Have kept on wondering about the possibilities to sell online without a website? In today’s world, you absolutely can, and social commerce is leading the charge. With social media shops, businesses of all sizes can create digital storefronts and sell directly within apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more, without the need for a standalone website.
The rise of eCommerce on social media is opening up incredible opportunities for small businesses to reach new customers, grow their brand, and boost sales.
Did you know? Social commerce sales in the U.S. are expected to soar to $35 billion this year, marking a 34.8% increase. This trend is only expected to continue, making now the perfect time to dive into social selling.
If you’re ready to get started, let’s explore the top social media shops where you can sell your products directly and start building your online business today.
But before we dive further, understanding the concepts of Social Media Shop will be a best way to start, especially if the social media business space is strange to you.
What is Social Commerce?
Social commerce is the integration of shopping features directly into social media platforms, allowing businesses to sell products without the need for a website. With tools like shoppable posts, buyable pins, and in-app checkout systems, customers can discover, explore, and purchase products without ever leaving the platform.
For businesses, it’s a seamless way to combine social media marketing with eCommerce, tapping into existing networks and expanding reach. Social selling is a perfect strategy for entrepreneurs looking to connect with customers directly and build their brands on platforms they already use.
List of Social Media Shop to Sell Online Without A Website
Facebook Shop
If you’re already active on Facebook, setting up a Facebook Shop can be one of the easiest ways to sell online. Facebook Shops are integrated directly into your business’s Facebook page, offering a fully customizable storefront where you can list products, manage payments, and engage with customers—all within the platform. The setup is fairly simple, and Facebook’s robust targeting capabilities mean you can reach a wide range of potential customers. Once your products are listed, customers can browse your shop, purchase directly within Facebook, and pay through Facebook Pay or a third-party payment processor.
The great thing about Facebook Shops is the ability to run targeted ads to increase visibility and attract potential buyers. You can also use Facebook Messenger to provide personalized customer service and resolve issues in real-time. The platform is ideal for businesses that want to capitalize on Facebook’s massive user base, offering both a local and global reach. However, Facebook charges a 5% transaction fee, and if you want to ensure visibility, you may need to invest in Facebook ads. Despite this, it remains an excellent choice for businesses that want an all-in-one eCommerce solution.
Facebook Marketplace
For businesses that are looking to connect with local customers or sell secondhand goods, Facebook Marketplace is a great option. This platform allows users to list items for sale in their local area, making it an excellent tool for local businesses to boost visibility and drive sales without needing a website. The Marketplace’s easy-to-use interface means you can quickly upload your products and reach an active, engaged audience.
One of the best things about Facebook Marketplace is that there are no listing fees, and it’s easy to connect with buyers in your area. However, the platform is designed for local sales, which means you won’t be able to reach a global audience unless you arrange shipping independently.
While it doesn’t come with built-in payment processing for all regions (except the U.S.), the platform’s simple interface and low barriers to entry make it a great option for small businesses or individuals looking to sell used goods or locally sourced products.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop takes advantage of the app’s viral nature and massive user base, allowing businesses to sell products directly through shoppable posts and live streams. TikTok is particularly popular with younger, more mobile-centric audiences, and the short-form video format is ideal for showcasing products in fun and creative ways. This makes TikTok Shop especially effective for businesses with products that lend themselves to visual storytelling—think beauty products, fashion, and lifestyle items.
To set up a TikTok Shop, you’ll need to create a TikTok business account and connect your product catalog through the TikTok for Business portal. Once everything is set up, you can create shoppable videos or run live streams where viewers can purchase products in real-time. The platform offers excellent marketing tools, including influencer collaborations, that allow businesses to tap into TikTok’s powerful engagement tools.
However, it’s worth noting that the competition on TikTok is fierce, and the visibility of your content is algorithm-driven, which means you need to consistently create highly engaging content to stand out. Still, TikTok is a fantastic platform for businesses targeting younger demographics and those comfortable with creating viral video content.
Instagram Shop
Instagram has long been a favorite platform for brand-building thanks to its highly visual nature. With Instagram Shop, businesses can turn their Instagram profiles into fully functional digital storefronts, where users can browse products, check prices, and make purchases without leaving the app. Instagram Shop allows you to tag products in posts, Stories, and even Instagram Reels, providing a seamless shopping experience for your audience.
The setup process is similar to Facebook Shops since both platforms are integrated through Facebook Commerce Manager. Once your product catalog is uploaded, you can begin tagging products in your posts and Stories. Instagram also provides excellent analytics tools to help you track engagement and sales.
Instagram is highly aesthetic and requires high-quality photos and videos to perform well. In addition, organic visibility is somewhat limited by Instagram’s algorithm, so you may need to invest in Instagram Ads to reach a broader audience. Instagram Shop is perfect for businesses with visually appealing products in industries like fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Pinterest Marketplace
Pinterest is a discovery-driven platform, which makes it ideal for businesses that want to attract customers looking for inspiration. Pinterest Marketplace allows you to create buyable pins, giving users the ability to purchase products directly from the platform. Because Pinterest users often search for ideas for their homes, wardrobes, or hobbies, this platform is particularly useful for businesses in home decor, fashion, and DIY niches.
To get started with Pinterest Marketplace, you need a Pinterest business account, which you can link to Shopify or other eCommerce platforms. After uploading your product catalog, you can start creating buyable pins that link directly to your products. Pinterest also offers robust search functionality, making it easier for customers to discover your products organically.
The downside (which is similar to Instagram) is that high-quality images are essential, and in competitive categories, you may need to pay for Promoted Pins to improve visibility. Overall, Pinterest is a great option for businesses with visual products that cater to users looking for inspiration or practical solutions.
Google Business Profile
While Google Business Profile isn’t a traditional social media platform, it’s an important tool for businesses that want to show up on Google Search and Google Maps. With a Google Business Profile, you can list products and services, making it easier for local customers to find and connect with you. This platform is ideal for local businesses like restaurants, retailers, and service providers who want to increase visibility and attract nearby customers.
Setting up a Business Profile on Google is free, and once set up, you can add your product catalog and even showcase services. Google doesn’t process payments directly, but you can link to external websites or third-party payment systems for transactions, or even link your social platforms (like Whatsapp or Telegram) to further chat/discus payment and shipping with your potential customers.
The platform also integrates with Google Ads, so you can run ads that show up in local search results. One of the primary benefits of using Google Business Profile is its impact on local SEO, helping your business show up in relevant local searches.
WhatsApp Business Catalog
If you’re looking for a platform that facilitates one-on-one communication with customers, WhatsApp Business Catalog is a great option. WhatsApp allows businesses to showcase their products directly within their profiles, offering a unique blend of eCommerce and personalized customer service. Customers can browse through your catalog and engage with you via chat to ask questions or make purchases.
Setting up a WhatsApp Business account is simple, and you can upload your product catalog directly into the app. The catalog can include product images, descriptions, and prices. WhatsApp doesn’t offer a built-in payment processor, but you can arrange payments through third-party methods like PayPal or bank transfers. This platform is ideal for businesses that already use WhatsApp to communicate with customers and want to enhance their customer service and sales process through a single channel.
Telegram Business Catalog
Telegram is a privacy-focused platform with a growing user base, and while it isn’t as popular for eCommerce as other social media platforms, it can still be an effective tool for selling products. Through Telegram Business Catalogs, businesses can create private groups or bots to facilitate sales, making it an excellent choice for businesses offering digital products or exclusive content.
To use Telegram for business, you’ll need to set up a business channel or group and use bots for automated sales processes. Telegram doesn’t have a built-in payment processing system, but you can integrate third-party solutions like Stripe to process payments. Because Telegram prioritizes privacy and security, it’s a great platform for businesses looking to provide exclusive services or digital goods.
LinkedIn is primarily a professional networking platform, but it’s also a powerful tool for B2B marketing and lead generation. Businesses offering professional services, such as consulting, freelancing, or corporate training, can use LinkedIn to connect with decision-makers and build relationships that eventually lead to sales.
Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn doesn’t offer direct eCommerce functionality. Instead, businesses can post content related to their products or services, join relevant groups, and reach out directly to prospects via LinkedIn messages. LinkedIn also provides paid advertising options to target specific job titles or industries. Though it’s not a traditional social commerce platform, LinkedIn is a great choice for B2B businesses or those offering professional services.
Choosing the Right Social Media Shop for Your Business
Selecting the right social media shops for your business can be a game-changer in terms of visibility, engagement, and sales. With so many platforms to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which one will best suit your products, target audience, and business goals. Here’s how you can make the right choice:
Understand Your Product and Audience
The first step in choosing the right platform is understanding both your product and your target audience. Are you selling fashion accessories or high-tech gadgets? Do you want to reach a younger demographic or focus on local customers? For example:
- If your product is visually-driven, like clothing or home decor, then Instagram or Pinterest might be ideal. Both platforms rely heavily on images and appeal to users who actively browse for style inspiration and discover new products.
- On the other hand, if you’re selling professional services or B2B products, LinkedIn could be the best fit. LinkedIn is a platform built for professionals looking to network and gain insights from thought leaders, making it perfect for businesses targeting other businesses or service-based industries.
Evaluate Features and Tools
Different platforms offer unique features that can support your business needs. Consider what you’ll need to run a successful social commerce operation. For example:
- Facebook Shops and Instagram Shopping both integrate seamlessly with Facebook’s Commerce Manager, which allows you to easily manage your product catalog, run ads, and access detailed analytics. If you’re looking for an all-in-one eCommerce solution with the added benefit of an integrated social media marketing strategy, these platforms are powerful choices.
- If you prefer to connect with customers directly and offer personalized service, WhatsApp Business Catalog might be more suitable. It enables you to showcase your products in a chat-based environment, perfect for businesses where one-on-one interaction is key—such as local boutiques or businesses selling customized products.
Consider Your Content Strategy
Each platform requires a different approach to content. Some platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, thrive on dynamic, visual content like short videos and stories, while others like Facebook Marketplace or Google Business Profile are more functional and focused on listings and local discovery.
For example, if you’re a beauty brand and you know your customers are highly engaged with tutorials and product reviews, TikTok could be an excellent fit because of the platform’s viral nature and emphasis on creative video content. However, if your business is a local bakery that wants to highlight product availability and drive foot traffic, Facebook Marketplace or Google Business Profile could be better suited for your needs because of their focus on local visibility and quick transactions.
Test and Adjust
Choosing the right platform is a trial-and-error process, and it’s often useful to experiment with multiple platforms to see where you get the best results. Many businesses begin by trying one or two platforms and measure their performance over time. For example, a fashion brand might try Instagram for visual marketing, and Facebook for targeted ads and direct sales. After a few months, they can compare which platform brings in more customers and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Tips for Successful Social Selling
Once you’ve chosen the best social media shop for your business, it’s time to turn your focus to social selling—the process of leveraging social media to connect with potential customers and close sales. Here are some proven tips for success:
1. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content
The backbone of successful social selling is engaging content. Whether you’re posting photos, videos, stories, or live streams, your content should be eye-catching, informative, and designed to attract attention.
For example:
- If you’re using Instagram Shop, make sure your product images are high-quality and align with your brand’s aesthetic. A luxury skincare brand would focus on creating elegant, professional images with close-ups of the products and soothing tones that reflect the brand’s message.
- On TikTok, the focus is on creativity and entertainment. If you’re selling fitness products, creating short, fun workout videos or challenges can engage your audience and drive more traffic to your shop.
Let me start with a real-life example of Gymshark, the fitness apparel brand, became an Instagram sensation by using high-quality, aspirational content that aligned with its athletic lifestyle. They also embraced influencer marketing, which is a powerful way to reach more people and build credibility.
2. Focus on Customer Engagement
One of the key advantages of selling on social media is the opportunity to interact directly with customers. Engagement helps build trust, answer questions, and develop relationships that turn potential buyers into loyal customers.
For example, Instagram Stories and Facebook Messenger allow businesses to answer customer questions in real-time, provide product details, and even offer discount codes or promotions. Building a relationship through these platforms can create customer loyalty and drive repeat purchases.
Glossier, is a beauty brand, well known for its customer-centric approach on social media. By regularly engaging with customers through Instagram comments and direct messages, Glossier built a loyal community that helped it grow from a small indie brand to a global name. They actively listen to feedback, host Q&A sessions, and use customer-generated content to further their marketing efforts.
3. Use Paid Ads for Maximum Exposure
While organic reach on social media is still valuable, paid advertising can help ensure that your products are seen by the right people. Each platform offers advertising tools that allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors—perfect for reaching your ideal audience.
- On Facebook and Instagram, you can use Facebook Ads to target specific groups and drive traffic directly to your Facebook Shop or Instagram Store.
- TikTok Ads can also help promote your products to a highly engaged audience with the ability to target based on user behavior and interests.
Do you know about the popular Warby Parker, the eyewear brand? They successfully uses Facebook and Instagram Ads to target customers based on their interests and demographics. By using these platforms’ advanced targeting features, they’ve been able to increase conversions and boost brand awareness.
4. Offer Incentives and Discounts
Everyone loves a good deal! Offering limited-time promotions, discount codes, or exclusive offers to your followers can create urgency and encourage them to make a purchase. Instagram Stories and Facebook posts are great places to promote these offers.
I can give you another real-life example of ASOS, the online fashion retailer, that frequently runs flash sales and offers exclusive promo codes to their Instagram followers. By creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency, ASOS drives sales and engages its large following.
5. Track and Analyze Your Performance
It’s important to keep track of how well your social selling efforts are performing. Both Instagram and Facebook offer insights and analytics that help you measure engagement, sales, and traffic. Use these tools to monitor which posts are performing best, and adjust your content and strategy accordingly.
Lets say, you notice that posts with user-generated content perform better than regular promotional posts, you can start incorporating more of this content into your strategy. Or if a particular product consistently performs well, consider creating more content around it or running ads to promote it further.
For instance, Aerie, the lingerie brand, uses Instagram Insights to track how customers engage with their posts and stories. They’ve been able to use this data to refine their messaging and increase sales by tailoring their content based on what resonates best with their audience.
Conclusion
With social commerce platforms booming, it’s easier than ever to sell online without a website. Whether you choose Facebook Shop, Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp, there’s a social media platform that fits your business needs. Each one offers unique features, so the key is finding the platform that best matches your brand and target audience.
Ready to start selling? Choose the platform that best suits your goals and get started today! Share your experiences with social selling in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you’re using social media shops to grow your online business!
