Online stores are available both on Facebook and Instagram
Facebook launches a news service that allows businesses to create single online stores of their own and sell directly via Facebook or Instagram, the company announced on its blog.
Facebook says Shops is meant to help business owners survive in times of COVID-19-related crisis.
“Right now, many small businesses are struggling, and with stores closing, more are looking to bring their business online. Our goal is to make shopping seamless and empower anyone from a small business owner to a global brand to use our apps to connect with customers,” says the Facebook team.
Service is now available to businesses from all over the world that sell their products via Facebook and Instagram. All the sellers can use them for free, customize the look of their shop, choose accent colors, and a cover image.
With the new feature, the customers are able to view all the featured products, save the products they like, and even place an order if the business has enabled checkout in the US. If not, the system will redirect the customer to the seller’s website. Also, the Shops service allows the shoppers to get in touch with the support team right away.
The selling platforms are visible on the business’ Facebook Page or Instagram profile. Customers can also discover them through stories or ads. Facebook also says that in the future, companies will be able to sell right within a chat in WhatsApp, Messenger, or Instagram Direct.
