Are you a seller or business owner? If you’re not using Facebook Shop yet, here’s why you should start! You and I were likely among the early adopters of Facebook. From reconnecting with old friends and family to sharing photos, Facebook has been a cornerstone of our online social lives. It has also become a crucial platform for brands and businesses to boost their online presence. Let’s see How to Utilize Facebook Shop for Your eCommerce Business.
Many people have used Facebook to buy and sell items, both big and small. It was the users who first envisioned social commerce, and now Facebook is helping to make that vision a reality.
Facebook has taken significant steps to support small businesses, making it easier for people to discover and shop for the things they love. In the wake of the pandemic, many small businesses have had no choice but to go online to survive and thrive.
Facebook Shop was launched to empower everyone, from small business owners to global brands, to connect with customers. It offers numerous features that simplify the buying and selling process for both consumers and sellers.
Having your own online store is one thing, but selling on established platforms like third-party eCommerce sites and Facebook Shop is another. These platforms help you expand your reach and find more customers, offering a variety of features that attract a wider audience.
Here’s a quick guide on how to create a Facebook Shop page and start your journey to selling on Facebook! Let’s begin with the basics.
What is a Facebook Shop?
Facebook Shops simplify the process for businesses to create a unified online store accessible on both Facebook and Instagram. Setting up a Facebook Shop is free and straightforward. Businesses can select products from their catalog to feature and personalize their shop’s appearance with a cover image and accent colors that reflect their brand.
This allows any seller, regardless of size or budget, to bring their business online and connect with customers at their convenience.
Where to find the Facebook Shop?
People can find Facebook Shops on a business’s Facebook Page or Instagram profile, or discover them through stories or ads. From there, they can browse the entire collection, save products of interest, and place an order.
Benefits of Facebook Shop
In today’s competitive market, brands can’t rely on a single selling platform. To stay ahead, you need to expand your reach through various channels like Facebook Shop or third-party eCommerce stores.
Facebook Shop is an excellent option because many people already spend a significant amount of time on the platform. All you need to do is direct them to your store, making Facebook Shop incredibly useful.
Recent reports show that Facebook users spend an average of over 40 minutes per day on the platform, with a substantial portion of that time dedicated to shopping. That’s a considerable amount of time spent daily!
Many of us also spend a lot of time clicking on links and liking posts on Facebook, even during the weekdays. So, now is the perfect time to leverage Facebook as a selling platform!
While Facebook might not offer as many eCommerce features as platforms like Grocito, it provides all the essential tools you need to start selling your products.
Facebook Shop Requirements
One of the great things about Facebook Shop is that you don’t need an existing online store; you can run your entire operation through Facebook if you choose. But the benefits don’t stop there.
With a Facebook Shop page, you can:
- Add an unlimited number of products
- Organize your products into collections or categories
- Communicate directly with your customers through the page
- Access stats including sales, visits, and more
- Showcase your products on Facebook Marketplace, reaching a much larger audience
The best part is that anyone can create a Facebook Shop page and start selling to their followers immediately.
Here’s what you need before you begin:
- A Facebook account
- A Facebook business page
These steps are straightforward, and you likely already have a business page on Facebook, so we’ll skip this part and get straight to the essentials.
In addition to the above requirements, your Facebook Shop page must:
- Sell physical items (digital or downloadable products are not allowed)
- Agree to Facebook’s Merchant Terms
- Link to a valid bank account and have a tax identification number (for US-based stores only)
Once you’ve completed these steps, you can proceed to set up your own Facebook Shop page.
6 Steps to Set up your Facebook Shop
- Create an account on Facebook Commerce Manager
- Add business information
- Add product and shipping information
- Create collections/ categories/ catalog
- Customize
- Publish & Promote
Conclusion
That’s pretty much it! If you’re already familiar with how Facebook works, setting up a store is just a matter of a few clicks. With your products categorized and a clear vision for your store’s appearance, the setup process takes just a few minutes.
Now that we’ve broken down the process of setting up an online Facebook Shop, go ahead and start selling. Share your experience by commenting below!
FAQs
What is a Facebook Shop and how does it work?
Facebook Shop is a feature that allows businesses to create a unified online store accessible on both Facebook and Instagram. Businesses can select products from their catalog to feature and personalize their shop’s appearance with a cover image and accent colors that reflect their brand.
Can I do eCommerce on Facebook?
Absolutely! You can set up a Facebook Shop page and quickly turn your Facebook friends into customers. The page allows you to organize, categorize, and customize your products online. Additionally, with a business account, you’ll have access to essential sales data.
Is it worth having a Facebook shop?
Having a Facebook store is an excellent way to expand your business, reaching new audiences and attracting more customers. It simplifies content sharing, making it an effective tool for marketing your store and products, increasing sales, and boosting your bottom line. The best part is that you can operate an online store solely on Facebook without needing a separate website.
Does it cost to use the Facebook shop?
Creating a Facebook Shop page is completely free. The only expenses you might incur are for promoting specific products or events.
