Department stores were all the rage back when brands like H&M and Zara blew up. However, a recent rise in online shopping means that these very department stores are now emptier than ever. Along with this, in the post-COVID world, people have become more sustainability conscious which has led to the rise of small businesses selling their products through social media. Find out below where all you can buy and sell your product.
The most obvious choice here is to create a public account on Instagram and start selling your product. But what is the catch? You can refer to the small checklist here and see if you have ticked off all the boxes for your own Instagram store.
- Optimize your Profile: Make sure you have added what kind of fashion are you about to sell, where you are based out of, and other important profile details such as name, bio and website link.
- View and Get Familiar with Branding Tools: Instagram offers a bunch of branding tools for you to promote your business. Start getting familiar with them as soon as you make an account.
- See what your Competitors are Doing: The aim is not to copy but to rather see what is trending, so that you can capitalize on it faster.
- Create Video Content: Everyone likes a well-made piece of advertisement that does not feel like an advertisement. Instagram reels allows you to do exactly that.
- Use Instagram Ad Network: Instagram paid ads really are useful if you have already located your demographic.
TikTok
TikTok has obviously taken a shift from being an only-for-entertainment platform to being a business-forward platform. What can you do to capitalize on this?
- Find New Ways to Create Content: A trend is a great idea to follow, but the trickle down effect is real. These trends then go to Instagram and reach a larger audience, so instead of following it, make a trend happen!
- Collaborate with Influencers: If you are a budding business then you can reach to low-mid range influencers who can market the product that you send them.
- Conduct Exciting Give-Aways: Everyone loves free products, but everyone loves free products even more if they are on a limited release. Use that as an advantage to get more follows, comments and likes.
- TikTok Shop: Use TikTok shop to your fullest advantage by inviting customers to buy directly from your personalized shop on the app.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook might be out of the public eye, but many users have recognized the importance of the vast network of the app’s marketplace.
- Categorize your Product: There is a different category entirely for selling clothes called apparel, but, if for example you are selling swimwear, then that will come under other categories too.
- ‘Sold’ Items: The items that sell on this platform are unique in nature. You can see how these items are optimized and then give a similar look to your product.
- Product Database: The easiest way to make a profit is by selling a product that ranks super high on the product database. You can view this product easily, create it and then watch as it takes off on Facebook.
Mercari
Apps like Mercari can be used easily to set up and sell on the go. It is easier to use than Instagram and Facebook, and you can use social media apps to promote your business on Mercari.
- Make an account
- Click pictures of your products
- List them
- Optimize your listing: Add good font, spacing, relevant information etc
- Promote it on social media (Paid or Unpaid campaigns)
As the inhibitions around social media become loose, you can now use this platform in many ways. Use this wave to launch your own business and develop your brand limitlessly!
