Reselling can feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks the process into clear steps you can actually follow.

Instagram has over a billion users, many of whom love shopping and discovering new products . For

resellers, it’s a visual platform to showcase items and build a following. By posting attractive photos, using

hashtags, and engaging with customers, you can drive more traffic to your listings. Here’s how to leverage

Instagram effectively:

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Set up a business account and Shop. First, make sure your Instagram profile is public and switched

to a Business (or Creator) account. This unlocks analytics and shopping features. You can then apply

to Instagram Shopping, which lets you tag products in your posts. According to Shopify, you must

have a business account and set up an Instagram Shop to use product tags and shoppable posts . Once approved, add a link in bio (or use a Linktree) that points to your online store,

marketplace shop, or Linktree page with multiple links.

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Optimize your profile. Write a clear, keyword-rich bio. Use emojis or bullet points to list what you

sell (e.g., “Vintage Clothing & Shoes

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New York - Worldwide Shipping”). Include one main link

(Linktree is popular for multi-links). Add a business profile picture (like your logo or a clear product

shot). Katelyn Hamilton suggests making your brand and mission immediately clear in the first few

words of your bio . Also fill out your contact info (email or phone) so customers can reach you

easily.

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Post high-quality photos. Instagram is a visual app – blurry or dark photos won’t attract buyers .

Always use good lighting and a clean background. Show the product from multiple angles; if

clothing, include a shot of the label or size tag. Lifestyle shots (item being worn or used) can also

help customers imagine owning it. The founder of myresellergenie.com emphasizes that

“Instagram is a photo app. So make sure you are taking and sharing GOOD pictures.” .

Consistency is key: use a similar filter or aesthetic so your feed looks professional.

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Use Stories and Reels. Don’t just post photos – use all of Instagram’s content formats. Stories let

you share behind-the-scenes peeks (e.g., unboxing new inventory) and flash sales. Highlight

important Stories (like “New Arrivals,” “Sales,” “FAQs”) on your profile. Reels (short videos) can

showcase products in action or quick try-on sessions. These features keep your account active and

engage viewers. Katelyn Hamilton notes that Stories help “humanize” your brand and show the real

person behind the posts . As a tip, save key Story content in Highlights so new visitors can

catch up later.

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Post regularly and at peak times. Find out when your target audience is online (Instagram Insights

shows follower activity by hour). Aiming for consistency (e.g. 3-5 posts per week) keeps you in

followers’ feeds. Use a social media scheduler if needed. With consistent posts, Instagram’s

algorithm will more often show your content to interested users.

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Use relevant hashtags. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post . Mix popular tags with

niche ones. For example, #ThriftStoreFinds (500k posts), #VintageFashion (2M), plus smaller niche

tags (#RetroOutfit, #SustainableStyle) each 10k–100k. Katelyn Hamilton advises against using only the most popular tags – include some mid-tier tags so your post won’t get lost . Create a couple

of branded hashtags too (like #YourStoreNameSale). Also encourage your customers to use a

hashtag of your brand when they post what they bought – you can then re-share these user-

generated posts .

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Encourage user-generated content (UGC). Loyal followers can become your best marketers.

Prompt satisfied buyers to post pictures of their purchases and tag you. Shopify notes that UGC is

“free and easy” advertising: re-post customer photos (with permission) on your story or feed . For

example, ask “Share a photo of yourself in [your item] with hashtag #BrandNameStyle!” This builds

trust (shoppers see real people with your products) and broadens reach when followers’ friends see

those tagged posts. Reposting such UGC also shows off happy customers, which can boost sales.

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Engage authentically. Reply to comments and DMs promptly. Like and comment on posts where

customers tag you. Run small contests or giveaways (e.g. “Follow, tag two friends, and you could win

this item for free!”). According to Shopify’s strategy guide, asking people to tag friends and use your

hashtags can rapidly increase exposure . For resellers, engaging in relevant hashtag

communities (liking/commenting on other sellers’ posts) can also bring attention to your profile.

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Leverage Instagram Shopping. With a shop set up, you can tag products in both posts and Stories.

When users tap the tag, they see the item name and price, and can “View Shop” directly. This

streamlined shopping experience (no need to leave the app) can significantly increase conversions . In fact, Shopify reports that about 44% of social media users have made a purchase via

Instagram , largely thanks to Shopping features. Use clear “Call to Action” in captions like “Tap to shop!” or “Link in bio” to nudge buyers.

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Analyze and adapt. Use Instagram Insights (free in business accounts) to track what content works.

Look at which posts get the most engagement, which Stories have the highest views, and when your

audience is online . If certain hashtags or types of photos (e.g., product flat-lay vs. on-model

shots) get more likes or comments, do more of those. Also watch follower growth: if your following

stagnates, you may need a content shift. Instagram business tools are built to give feedback – make

sure to review them monthly.

Instagram can be an excellent growth engine for your resale brand. By presenting professional, appealing

content and interacting with your audience, you build awareness and trust. Research shows 90% of people

follow brands on Instagram, and 87% say they take action (like visiting a site or buying) after seeing

a product on Instagram . In short, a vibrant Instagram presence can direct steady traffic to your listings and turn followers into customers.

If you want to keep leveling up, browse more guides on ResellerStartKit and use the calculators in our Tools section to sanity-check every deal.