A HubSpot Channel video (presented by Remy) explaining five practical steps for selling products on Instagram: use scarcity, post consistently, create novel content (especially Reels), add a human element to the brand, and maintain responsive customer service. The video argues that despite platform changes, Instagram remains a valuable sales channel when approached strategically, and points viewers to HubSpot resources (templates and courses) for implementation.
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Instagram isn't what it used to be. True. Getting noticed on Instagram is a lot harder than it used to be. Also true, selling a product or service on Instagram just isn't going to work these days. Not true. Yes, the world of social media has changed big time over the last decade, but I would argue that it's actually a great time to take advantage of what these platforms, Instagram in particular, can do for you and your business. In fact, if you aren't using Instagram as a tool to promote your business, you might want to get on that. Hey everyone, it's Remy. Welcome back to the HubSpot Channel. In this video, I want to walk through the steps that you should take if you want to start selling on Instagram. If you're running an online business and you find this video helpful, then make sure you're hitting the subscribe button and click the notification bell to get notified when we upload. So I'm sure you've noticed, but Instagram has changed things up a bit lately. They went from being a photo sharing app to now rolling out new features that cater more to businesses. You can now market, sell your products and talk with your customers without ever having to leave the app. Now that sounds great and all, but first we have to talk about actually getting followers that turn into paying customers. I'm going to share five steps with you guys today that'll help you successfully start selling on Instagram. Step number one, Use Scarcity. So using scarcity is probably one of the smartest things that you can do to get people's attention and make sales online. This is one of those oldie but goldie marketing tactics that never fails. A great example of a company that does this is Trader Joe's. So every year for fall season, you see everyone and their mother running to Trader Joe's to get their hands on their pumpkin spiced everything. I know, I definitely did. People know that these pumpkin items are only going to be in stores during the fall season and if they don't get them now, they're going to have to wait until next year. Creating this sense of urgency by using Scarcity works like a charm no matter what you're selling. Because no one likes to feel fomo. Create promotions, sales or offers that have an expiration date so that people feel more enticed to buy what you're selling. Step number two, Post consistently. I'm sure you're tired of hearing the phrase consistency is key, but it really is. You have to come up with a strategy and plan your content so that you have weekly posts going out and you're staying on people's timelines and not being forgotten. We actually just posted a video all about creating a social media strategy, so make sure to check that out if you haven't seen it. And we even have a HubSpot Academy course that you can take for free that'll teach you even more about building out a strategy for Instagram. A really great tool that you can use to keep rolling out content is HubSpot's Instagram Templates for Business. This is a free resource that'll make creating content so much easier for you because you don't have to worry about creating templates for your posts. It includes 14 templates for feed posts and then 8 templates for story posts. All you have to do is plug in your copy and that's it. You have 22 posts ready to use for Instagram. I'll have the link to these templates below in the description box, so make sure to check it out. Instagram is a money making machine. They're constantly working with advertisers to keep people on their app. So the more that you post, the more that you're helping Instagram reach their business goals and the more that you do that, the more likely they are to push your page on their Explore page. You help Instagram by posting consistently. Instagram helps you. Step number three, create content that people haven't seen before on the app. Taking a photo of your product and posting it just doesn't cut it these days and it's not going to give you the results that you're looking for. People love to see new and exciting content, so get as creative as you possibly can get. Right now Instagram is really pushing reels because there can competing with TikTok. These short form videos are a great way to grow your following and to also sell your products. Let's say that you're selling clothes online rather than just posting photos of different items on a white backdrop. A cool idea would be something like this. I don't know. I hope I don't follow. A post like this is sure to make people stop and stare. It's super creative. You've got a cool transition, cool music, and the clothes look pretty cool too. Step number four, add a human element behind your brand. Do you guys remember Flo from Progressive or Jake from State Farm? These characters are not only memorable, but they were able to make something as boring as insurance more fun and interesting. Even if you don't want to have a character like Flo or Jake, you can work with influencers or show your own employees so that way people are seeing actual humans representing your brand instead of only seeing your company logo. This is also a great way to be less salesy online but instead be more relatable. Step number five Customer Service Still Matters on Instagram I don't know about you, but there have been so many times where I've messaged a company on Instagram only for them to ignore my message or leave me on read. Not cool. Responding to any comments, questions, concerns is huge in turning followers into paying customers, especially if they're asking product related questions. It's a great opportunity for you to show that you care and that you're on top of your business game. It'll also make your brand really stand out because like I said, a lot of these pages don't respond. Those are the five tips that I have for you guys today on how to start selling on Instagram. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below and make sure to give this video a thumbs up if you enjoyed it. Thank you guys so much for watching and we'll see you in our next video. Bye.
