a fee. Crafting Your Instagram Ecommerce Strategy for the Philippines Step 1: Set SMART Goals When embarking on online business in the Philippines, start with clear, SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Having documented objectives keeps you focused and guides your efforts effectively. Step 2: Instagram Shop Setup Confirm Brand Eligibility : Ensure your business meets platform regulations. Convert to Business Account : Switch to a creator account to unlock ecommerce features. Connect to Facebook Page : Link your account to a Facebook Page for added capabilities. Upload Brand’s Catalog : Make your products memorable to your audience. Account Review : Submit your account for Instagram review. Activate Shopping : Start selling online. Step 3: Embed Instagram Photos on Your Website Use third-party tools to seamlessly embed Instagram photos into your website. It’s a free and effective way to direct users to your product pages and enhance your website’s visual appeal. Step 4: Create Product Detail Pages Leverage product detail pages to showcase a gallery of product images and provide essential details. When customers tag your products in their posts, the content will automatically display on your product detail page, offering visual information and social proof. Step 5: User-Generated Content Campaigns Tap into Instagram’s social media marketing and content marketing potential by sharing interesting and educational information with your audience. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC) by asking customers to share pictures of themselves using your products. It’s an authentic way to promote your products and attract more visitors to your online shop. Step 6: Branded and Niche-Related Hashtags Harness the power of hashtags for discovery. Use up to 30 hashtags in a feed post and up to 10 in a story. Research top hashtags in your niche and create branded hashtags for your posts and articles. Step 7: Optimize Posting Times with Scheduling Tools Maximize post visibility by using social media scheduling tools like Sprout Social, CoSchedule, Airtable, or Crowdfire. These tools suggest the best times to post based on your location and industry. Step 8: Boost Followers with Discounts Offering discounts on Instagram can boost sales and increase your follower count. Encourage engagement by providing discounts to users who leave comments. Building an organic audience takes time, but it pays off in the long run. Step 9: Collaborate with Influencers Influencer marketing is a powerful way to enhance brand recognition. Choose influencers carefully, avoiding fraudulent accounts. Form long-term relationships with influencers to build a large and genuine following. Step 10: Utilize Instagram Features Once you hit 10,000 followers, unlock features like the ‘Swipe-Up’ function in Instagram stories. Direct users to your online store, increasing traffic to your sales pages effectively. Step 11: Add Product Tags to Images Enhance product visibility by adding product tags to your photos and videos in feed postings. Showcase your items and encourage users to visit your online store. Step 12: Enable Online Ordering Sell directly on Instagram with the ‘Instagram Checkout’ feature. However, this feature is currently only available to creators and companies in the United States. For Filipino sellers on Instagram, process orders via Facebook’s interface with platforms like Shopify, Wix, and BigCommerce. Final PopStar Tip Social media marketing for ecommerce can be tricky, especially in specific social media platforms. However, Instagram, despite having fewer followers compared to platforms like Facebook or YouTube, offers unparalleled engagement opportunities and marketing features. Cross-promote your Instagram content on other platforms for a wider reach in the Philippines, but be mindful not to come off as overly promotional—maintain a balance to keep your followers engaged without denting your online reputation. Happy selling on Instagram!  Send us a message or contact our Team at contact@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar can help your social media marketing here in the Philippines.