There is a distinct magic that surrounds a marketplace. Just the idea brings about images and feelings of a crowded town center lined with merchants and their carts of produce, handmade jewelry, and so much more. This Farmers Market-like representation of a marketplace is certainly not as common these days in most developed cities around the world, but that does not mean that this marketplace doesn’t exist in those cities… in fact, modern technology has given us the power to not only continue this timeless tradition of artisans and merchants selling their products in such a market, but has brought it right to your home.

In today’s modern marketing era, every person has the power to set up their cart, so to speak, in a global marketplace with unimaginable foot traffic, limitless customer attention, and the power to engage consumers in ways that have never before been available to these merchants.

Marketing your products on multiple channels makes it easy for customers from all around the world to complete desired conversions on whatever medium they are most comfortable with. Facebook and Instagram Shops are boundless in potential, put your product front and center, and inspire people to shop and make buying and selling online easier.

How do Facebook and Instagram Shops Work?

Shops simplify the process for businesses to set up a single online store for customers to access on both Facebook and Instagram. Most importantly, creating a Facebook and Instagram shop is free and very easy. Businesses can choose the products they want to feature from their catalog and then customize the look and feel of their shop with a cover image and accent colors that showcase their brand. This means any seller, no matter their size, location, or budget, can bring their business online and connect with customers wherever and whenever.

Where to Find Facebook and Instagram Shops

Users can find Shops on a business’ Facebook Page or Instagram profile, or discover them through stories or advertisements. From there, you can browse full collections, save any products you’re interested in, and even place orders. You can place orders either on the business’ website or without leaving the app if the business has enabled the ability to checkout in the US. 

Why Facebook and Instagram Shops are Important

Businesses should take advantage of new updates like these to maintain a variety of sales channels. While selling through your website or Amazon is a convenient way to showcase your product, selling through social media websites such as Facebook and Instagram takes your product directly to the people… or the crowded city centers… if we want to keep up the metaphor from earlier. Potential customers could be anywhere and you need to be where they are. Another important feature is the ability to create custom audiences based on traffic on these in-app storefronts. Some examples of these audiences include:

• People who viewed your products: This option is available globally. Checkout doesn’t need to be enabled.
• People who added your products to their cart: This is available in the US only and requires checkout to be enabled.
• People who purchased your products: This is available in the US only and requires checkout to be enabled. (You can also use this option to create a lookalike audience from people who have purchased your products.)

In a world where shopping has been simplified to a few clicks, the most important thing to consider is the idea of giving users a place to experience the perks of shopping versus the struggles of buying. As social media and digital marketing expands, it’s important for businesses to adapt and make it easier for customers to discover and shop for things they love. Bring the goods to the people, and join the global city center of merchants, showcasing their skills, artistry, and take your brand to the next level.