Instagram is powerful sales channel that enables businesses to succeed even without a dedicated website. In countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where social media usage is extremely high, Instagram has become a go-to tool for businesses of all sizes, whether you're an entrepreneur, an artist, or a small business owner. The platform allows you to sell products directly to customers through visually appealing content and direct engagement.
With GoDaddy's Online Store, you can manage and grow your business effortlessly, no matter where you are in the Middle East. However, if you're not ready to build your own website, selling your products on social media can be a good start. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are increasingly popular amongst first-time sellers, because these platforms provide lower barriers to entry when it comes to online selling.
This guide will walk you through how to establish your business on Instagram, from setting up your Instagram Shop to executing effective marketing strategies that boost sales and drive customer loyalty.
Benefits of selling your products on Instagram
Instagram makes it easy for businesses in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to connect directly with customers without a website. Here are some key benefits:
1. Low startup costs
Selling on Instagram eliminates many traditional costs associated with running an online store, such as website hosting, domain registration, and web development. This makes it an affordable and accessible option for new businesses in the Middle East, especially in emerging markets.
2. Massive audience reach
With over a billion active users globally, Instagram offers businesses in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and across the MENA region access to a massive customer base. This allows you to grow your brand visibility, connect with a broader audience, and increase sales.
3. Visual appeal & direct engagement with customers
Instagram is a highly visual platform, allowing businesses to showcase their products through their Instagram feed with high-quality images, reels, and videos that attract potential buyers. On top of that, you have the opportunity to engage with customers in real time through comments, direct messages, and live sessions. This fosters trust, builds customer loyalty and enhances customer relationships in a region where personalized service is highly valued.
4. Instagram Shopping features
With features like product tagging in posts and stories, Instagram makes it easy for customers to discover and purchase products directly from the app, streamlining the buying process.
Is it possible to sell on Instagram without a website?
Yes, you can sell on Instagram without a website. Many entrepreneurs successfully run Instagram-only businesses by leveraging Instagram Shops, direct messaging for orders, and third-party payment solutions. Here is how selling without a website works:
Instagram Shop
If eligible, you can set up a shop within Instagram to showcase products and facilitate purchases. This feature allows businesses to create a digital storefront where customers can browse items, view product details, and make purchases without leaving the app. It simplifies the buying process and helps businesses reach a wider audience directly through their Instagram profile.
Direct messaging (DMs)
Many businesses use Instagram DMs to handle orders, answer customer inquiries, and provide payment details. This method offers a more personalized shopping experience, allowing sellers to engage with customers one-on-one, address their concerns, and build trust before completing a sale.
Third-party payment solutions
Sellers who don’t have an integrated checkout system can accept payments through platforms like PayPal or direct bank transfers. These options provide flexibility for both buyers and sellers, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction process without the need for a traditional E-commerce website.
Linking to alternative checkout options
Some businesses use external platforms like WhatsApp, Etsy, or Google Forms to manage orders and payments. These tools allow sellers to collect customer information, process payments, and fulfill orders efficiently while keeping the transaction process simple and accessible.
While having a website can provide additional credibility and automation, Instagram offers enough tools to successfully sell products without one.
With GoDaddy's Show in Bio, you can create a product catalogue without a website and showcase your products straight from your phone in just minutes, making it easy to drive traffic to your store.
How to start a business on Instagram without a website? A step-by-step guide
Starting a business on Instagram without a website requires careful planning and strategic execution. Follow these steps to build and grow your business successfully.
1. Create a business account on Instagram
A business account provides access to valuable tools like analytics, Instagram Shopping, and ads.
- Go to Instagram settings and switch to a business or creator account.
- Choose the correct business category that matches your products or services.
- Connect your account to a Facebook Business Page (optional, but useful for Instagram Shopping and ads).
2. Optimize your Instagram bio and profile
Your Instagram bio is the first thing potential customers see, so make sure it clearly communicates what you sell.
- Profile picture – Use a high-quality image of your logo or brand.
- Username and handle – Keep it simple and relevant to your business.
- Bio description – Clearly state what you offer and how customers can buy from you.
- Contact details – Enable email, phone, and DM options for inquiries.
- Product catalogue – Use GoDaddy's Link in Bio to display your products and direct users to enquire directly if they are keen to purchase.
3. Grow your audience and followers
Building a strong audience is crucial for increasing sales. Here are some effective ways to grow your followers:
- Use relevant hashtags – Research and use hashtags that are popular in your niche, particularly those trending in MENA Region.
- Engage with your audience – Reply to comments and DMs to build relationships. In the Middle East, where relationships and trust are essential in business, this engagement helps build stronger connections with your followers.
- Post consistently – Use a content calendar to maintain an active presence.
- Run giveaways and promotions – Encourage people to follow and tag friends.
- Collaborate with influencers – Work with influencers who align with your brand.
4. Setting up Instagram Shopping
If your business is eligible, Instagram Shopping can make the selling process easier by allowing customers to browse and buy directly within the app.
- Connect your account to Facebook Commerce Manager and create a product catalog.
- Submit your shop for approval.
- Once approved, start tagging products in posts and stories.
- Use the “View Shop” button on your profile to direct users to your products.
5. Handling orders and payments without a website
Since you are not using a website for checkout, you will need a system to manage orders and payments efficiently.
- Take orders via DMs – Clearly state how customers can place orders in your bio or posts.
- Use payment platforms – Accept payments through PayPal, Cash App, or bank transfers.
- Confirm orders – Send an order confirmation message with details about shipping and delivery.
- Provide tracking updates – Keep customers informed about their orders to build trust.
By streamlining the ordering process, you can create a smooth experience for your customers and encourage repeat purchases.
GoDaddy's Show in Bio enables you to share multiple links in your social media bio, making it easy to guide customers to product pages, blog posts, or special offers. It's particularly valuable for Instagram, where a single clickable link is crucial for driving traffic to your store.
Related: Blog post ideas to get you inspired
Marketing strategies to boost sales on Instagram
Now that you have set up your business on Instagram and are ready to start selling, it is time to implement marketing strategies to boost your sales. Here are several proven tactics to drive engagement, increase visibility, and turn followers into paying customers.
1. Create engaging content
Engaging and well-crafted content is the foundation of Instagram marketing.
Strike a balance between high quality, polished content and spur-of-the-moment mobile content to develop a relatable, authentic brand voice.
For example, product showcases could consist of high-quality images and videos of your products, where you highlight benefits and how it solves your customers' problems. You can balance that with casual behind-the scenes content, where customers can see the magic behind how your products are made or packed.
Sharing user-generated content from your happy customers helps to build trust and loyalty, and what better way to do tutorials and demonstrations than having your loyal customers showcase how to use your product? You can also use polls, quizzes, and “Ask Me Anything” sessions to engage your followers and gain insights into their preferences.
By providing value and using persuasive calls to action, you can guide followers toward making a purchase.
Related: How to take product photos that will help sell your goods
2. Leveraging Instagram ads to grow your business and sales
Instagram Ads are a powerful tool to increase visibility, reach a broader audience and generate sales. Here's how to get started:
- Set a goal – Define the purpose of your ad campaign (brand awareness, sales, website traffic, etc.).
- Target your audience – Use Instagram’s robust targeting options, such as location, demographics, interests, and behaviors.
- Create compelling ads – Use high-quality images or videos that capture attention. Make sure your call to action is clear and direct.
- Track performance – Use Instagram Insights to measure the effectiveness of your ads and make adjustments as needed.
Instagram Ads can be highly effective, especially when combined with organic content strategies.
3. Using Instagram stories, reels, and live sessions
Instagram offers a variety of content formats to engage your audience and drive sales. For example, Instagram Stories are perfect for time-sensitive offers, product releases, and behind-the-scenes content. Use stickers like polls, countdowns, and links to encourage interaction.
On the other hand, Reels, Instagram’s short-form video content has exploded in popularity. Use Reels to share quick product demonstrations, unboxing videos, or customer testimonials.
Going live allows you to interact with your audience in real time. You can host Q&A sessions, product launches, or exclusive events.
By diversifying your content strategy with stories, reels, and live sessions, you keep your followers engaged and encourage them to take action.
4. Collaborating with influencers and brand ambassadors
Influencer marketing can dramatically increase your reach and credibility on Instagram. Here's how to approach it:
- Choose influencers wisely – Look for influencers whose values align with your brand and who have an engaged audience in your target market.
- Offer value to influencers – Be clear about what you can offer in return, whether it’s free products, a commission, or paid sponsorship.
- Create authentic content – Collaborate on content that feels genuine and resonates with the influencer's audience.
Influencers and brand ambassadors can provide powerful endorsements, help you reach new customers, and drive sales.
5. Engaging with your audience to drive conversions
Engagement is essential for building lasting relationships with your audience and turning them into loyal customers. In the MENA region, where customer relationships and personalized service are highly valued, engaging with your audience can significantly boost conversions. Here’s how you can foster better interactions and drive sales:
- Ask questions – Encourage comments by asking questions in your captions or stories.
- Reply to DMs – Personalize your responses and offer detailed information about your products.
- Acknowledge customer testimonials – Show gratitude when customers share their experiences with your products.
A highly engaged audience is more likely to make a purchase, share your content, and recommend your brand to others.
6. Run an Instagram giveaway to attract customers
Giveaways are an excellent way to generate excitement and attract new followers in the Middle East, where people love discovering new products and engaging with brands. Here’s how to run a successful giveaway that helps you grow your audience:
- Choose a prize – Offer a product that is relevant to your audience and valuable enough to encourage participation.
- Set the rules – Make the entry requirements simple, such as following your account, tagging friends, and liking post.
- Promote your giveaway – Use stories, posts, and reels to spread the word.
- Pick and announce winners – Select the winner(s) fairly and announce them publicly.
Giveaways create excitement and attract attention to your brand, helping you grow your audience quickly.
7. Use AI and chatbots to automate Instagram sales
As your business grows, managing customer inquiries and processing orders can become time-consuming. That’s where AI and chatbots come in.
- Automated customer service – Chatbots can answer frequently asked questions, provide order updates, and handle basic customer service tasks.
- Order automation – Some bots can even process orders directly within Instagram, streamlining the purchasing process for both you and your customers.
- AI-driven marketing – Use AI tools to recommend products to your followers based on their browsing history or preferences.
Implementing AI and chatbots can save time and ensure that your customers receive quick, efficient service.
8. Optimize your Instagram profile for conversions
Your Instagram profile is the first thing potential customers see, so it needs to be clear, professional, and conversion-focused.
- Choose a recognizable username: Keep it simple and related to your brand.
- Use a professional profile picture: A logo or high-quality image representing your business works best.
- Write a compelling bio: Clearly state what you offer and include a call to action (e.g., “DM to order” or “Check our highlights for pricing”).
- Add contact options: Enable direct messages, email, or phone contacts so customers can reach you easily.
- Utilize Instagram Highlights: Organize important content such as product catalogs, customer testimonials, and FAQs into highlights for easy access.
9. Use high-quality visuals and pictures to attract buyers
Instagram is a visual platform, so the quality of your images and videos directly impacts sales.
- Use bright, high-resolution images that showcase your products from different angles.
- Maintain a consistent aesthetic with a cohesive color scheme and editing style.
- Post short, engaging videos demonstrating your products in use.
- Avoid cluttered backgrounds—keep the focus on the product.
10. Build your brand with a unique tone of voice
A strong brand voice helps build recognition and trust with your audience.
- Define your brand personality—whether it is friendly, professional, or playful.
- Use consistent language and messaging across posts, stories, and captions.
- Make your audience feel connected by telling stories and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
11. Write compelling captions with clear CTAs
Captions should be engaging and informative and should encourage action.
- Use simple, clear language that speaks directly to your audience.
- Keep captions concise, but include key details about your product.
- End with a call to action, such as “DM us to place an order” or “Comment below for more details.”
12. Boost reach with Instagram hashtags and geo-tags
Hashtags and geo-tags are essential tools for increasing your visibility and helping more people discover your business in the Middle East. Here’s how you can effectively use these features to grow your audience:
- Choose relevant hashtags that match your industry and product.
- Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to reach different audiences.
- Tag your location in posts and stories to attract local customers.
Is it legal to sell on Instagram in the Middle East?
Many entrepreneurs in the MENA Region wonder whether selling products on Instagram without a website is legal. The answer depends on local business regulations, tax laws, and Instagram’s policies.
Instagram allows users to sell products directly on the platform, but sellers must comply with its Commerce Policies and Community Guidelines. Some key rules include:
- Selling prohibited items like weapons, alcohol, or counterfeit goods is not allowed.
- Misleading claims or deceptive marketing tactics can lead to account restrictions.
- Business transactions must be handled transparently to avoid disputes.
1. Business licenses and legal requirements
The need for a business license depends on location and the type of products being sold. Some factors to consider:
- Small-scale sellers offering handmade or second-hand goods may not need a license in some regions.
- Businesses selling new products in large quantities might need to register legally and collect sales tax.
- Selling in multiple countries may require compliance with international trade laws.
It is advisable to check local business regulations or consult a legal expert to ensure compliance.
2. Taxes and payment processing
Sellers in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the broader Middle East may be required to report their earnings for tax purposes. Payment platforms such as PayPal or Stripe could report earnings to tax authorities depending on the seller’s location and local tax regulations.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, businesses are required to comply with the Value Added Tax (VAT) system, which applies to most goods and services. Sellers may need to register for VAT if their annual turnover exceeds a certain threshold. Payment processors like PayPal could report transactions to the tax authorities, and it’s important to keep track of all sales for accurate VAT reporting.
Egypt
In Egypt, the government has recently focused on regulating online businesses and ensuring compliance with tax laws. If your business is selling products in large quantities or generates significant revenue, you may need to register with the Egyptian Tax Authority and collect VAT. Payment platforms, including PayPal, may also report transactions to the government. It's important to keep thorough records of your sales for proper tax filing.
Other Middle Eastern countries:
For other countries in the Middle East such as UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, VAT or other tax systems might apply. Regulations vary, so it's essential to understand each country’s tax laws before selling on Instagram or other e-commerce platforms. To avoid potential legal issues, sellers in the Middle East should maintain detailed transaction records for all sales, including payments received via PayPal, Stripe, or local payment processors.
Seek advice from a tax consultant familiar with local regulations in your country to ensure compliance with tax laws and avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on how to sell on Instagram without a website
1. Can I sell through Instagram without a website?
Yes, Instagram allows sellers to promote and sell products without a website. By using direct messages, comments, or payment links, businesses can accept orders and complete transactions.
2. Do you need a website to set up a shop on Instagram?
A website is not required to create an Instagram Shop, but businesses must connect their shop to a product catalog, which can be hosted on platforms like Facebook Commerce Manager or third-party e-commerce services.
3. How do I turn my Instagram into a shop?
To set up an Instagram Shop:
- Go to Instagram Settings and select Business.
- Choose Set Up Instagram Shopping and connect to a product catalog.
- Submit the account for review and wait for approval.
- Once approved, tag products in posts and Stories.
4. How to open an Instagram Shop?
Opening an Instagram Shop involves meeting Instagram’s Commerce Eligibility Requirements and linking to an approved product catalog. Businesses must also operate in a supported country.
