In the modern competitive digital landscape, Instagram Shopping is a key tool for brands seeking to expand their reach and optimize sales through the platform. Instagram Shopping allows brands to showcase their products and services directly on their Instagram stories and Instagram feed.

However, getting approved is a process that demands more than active Instagram account, which has been a hurdle for many brands. This guide explores the step-by-step process on how to get approved for Instagram Shopping and the best practices for optimal outcomes.

Instagram Shopping Eligibility Requirements

Before commencing the Instagram Shopping application process, you must first understand Instagram Shopping eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

a). Comply with Instagram policies

Your Instagram must comply with Instagram's Terms of Use and Community Standards otherwise your account may be disabled.

b). Represent Your Business and Your Domain

Your Instagram Shopping account contains product listings that can be directly purchased from your website. This means that you must provide your brand's domain. To confirm your domain, Instagram might require you to complete the domain verification process.

c). Be Located in a Supported Country

Your brand's Instagram Shopping account must be located in one of the countries supported by Instagram commerce features. Currently, checkout on Instagram is only supported in the United States.

d). Demonstrate Trustworthiness

Your Instagram account should have demonstrated trustworthiness, including an authentic, established presence on Instagram. This might also include maintaining a good follower base.

e). Provide Accurate Information and Follow Best Practices

Failure to comply with the requirements above at any time might lead to the loss of Instagram Shopping features or your account being disabled.

These policies are meant to create a trustworthy and safe environment for Instagram users. Now, let's discuss the step-by-step process of how to get approved for Instagram Shopping.

How to Get Approved for Instagram Shopping

Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account

The first step towards getting approved for Instagram Shopping is opening an Instagram Business Account. If you currently have a private or personal account, you must switch to a business profile on your account settings.

The procedure on how to set up a business account on Instagram includes:

Login to your Instagram Account: You can access the Instagram account via mobile or computer device.
Tap Profile or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your Instagram profile
Tap Edit Profile
Tap Switch to Professional Account
Tap Next
Select a category for your business and click Switch to Professional Account
Select a Business and tap Next
Add contact details and tap Next. You can skip this step.
Set up your professional account by completing the optional steps or tap X on the top right corner of the account to return to your profile.
To display or hide your business information, go to Profile, tap Edit Profile

How to Link Instagram Shop to a Facebook Page

One of Instagram's requirements on how to go to Instagram Shop is to link to a Facebook Page. This acts as your brand's representation on Facebook. Undoubtedly, this connection allows for integrating your product catalog. It also allows you to manage your sales channels across Instagram and Facebook. The process includes:

Login to Your Facebook Account: Open your Facebook account through the mobile app or web browser. Next, log into the account you want to create the Business Page with.
Go to Page Creation: A key procedure on how to find Instagram Shop is to navigate to the creation page by clicking on the menu and then select Page under the segment Create. If you are using Facebook's mobile application, select Pages first and select Create or +Create key.
Provide Page Information: You will then be prompted to provide your page's name and select a category that best describes your page.
Enter Your Business Information: Provide your business name, brief description, and category. Providing this information reflects your business.
Upload Profile and Cover Photos: Upload your images for cover photos and your profile. Select images which represent your brand well like your logo for the profile picture and images of your products, shop, or a marketing banner for your cover.
Fill Out Additional Business Details: Navigate to your page's 'About' section to provide more details about your brand like website, phone number, and operation hours.
Publish Your First Post: Publish your first post welcoming visitors to your new page. This can be through a promotion, a simple introduction to the business, or the unveiling of a new product. This is a key step that you must keep in mind while understanding how to find Instagram Shop.
Go to Your Instagram Business Profile: Open your Instagram app and select to switch to your business profile
Access Edit Profile: On the business profile page, select "Edit Profile" above the grid showing the posts.
Find pages: This is found in the edit profile part. Find Page under the Public Business Information option.
Link to Facebook: Click "Page" where you are prompted to connect to an existing Facebook page. Click Done after selecting a page.
Check the Connection: Once you are done with linking to your Facebook account, go back to your Instagram account settings to verify that the Linked Accounts are correct. Linking your Facebook account is one of the prerequisites on how to get approved for Instagram Shopping.

After linking your Facebook account, a key step on how to go to Instagram Shopping, the next procedure is to integrate your product catalog with Instagram. This can be done through Facebook Business Manager where you can upload product images and details. The catalog should be up-to-date and comprehensive.

Setting Up a Product Catalog

To set up product catalog, follow the steps below:

Visit Facebook Business Manager: Visit your Facebook Business Manager account. If you have not created one, you can do it here.
Access Catalog Manager: Under the Business Manager section, scroll down Commerce or search for Catalog Manager in the search bar.
Create a Catalog: Click on Catalog if you have not created one. Next, choose Items to be added to the catalog.
Add Your Products: After creating your catalog, add products manually using bulk upload options like spreadsheets or by integrating with ecommerce platforms like Shopify.

How to Build a High-Quality Catalog for Instagram Shopping

Now that we have explored how to get approved for Instagram Shopping, how can you build a high-quality catalog on your Instagram? Follow our pro tips below:

Optimize Your Product Catalog: This can be done by using high-quality images, accurate availability and pricing, detailed product descriptions, and checkout information.
Enhance Your Instagram Shop: Now that you understand how to go to Instagram shop, the next key tip is to enhance it. This can be through creating a collection, perfecting the profile, linking to Facebook page, and engaging with followers.
Make Your Products Discoverable: Making products discoverable can be done by using product tags, creating engaging content, and leveraging Instagram stores. Other methods include curating UGC (user-generated content) and working with influencers.

Having discovered how to get approved for Instagram Shopping, we should also explore the most common reasons for rejection. Let's explore this together!

Common Reasons for Instagram Shopping Application Rejection

Some brands find their Instagram Shopping application rejected despite following the steps above. The main reason for rejection is not meeting the eligibility requirements. For instance, Instagram requires brands to have a strong Instagram presence as a key requirement on how to get approved for Instagram shopping.

For ease of approval, ensure your Instagram's activity is engaging and consistent. Also ensure your product catalog is accurate and complete.

Best Practices for Making More Sales with Instagram Shopping

With the knowledge on how to get approved for Instagram shopping and how to go to Instagram shop, what are the best practices for making more sales? Let's explore them below:

Optimizing Your Instagram Shop: After your brand gets approved for Instagram Shopping, strive to maintain an established presence on Instagram. Use high-quality and visually appealing photos and videos. Each product visual must be accurate and well-detailed. For easier navigation, organize the products into collections. For instance, you can have collections of items on sale, best sellers, and new arrivals.
Engaging Content Strategies: To maintain an established presence on Instagram, ensure your content is engaging to capture the attention of your audience. Use a mix of reels, stories, posts, and other features to showcase your products. Further, use the tagging feature to add products to your Instagram Shop. This makes it easy to tap and shop for products on Instagram.
Leveraging Instagram Insights: Instagram insights feature provides you with lots of data about your audience. Using insights allows you to understand which posts are attracting more engagement and sales.
Promotions and Collaborations: Running promotions like special offers and discounts is also a great way to increase sales on your Instagram Shop. Provide promotions to your sellers and announce them through your stories and posts. Collaborating with influencers also helps boost your brand's credibility and visibility.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we have explored how to get approved for Instagram Shopping. Understanding how to find Instagram Shop helps expand your online presence and sales. Getting approved for Instagram Shopping is just the beginning. Using our guide helps you create engaging content and become a key seller in your niche on Instagram Shop. However, always remember that success on Instagram Shop requires you to keep an established presence on Instagram. Strive to adapt your strategy to meet your clients' needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the requirements to get approved for Instagram Shopping?

To get approved for Instagram Shopping, your brand must have an established presence on Instagram, be linked to a Facebook Page, and have a product catalog. You must also adhere to Instagram's Commerce Policies and Community Guidelines.

Do I need a Facebook account to go to Instagram Shopping?

Yes, you must have a Facebook page to set up Instagram Shopping. Facebook Page acts as your brand's identity on Facebook. This allows you to link your product catalog and sales across both platforms seamlessly.

How long does it take to get approved for Instagram shopping?

Getting approved for Instagram Shopping can take a few days to weeks. After applying, your account is reviewed to ensure compliance with Instagram's Commerce Policies and Community Guidelines.

How do I convert my Instagram account to an Instagram Shop?

Enabling Instagram Shopping requires you to switch your Instagram account to a Business Profile. Navigate to Account Settings and then follow the prompts to select Business as the account type. Next, connect to the Facebook page and then complete setting up your business profile.