Facebook Update: Introducing Facebook Shops!

Facebook has just launched Facebook Shops, a platform built to let businesses sell products online without customers ever leaving Facebook. It’s a timely move from Facebook, aimed at helping small businesses strengthen their digital presence through COVID and the unprecedented times that came with it.

A mobile-First Experience

Facebook Shops is a mobile-first shopping experience, letting businesses easily set up an online store across Facebook and Instagram. You can build your own virtual storefront right there on the platform, letting people discover your brand and browse product collections without ever leaving Facebook or Instagram. Shops are fully customisable too, choose which items to feature, organise them into different collections, and pick your own fonts and colours to tell your brand’s story. Customers can reach your Shop through your Facebook Page, your Instagram profile, or by swiping up on Instagram Stories, and you can connect with them directly through Facebook’s messaging platforms, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram Direct included.

Native and Fast

Facebook has described Shops as built to be native and fast. Customers won’t need to jump between apps and browsers to complete a purchase, or re-enter their card details every time. Facebook is clearly aiming to make the entire buying process as seamless as possible. Even better, Facebook Shops is free to set up, there’s no cost to get your store running. Facebook will take a cut through commission on successful transactions, though exactly how much per transaction hasn’t been made clear yet.

Facebook x Instagram Integration

Facebook has also flagged plans to roll out more integrated features across its apps down the line, dedicated Instagram shopping tabs, live shopping, and loyalty programs among them. Shops is rolling out first to businesses already selling through Instagram Shopping or their Facebook Page shop, or both. Facebook will notify businesses directly once the feature becomes available to them. If you have any questions about Facebook, or social media in general, get in touch with OMDIGI and we can help you out.