Instagram has nearly a billion users. Like most other modern social channels, Instagram is packed full of features and is constantly changing to keep up with the evolution of the social space. There are tons of great Instagram features for eCommerce businesses that can help you grow online.

Whether you want to strengthen your community, build brand awareness, or even make e-commerce sales, there’s an Instagram feature to help you achieve your goals.

Discover our 8 Instagram features for small businesses in this blog post.

Why Use Instagram for Business?

Instagram is a powerful tool for any brand or business, especially following the platform’s recent moves into e-commerce.

Not only can brands build thriving communities on Instagram, but they can also now showcase their inventory in “Shops,” and process transactions directly within the app.

Essentially, Instagram is becoming the new, online home of shoppable inspiration.

And having a strong online presence can be a serious advantage for brands. As recent times have shown, businesses can’t always rely on in-person sales or events to operate, which makes Instagram a hugely valuable safety net to have.

#1: Instagram Shopping

If your business relies on selling products, Instagram’s Shopping features could be perfect for you.

Instagram is continually unveiling innovative e-commerce features as they look to find new ways to support businesses on the app.

Now, businesses can now tag shoppable products in feed posts and Instagram Stories, as well as having an “Instagram Shop” discovery tab on their profile to showcase in-stock products.

Instagram Shoppable Posts make it easier for people to shop featured items by viewing “tagged” products in posts, while Instagram Stories Product stickers are tappable stickers that can be used to make your stories content shoppable.

And now thanks to Instagram Checkout, customers can discover a product and complete the payment process without ever leaving the Instagram app.

Instagram’s shopping features essentially make the journey from discovering inspiration on the app to purchasing much more streamlined, which is great for any business looking to increase sales.

Instagram is also rolling out the functionality for influencers to drive sales through checkout on behalf of brands.

With Instagram’s Shopping for Creators feature, influencers and content creators can now add product tags from their brand partners to their Instagram posts and stories — creating a complete e-commerce marketplace.

NOTE: Instagram Checkout and Shopping for Creators is currently only available to eligible brands and influencers in the US. However, we’re expecting these features to be rolled out more widely in the near future.

#2: Instagram Live 

Instagram Live is a great tool for businesses looking to build meaningful connections with their online community.

In recent months, Instagram Live usage has skyrocketed — with brands pivoting to lifestyle-orientated live broadcasts in lieu of in-person events.

By bringing people together in this way, businesses are strengthening their community and showing a much more human and authentic side to their brand.

Instagram Live trend is one that’s likely to stick around, with Instagram releasing several new features that are perfect for businesses on the platform:

Instagram Live Shopping 

Soon, businesses will be able to share direct links to shoppable products during their Instagram Live broadcasts.

Product links will be shown at the bottom of the video stream, so people can easily tap to learn more or “Add to Cart.”

NOTE: This feature is currently only available to accounts with access to Instagram Checkout.

#3: IGTV

IGTV is an incredible channel for showcasing products, interviews, and tutorials — the kind of content that really resonates with audiences and can help build long-term relationships.

And although IGTV is still new territory for many, the brands who have embraced this channel have seen huge success.

Its quick videos are fantastic for showing products in action, while also showing the faces behind the brand.

Plus, IGTV video descriptions can contain clickable links — making it really easy for viewers to discover and shop the products featured in your videos!

#4: Poll, Slider, Quiz, and Countdown Stickers

Instagram Stories are a great way to encourage engagement and collect customer feedback for your business — especially if you tap into the many Instagram Stories stickers on offer.

From quick polls to fun quizzes, stickers provide an easy way for your followers to interact with your brand, and they can be a great way to understand what your audience wants.

Here are just a few of the Instagram Stories stickers that are great for business:

• Poll Stickers

Poll stickers are one of the quickest and easiest stickers for your followers to get involved in, making them a great option for an instant engagement boost.

Polls are a fantastic way to drive more audience interactions, and often the most simple ones work best.

For example, brands regularly share polls to ask which color product they like best. These may seem like basic points of conversation, but this is an extremely effective way to create a more personal connection.

• Slider Stickers

Emoji slider stickers are another easy engagement opportunity for stories and can be surprisingly versatile thanks to the huge amount of emojis on offer.

Not only are they great for getting a quick sentiment reaction, but they can also be used more creatively too.

This creative solution is great for making viewers feel personally involved, which is an effective way to build a loyal and engaged community.

• Quiz Stickers

If you’re looking for a quick and fun way to encourage more clicks from your audience, Quiz stickers are where it’s at.

They can also be a fun and light-hearted way to communicate your brand story, or details about a new product launch. For example, you could share a quiz about your company mission, or the year your business was founded.

• Countdown Stickers

The Countdown sticker does exactly what it says on the tin, which makes it an awesome tool for building hype around an upcoming product launch or event.

TIP: Encourage your followers to tap and set a reminder for when your countdown ends to make this sticker even more valuable for your brand!

#5: Pinned Comments

Pinned comments are one of Instagram’s newest features, and it’s an awesome way to set the tone for your brand and community on the platform.

For example, you can choose to pin positive comments that endorse your products, or ones that champion your brand values.

Plus, by curating your comments in this way (Instagram currently allows up to 3 pinned comments on any post) you can divert attention away from trolls or spam bot comments — which can harm your brand perception.

#6: Instagram Stories Highlights 

Instagram Stories are a valuable tool for business — and Instagram Stories Highlights are the best way to extend their 24-hour shelf life.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to prioritize the Instagram Stories Highlights that drive the most conversions for your brand.

Your highlights are also a great opportunity to strengthen your visual branding on Instagram, as you can create Instagram Stories Highlights covers that support your aesthetic.

To summarize, Instagram is full of tools and features to help your business grow.

And as the platform continues to evolve, we expect to see more and more features to help businesses thrive online.

There’s never been a better time to get started!