Businesses will now be able to set up a store to sell products, with no fee, on Facebook and Instagram. Businesses will be able to choose the products they want to feature from their catalogue, and then customise the store with a cover image, and accent further with colours that showcase their brand. This is a great move, and allows all businesses, regardless of their size or marketing budgets to seamlessly sell online.

The feature was in the pipeline for 2020, however the COVID-19 pandemic has seen Facebook accelerate the launch.

Potential customers can find Facebook Shops on a business’ Facebook Page or Instagram profile, or discover them through brands paid advertising.  From there users will be able to browse products, and save items they like. If they decide they wish to make a purchase they will be directed to the brands website. Longer term Facebook is working on a checkout feature built directly into the app, something that they are currently testing in the US.

Facebook has also incorporated its suite of messenger apps into the experience, meaning that if a customer has a question they will be able to message a business through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram DM. In the future Facebook envisage offering customers the ability of making purchases within the messenger apps themselves, something I will post about when I know more.

In the meantime if you need any advice, help setting up a store, or any help with paid promotion do get in touch.