Share

#WednesdayWishlist: Local up-and-coming brands we’re shopping directly from Instagram

accreditation

Online shopping trumps malls hands down. And a new, even faster way for consumer (especially fashion lovers) to shop trend-based items in particular, is on Instagram.

We already get most of our daily outfit inspo from the Gram, and I have personally shopped several accessories after swooning over how good it looked on someone else. 

Exhibit A, B and C (and I have many more)

Bought this bag and earrings after spotting them on IG.

Also this top...

Niknaks. #notsponsored

A post shared by Marisa Crous (@stealinglucy) on

And these gold jewels...

I think it's fair to say Instagram is one of my favourite 'shops'. 

How it works

The DM is now the new 'Add to Cart' as purchasing an item is often done via direct messaging as many smaller, up-and-coming brands don't have proper e-commerce platforms yet. You interact directly with the brand and share EFT details and make delivery arrangements. 

Yet Nikolay Iliev, Head of E-commerce Solutions at Retail Connection SA notes that, "Using social media is good for marketing, to make people aware of your business but then the aim should be to get the potential customers to come to your own website."

After recently starting my own such 'shop' on Instagram (selling locally handmade scrunchies), I realised the power of Instagram as a marketing tool for your brand when starting out. But long term you need to establish a proper website with e-commerce functionality. 


What the experts say:

Vincent Hoogduijn, CEO of Spree says online retail only makes up about 1,3% of total retail in South Africa, but is growing at a strong rate, with much drive by mobile.

So, Instagram is definitely up there. 

I also asked Esther Hoogstad, Head Of Customer Interaction also at Spree for some tips on how to start and succeed at an e-commerce venture.

Here are her tips: 

"My 3 take-aways for e-commerce sellers on Instagram: 

"Be where your (aspired) customer/audience is - what moves them, where do they draw inspiration from, which websites or apps do they use, which celebs or influencers do they follow? Also think about your visibility in search engines and on the platforms your aspired audience shops.

"Make sure you involve yourself in the conversation and then link to your own page/platform, where you tell authentic and credible stories (don’t say things you can’t deliver upon – ideally with a link to your own life so you show that you’re the true 'expert by experience'.

"Link content to the right product/services that you sell and explain what the services are that come with it (easy payment/delivery/customised packaging). Try to think of your uniqueness: what do you offer that no one else does?"

Local Instagram businesses we're shopping right now: 

Selling pretty things from around the country. 

Chunky silver (last pair) R400 DM for info/purchase

A post shared by kilo (@kilo_capetown) on

Luxury pillows and homeware.

Woven baskets.

Scrunchies.

Swimwear. 

Jewellery.

Happy weekend ?#byCARA

A post shared by byCARA (@bycaralee) on



We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE