Written by
Julia CohenPosted 3 years ago
Selling as a Creator on Instagram just got easier…again. As we have highlighted before, Instagram have been making more and more changes in order to become more of a social selling platform, and the announcement that they have started testing a new affiliate tool enforces this even more. As the platform moves towards a more rounded marketplace AND social media platform, we take a look into what their affiliate tool is, and how is can help Creators.
What is Instagram’s New Affiliate Tool?
Instagram’s Adam Mosseri shared his excitement about the new launch and gave a little background info on how we can expect it to work. The tool is native to the platform, which means it will operate entirely in-app. Creators are able to find products, tag and share them with their followers on their posts, and earn a commission % based on purchases they drive from their platform.
Why will this help?
Having a native affiliate tool, connected to direct purchases, increases the ability for Creators to prove their ROI and track the amount of sales they create when tagging products. Generally, the lines have been quite blurred in proving sales, as they are notoriously difficult to track across organic social. Currently, both Creators and brands can only view or capture organic insights from consumers who click on a tracked link (be it a link in bio, swipe up or Instagram shop link) – but as we know, not everyone purchases products in this way. We might see a product or item we love on an influencer’s post, tap the photo to see the brand, and then open a webpage to search the brand or product. This means that this traffic, or shopping journey is tracked under an ‘organic search’ on Google, rather than through socials, even though the customer found the product and made their purchase intent when on the influencer’s post.
Instagram’s affiliate program should allow Creators to understand what sort of content drives sales, and whether they are driving sales at all, by understanding who is clicking on the products they tag. They are also able to ease the consumer journey process, by giving consumers the option to shop exactly when they tap on the photo to see what is tagged in the post.
Smaller accounts will LOVE this
Another big pro about Instagram potentially rolling out an affiliate tool, is the opportunities for smaller Creators. Currently, the market is relatively saturated, and individuals have to network or pitch to other brands to create a collaboration or a deal. The process is lengthy and usually brands will only select a few influencers to work with. Being able ‘work’ with brands just by tagging products means that Creators are able to earn a commission, or an income just by doing business as usual. For a lot of smaller Creators or Micro Influencers who struggle to bring in income from their posts, this could be a real gamechanger.
Insights on the horizon?
We touched on it earlier, but with the roll out of a new tool, comes a roll out of more insights. This of course is extremely valuable for ANY Creator, as they can understand exactly how their followers like to shop, and which products work most successfully in terms of sales, on their feed.
In conclusion, (if you couldn’t already tell), we’re excited to see the plethora of opportunities this new tool should bring to Creators once it is (officially) rolled out. What do you think? Would having a native affiliate tool on Instagram be helpful to you as a Creator?
To help boost your organic growth and get you on the path to becoming a top Creator by the time the affiliate tool rolls out, take a look at what we do!
More articles related to
Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Broadcast Channels
Still unsure about what the heck a Broadcast Channel is? Here is everything you need to know about the latest Instagram feature.
Mackenzie Taylor
8 months ago
Instagram Subscription Feature Now Live for All US Creators
The new Instagram Subscription feature is officially here! Here’s your guide on everything you need to know about Subscriptions.
Mackenzie Taylor
Last year
Meta Verified: What It Is and What It Means for You
Meta Verified is officially being tested! Learn everything about the verification subscription and if you should subscribe for your account.
Mackenzie Taylor
8 months ago