How Instagram is Affecting Ecommerce
Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps out there. But it is also becoming one of the most important tools for small business. With more than 600 million active users monthly, it can be an effective platform for online merchants to reach out to their customers. IG, as it is colloquially known , is already making an impact on e-commerce in many ways.
The popular photo and video sharing app has a high engagement rate. In fact, it is said that Instagram has an engagement rate that is 50 times better than that of Facebook. Fortune says that Instagram users are up to 2.5 times more likely to click on an ad than on any other social media platforms. Moreover, users on this platform are said to collectively ‘like’ up to 4 billion posts in a day.
Instagram Shop Now Button
According to studies, more than 84 percent of US smartphone owners research or compare products via a mobile app. And IG’s Shop Now Button is capitalizing on this fact.
With this feature, IG users can have a seamless online shopping experience without them switching apps or going back to a browser. They can learn more about the product by simply tapping the post. And they can buy the product by clicking the ‘Shop Now ‘ button which will direct them to the online merchant’s website.
This IG feature has proven to reap many benefits for online businesses. It can lead to more sales because IG users are now more likely to click through a website.
Instagram Stories
Another feature that has proven to be a boon to online businesses is IG’s Stories. With IG stories, businesses can add a level of authenticity and intimacy with their customers. Similar to Snapchat stories, this feature lets IG users post videos or photos that will disappear after 24 hours.
IG stories enable online merchants to create behind-the-scenes content. It is an effective way of adding authenticity to their brands. Some businesses also conduct promotions like contests and giveaways on IG stories to reward their loyal followers.