Step by step
- Switch to a professional accountIn settings, switch to a free business or creator account and choose a category.
- Write a clear bioIn three short lines, say what you sell, where you deliver and how to order.
- Add your shop linkPut a link in bio where buyers can see all products and prices and order easily.
- Post reels regularlyPost two or three short reels a week showing the product in the first two seconds, with price on screen.
- Create highlightsMake highlights for products, how to order, reviews and delivery so new visitors understand you quickly.
- Reply to DMs and commentsAnswer quickly with price and a key detail, using saved replies for common questions.
- Close the order on WhatsAppShare your WhatsApp number or shop link and confirm items, total, address and payment in one message.
Set up a professional profile
Switch to a free professional account (business or creator) in settings. This gives you a contact button, basic insights and a category label under your name.
Pick a username that is easy to spell and close to your shop name. In the bio, write what you sell, where you deliver and how to order, in three short lines.
- Profile photo: your logo or one clear product photo.
- Bio example: Homemade pickles and podis. Delivery in Pune, courier across India. Order on WhatsApp below.
- Add your WhatsApp number as a contact option.
Use your link in bio well
Instagram allows a link in your bio. Do not waste it on something random. Put a link where buyers can see all your products, prices and an easy way to order.
A free shop link from ShopShare works well here: buyers tap the link, browse your products and tap Order on WhatsApp, so the chat opens with the product named. Mention 'link in bio' in your captions so people know where to go.
Post reels that show the product
Reels usually reach more new people than plain photos. You do not need to dance or speak on camera. Simple reels work: packing an order, cooking a batch, showing a saree drape, or before and after shots.
Keep reels short, show the product in the first two seconds, and add text on screen with the price or a key detail. Use music that is available in the app.
Post regularly, even if it is two or three times a week. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Organise highlights
Stories disappear after 24 hours, but highlights stay on your profile. Use them like the shelves of your shop so new visitors understand you quickly.
- Menu or Products: your main items with prices.
- How to order: steps, payment methods and delivery areas.
- Reviews: screenshots of customer feedback, shared with permission and with personal details hidden.
- Delivery: photos of packed orders and areas you serve.
Captions and hashtags
Write captions like you are talking to one customer. Mention what it is, why it is special, price or starting price, and how to order.
Use a few relevant hashtags such as your city and product, for example a city name with homebaker or sarees. Avoid copying long lists of unrelated hashtags.
Build trust with real content
New buyers on Instagram do not know you, so they look for signs that you are genuine. Show your face or hands at work if you are comfortable, post real customer feedback with permission, and share photos of packed orders going out.
Reply to comments in a friendly way, even simple ones like 'nice'. Pin your best post or a how-to-order post at the top of your profile. Keep your prices and delivery details up to date so buyers are not confused when they message you.
Check your insights once a week. See which posts and reels got the most saves, shares and messages, and make more of that kind of content.
Move DMs to WhatsApp to close the order
Many buyers ask 'price?' in DMs. Reply politely with the price and a short detail, then share your WhatsApp number or shop link so the order details, address and payment are in one place.
Reply to DMs and comments quickly. Set up saved replies in Instagram for common questions. When the order is confirmed on WhatsApp, repeat the details and total so there is no confusion later.