In the face of a global pandemic many stores have been forced to close, and their only option for selling is online. Shifting models and primary channels of communication with customers will be challenging, and Facebook saw a need that it can fill now.
On May 19, Facebook introduced Facebook Shops, a free feature that gives businesses a way to harness both Facebook and Instagram as a store experience.
Have it your way
Businesses can use it to showcase their wares with a background that they can customize to fit their brand.
“This means any seller, no matter their size or budget, can bring their business online and connect with customers wherever and whenever it’s convenient for them,” the announcement declares.
The idea is that customers can find the store through a variety of Facebook entry points. It may be a brands’ Facebook page or Instagram profile or a posted story or a paid ad.
Once they’re in, they can check out what’s on sale, save items of interest and even complete an order without leaving the app (so long as the business has checkout in the U.S.).
Store experience in an app
Facebook also points out that it can allow the kind of interaction people enjoy when shopping in a bricks-and-mortar store: “And just like when you’re in a physical store and need to ask someone for help, in Facebook Shops you’ll be able to message a business through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct.” See the video here.
Speaking in a Facebook live session, Mark Zuckerberg suggested that this is a helpful way for businesses to stay in touch not just during the pandemic but also afterwards, as he regards the shift to shopping online to be a sign of things to come: “I do think we’re going to continue living more of our lives online and doing more business online.”
Good job Facebook, we “Like”!