27 comments

3 Ways To Make Money Off Of Instagram

Instagram App Mobile
While Instagram has gained a reputation for turning just about anybody with a smart phone into a decent photographer, some entrepreneurs have been using the free social media platform for marketing and selling their product. In an article by Business News Daily, they interviewed fashion businesses that have utilized their Instagram accounts for e-commerce. See their three secrets to Instagram success here:

1. Make customers want to see your point of view, whether you're selling something or not. For example, MyHauteCloset, which has more than 38,000 Instagram followers, says nearly 100% of their clients are from Instagram. The founder, Milysan Troche, who was first a popular style blogger, credits the fact that she shared her personal style and made connections on Instagram to her success.

Troche noted, “As time progressed, I began receiving emails from these women who wanted to purge their closet of designer items they no longer wanted. They figured since I was such a clotheshorse I may be interested. I began consigning and selling items solely through Instagram. As my following grew to 35,000 I thought it time to build a dedicated online store where my followers could shop with ease and still see what's available via Instagram.”

2. Offer something exclusive to your followers. For instance, The Excess Baggage, a women's multi-designer online retailer offering current-season designer looks at discounted prices, said their Instagram has become a trend-setting destination. Owner Haylee Winard says by offering exclusive sales to her followers, she consistently sells out of merchandise after it has been posted on Instagram.

3. Create a relationship. Sai De Silva, owner of RequiredFlare, a funky accessory boutique which has over 14,000 Instagram followers, said, “Instagram has made marketing easier by allowing us to create a relationship with current and future customers. As a new small business entering this over-saturated fashion market, it's imperative to stand out. With Instagram, I can target my exact market, offer giveaways and special deals, and respond to every question asked through a more personal approach. Consumers tend to shop with retailers that offer a sense of trust and comfort, and because of Instagram, RequiredFlare is able to interact with our consumers in an unconventional way.”

The Excess Baggage also admitted that building a relationship through social media is essential to sales, “Every image we post is like a virtual billboard in Times Square. I've used all the social media tools out there to help support my business but none have had the direct impact on sales that Instagram has had. There is a level of transparency on Instagram that allows me to build relationships with my followers. They can relate to me and I think that's what makes them want to shop with me.”

As many bloggers also have virtual boutiques, are there any of you that use Instagram to promote and sell your product? If you do, how has it worked for you?

 

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About The Author

Ana is a Travel Blogger and Blogging Coach at The City Sidewalks. With her expertise in online marketing, she's able to help other bloggers, creatives, and entrepreneurs grow their businesses so that they can achieve financial freedom to travel the world on their own terms.

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27 Responses

  1. Asia Monique

    Instagram has actually been a great source for turning my day to day fun, into a branding source for my blog which is great!

    Reply
  3. Dorothy

    IFB, thanks for the wise advice! We will definitely take this into consideration.

    <3

    Reply
  4. Jade

    I’ve seen some great idea’s from businesses where they’ve posted a picutre with details of clothes/shop/sale etc as a competition and to enter it, all the people need to do is repost and tag it however the business has said. Such a great and simple idea which looks like it’s working really well!

    Reply
  5. Fenke

    Yes – i can only agree with that! We already have a grown list of customers, coming from instagram. We see people sharing photos of our designs, how they wear them etc, and it is the best advertisment we could have!

    Reply
  6. Punky

    We use instagram to show people what is going in to our mobile shop that week. and within an hour of opening all the stuff we posted is sold.

    Reply
  7. Denise

    “While Instagram has gained a reputation for turning just about anybody with a smart phone into a decent photographer” – no.

    Reply
  8. Robert W

    Now if only Nikon and Canon picked up on Instagram and add it as an in-built camera app 🙂

    Reply
  9. aPri'

    Realdivasarelarge (that’s our instagram name too) has had great success with connecting with clients. We are able to quickly show what we have in stock, ask questions immediately and give rush hour sales. I’m so thankful for what these media outlets have done for my boutique.

    Reply
  10. Tiffy

    This is great information to know, in case I start an e-shop. I’ve been really interested in high quality vintage finds and possibly selling them. So I will keep this article in mind for the future!

    xo
    Tiffy
    www.CuteLA.com

    Reply
  11. 22

    This article is so inspirational as I try to grow my boutique as well.

    Follow me at @22redrubies

    Reply
  15. Amanda

    Definitely! Follow me @prelovedstyles for second hand goodies!

    Reply
  16. Jaded

    This is a good article. I am also having success using Instagram for my new boutique. @bubbajanesboutique

    Reply
  18. Cristina

    Hello guys, do you know about insta profit gram? It’s scam? (@cristinajderiu) Find me in Instagram 🙂 Thanks a lot

    Reply
  19. Pretty Shades

    Instagram is a great way to turn photos into money! I love what i do @pretty_shades

    Reply
  20. anna

    Ever wonder how to use your instagram to generate money? Here is one of the best and proven way to do it. It’s just one click away. Why don’t you just check it out and see for yourself, got nothing to lose anyway

    Reply
  21. Andy Barth

    Here is one more tip: add #inselly tag to your pictures and your goods will go directly do your own personal store in global marketplace for Instagram ( www.inselly.com ) It is perfect example of social commerce integration

    Reply
  23. Gary Coleman

    I love all the info you provided and what an awesome site,but if you’d like to know how to make money on instagram then you should definitely check this site out.

    Reply