Instagram Orders
Set up Instagram checkout to receive orders directly through Instagram Direct Messages
What is Instagram Checkout?
Instagram checkout allows customers to send their order details directly to your Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) with one click. It's the second most popular checkout method on ShopKatalog, especially effective for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.
✅ Why Use Instagram Checkout?
- Most customers are already on Instagram
- Visual platform perfect for showcasing products
- Build personal connection with customers
- Share behind-the-scenes content
- Leverage Instagram Stories for promotions
- Use Reels to drive traffic to your shop
- Reach younger demographic (18-34 age group)
- Easy to share product updates and launches
How It Works
- Customer browses your shop
They view products and add items to their cart - Customer clicks "Checkout via Instagram"
They're redirected to Instagram to send you a DM - Instagram DM opens automatically
Customer is prompted to send a message to your Instagram account - Customer sends order message
They type or paste their order details and send the DM - You receive the order
Order appears in your Instagram DMs, and you can respond immediately - Complete the sale
Discuss payment, delivery, and confirm the order through Instagram chat
Setting Up Instagram Checkout
Step 1: Prepare Your Instagram Account
Before connecting Instagram checkout:
- Convert to an Instagram Business or Creator account (free)
- Make sure your account is public
- Enable message requests from everyone
- Set up quick replies for common questions
- Turn on notifications for DMs
📱 How to Switch to Business Account
- Go to your Instagram profile
- Tap the menu icon (three lines)
- Tap Settings → Account
- Tap "Switch to Professional Account"
- Choose "Business" and follow the steps
Step 2: Add Your Instagram Handle
- Log into your ShopKatalog dashboard
- Go to Shop Settings
- Find the "Social Media" section
- Enter your Instagram username (without @)
- Example: If your Instagram is @shopname, enter "shopname"
- Save changes
Step 3: Verify the Integration
- Visit your shop as a customer
- Add a product to cart
- Click "Checkout via Instagram"
- Verify it opens Instagram and directs to your account
- Send a test message to yourself
Optimizing Your Instagram for Sales
Profile Setup
- Profile Picture: Use your shop logo for brand recognition
- Bio: Include what you sell and a call-to-action
- Link in Bio: Add your ShopKatalog shop URL
- Contact Button: Enable email and phone buttons
- Category: Select appropriate business category
Good Bio Example:
👗 Fashion & Accessories
✨ Affordable luxury for everyday
📦 Nationwide delivery
🛍️ Shop now 👇
[Your ShopKatalog Link]
Content Strategy
📸 Feed Posts
- • High-quality product photos
- • Lifestyle shots showing products in use
- • Customer testimonials and reviews
- • New arrivals and restocks
- • Behind-the-scenes content
📱 Instagram Stories
- • Daily product showcases
- • Flash sales and limited offers
- • Polls asking what customers want
- • "Swipe Up" links to shop (10k+ followers)
- • Story highlights for product categories
🎬 Reels
- • Product unboxing videos
- • Styling tips and tutorials
- • Before/after transformations
- • Trending audio with products
- • Customer reactions
🔴 Live Shopping
- • Product demonstrations
- • Q&A sessions
- • Exclusive live-only deals
- • New product launches
- • Direct engagement with customers
Best Practices for Instagram Orders
Response Time
- Respond within 1 hour during business hours
- Instagram shows average response time on your profile
- Fast responses increase customer trust
- Use Instagram's "Away" message for after-hours
- Enable push notifications so you never miss a message
Message Management
Quick Replies Setup:
Save common responses for faster communication:
- Shortcut: /price → "Thank you for your order! The total is [amount]..."
- Shortcut: /delivery → "We deliver nationwide. Lagos 1-2 days, other states 3-5 days..."
- Shortcut: /payment → "Payment options: Bank Transfer, Card Payment..."
- Shortcut: /confirm → "Order confirmed! We'll send tracking details soon..."
Organize with Labels:
- • Star important conversations
- • Use different colors for order stages (inquiring, confirmed, shipped)
- • Archive completed orders to keep inbox clean
Professional Communication
✅ Do:
- • Use emojis moderately to stay friendly
- • Send product images and videos
- • Provide clear pricing and delivery info
- • Thank customers for their orders
- • Send shipping updates proactively
❌ Don't:
- • Leave messages unread for hours
- • Use excessive emojis or caps lock
- • Send too many promotional messages
- • Be pushy or aggressive
- • Ignore customer questions
Driving Traffic from Instagram to Your Shop
Link Strategies
- Bio Link: Always keep your shop URL in your bio
- Story Links: Use "Link" sticker in stories (all accounts can now add links)
- Post Captions: Direct people to "link in bio" for each product
- Comments: Reply to product questions with shop links
- DM Auto-Reply: Send shop link when customers message
Content Ideas That Drive Sales
🎯 Product Teasers
Show sneak peeks of new arrivals. "New drop this Friday! Link in bio to shop."
💰 Flash Sales
"24-hour sale! 20% off everything. Shop now before it ends!"
👔 Styling Tips
Show how to wear/use products. "3 ways to style this dress. Shop the look!"
⭐ Customer Reviews
Share customer photos and testimonials. "See why customers love us!"
Instagram Shopping Features
Take advantage of Instagram's built-in shopping features:
Product Tags (Requires Approval)
Tag products in posts and stories for direct shopping:
- Must have Instagram Business/Creator account
- Connect to Facebook Page
- Set up Instagram Shop (catalog required)
- Apply for Shopping approval
Collections
Group products into collections (New Arrivals, Best Sellers, Sale Items) for easier browsing.
Shop Tab on Profile
Once approved for Shopping, your profile gets a dedicated Shop tab where customers can browse products.
Common Issues & Solutions
Instagram button not opening the app
Causes:
- Instagram username not added to shop settings
- Username entered with @ symbol (remove it)
- Private Instagram account
Solution: Check shop settings, ensure username is correct (no @), and make sure your Instagram account is public or Business/Creator account.
Not receiving order messages
Check:
- Message requests folder (swipe left in DMs)
- Notifications are enabled
- Account allows messages from everyone
- Not accidentally blocked the customer
Customers complaining about slow responses
Solutions:
- Set up quick replies for common questions
- Enable push notifications
- Use "Away" message during off-hours with expected response time
- Consider using Instagram's Creator Studio for desktop management
Tips for Success
📱 Post Consistently
Share content 3-5 times per week. Use Stories daily to stay top-of-mind
🎨 Maintain Visual Style
Keep a consistent aesthetic and color scheme for brand recognition
🤝 Engage Your Audience
Reply to comments, like customer posts, and build a community
📊 Use Analytics
Check Instagram Insights to see what content drives the most engagement
Next Steps
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