Introduction
It will no longer take a fancy website or large investment to sell products online in 2025. Social commerce has evolved to make Instagram one of the strongest sales channels where small businesses, solopreneurs, and individuals can create consistent revenue with just their smartphones. No matter if you sell handmade goods, resell popular items, or create a personal brand, Instagram enables you to convert fans into customers without typing a word of code or spending money on an e-commerce website.
In this complete guide, we’ll take you through how to begin selling products on Instagram without a website, from step-by-step configurations, automation hacks, tools, and live examples.
Why Sell on Instagram Without a Website?
Instagram has evolved from being a photo-sharing application to a social marketplace. With more than 2 billion monthly active users and millions of daily product finds, Instagram enables sellers to trust, present products, and take orders in the app itself.
Instagram has transformed into a social shopping powerhouse. You can explore Instagram’s latest features for businesses to understand how selling directly via posts, stories, and reels has become easier than ever.
Key Benefits:
- Visual-First Experience: Suitable for product presentation through pictures, reels, and carousels.
- Built-In Audience: Findable through hashtags, Explore tab, place tags, and shares.
- WhatsApp Ordering: Direct communication with customers where one can ask queries and order using DM or WhatsApp.
- Zero Tech Barriers: Zero domain, no hosting, no payment gateway integration needed.
- Low Investment: All you may need is a smartphone, packaging supplies, and a payment app.
Step-by-Step Guide: Selling on Instagram Without a Website
Step 1: Set Up and Optimize Your Instagram Business Profile
Your Instagram storefront is your bio. It must convey what you’re selling and how to order immediately.
✅ Select a Clear Username and Business Name
- Utilize your brand or niche keywords (e.g., @eco_crafts_store or @divineseasonindia)
- Avoid numbers, symbols, or ambiguous abbreviations.
✅ Create a Compelling Bio
Your bio should respond to
- What are you selling?
- Why should one purchase from you?
- How do they order?
Example:
✨ Handmade Brass Diyas
- Eco-friendly & Spiritual
- Order by DM or WhatsApp
- PAN India Delivery
✅ Include a Call-To-Action Link
Utilize the following tools:
- Linktree to connect multiple pages (WhatsApp, order form, testimonials)
- tally. so to design an order form
- bio.site for visually appealing multi-link pages
Step 2: Create Your Product Catalog Through Content
In place of a static e-commerce catalog, you will utilize your Instagram content as a dynamic catalog.
Product Images & Carousel Posts
- Have a clean background and natural light
- Feature multiple views of the product
- State price, variations (size, color), and stock
Reels featuring Trending Audio
- Utilize product unboxing, behind-the-scenes, packaging, or “how it’s made”
- Always end a video with a CTA: “DM to Order Now”
Stories + Story Highlights
- Share new arrivals, limited-time deals, and restocks in stories
- Store frequent data such as pricing, shipping, and testimonials in highlights:
- “How to Order”
- “Price List”
- “Customer Love”
- “Catalog”
Step 3: Gather Orders Without a Website
You can take orders in a variety of ways:’
✉️ Instagram Direct Messages
- Reply fast to establish trust
- Ask for: Product name, quantity, name, phone, address, payment method
- Utilize Quick Replies for quick responses
WhatsApp Business Integration
- Add WhatsApp link in bio
- Set up:
- Quick replies
- Product Catalog
- Welcome message
- Share payment QR, confirm address, and shipping duration
Google Forms / Tally.so
Set up a mini-order form that records:
- Buyer name
- Product(s) chosen
- Delivery address
- Preferred payment mode
Link this in the bio or a highlight.
Step 4: Accepting Payments Without a Website
With UPI and QR codes, you don’t require a payment gateway to accept payments online.
If you sell to international buyers or take payments in USD, it’s essential to understand how fluctuations in the Indian rupee affect small businesses and your overall profit margins.
Popular Options:
- Google Pay / PhonePe / Paytm UPI
- Bank transfer
- COD (if you use courier services like Shiprocket)
Tips:
- Share payment screenshots as proof
- Add QR code to highlight or story
- Save a reply: “Please send payment of ₹XX to UPI ID: xxx@ybl and share a screenshot”
Step 5: Packaging & Shipping the Product
Do it in small quantities and scale up packaging over time.
Packaging Tips:
- Use bubble wrap + courier bags or cardboard boxes
- Print thank-you stickers or handwritten notes for personalization
Shipping Options:
- Shiprocket: Merges all couriers, provides COD, tracking links
- India Post: Most economical for rural or remote destinations
- Delhivery / DTDC / Blue Dart: For premium/urgent orders
Advanced Sales and Growth Tips
Use Instagram Ads (No Website Needed)
- Use the “DM Me” or “WhatsApp” CTA in ads
- Boost Reels with high engagement
- Retarget users who saved or engaged with your posts
Use Giveaways and Collaborations
- Collaborate with small pages in your niche
- Give a freebie in return for tagging friends or following your page
Conduct Limited-Time Offers and Flash Sales
- Utilize countdown stickers in stories
- Promote limited stock or exclusive bundles
Scaling Your Instagram Store
Create a Process for Every Order
- Template responses for DMs
- Monitor payments in Google Sheets or Airtable
- Save time using order forms (Tally.so or Google Forms)
Hire Help as You Grow
- Utilize a packing assistant for fulfillment
- Outsource design (Canva Pro templates)
- Utilize a part-time customer service VA (WhatsApp only)
Expand to International Markets
- Accept PayPal or Wise payments
- Provide INR + USD pricing
- Use Shiprocket X or India Post for international delivery
Best Tools to Automate Order Flow
- WA Web Plus\tWhatsApp automation for Chrome
- Tally.so Custom order forms
- Linktree Link multiple destinations in bio
- Canva Pro
- Post, Reel, and ad templates
- Sprocket
- Shipping and order tracking
- Zapier
- Automating form to Google Sheets
- Vyapar App
- Invoicing + expense management
Real Case Study: Divine Season (Indian Seller)
- Brand: Divine Season India
- Product: Brass Akhand Jyot Diya
- Started: From Instagram, no website
- Strategy :
- Regular Reels with trending music
- Pricing + testimonial Story highlights
- WhatsApp orders with UPI payments
- Used local courier + Shiprocket
- Results :
- Crossed 100+ orders/day during Diwali
- GENERATED OVER ₹5L revenue in months
- No paid website or Shopify used
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not responding to DMs or responding late
- Lack of clear pricing/order instructions
- Exclusive use of organic reach (boost as required)
- Failure to respond to customer reviews/testimonials
- Irregular posting schedule
Final Tips and FAQs
✅ Tips:
- Start simple, enhance branding later
- Post 3 Reels/week, 1 story/day minimum
- Gather customer content and use as testimonials
- Monitor orders and payments using basic Google Sheets
FAQs
Q: Do I need GST?
Only if your turnover is more than ₹20L or you ship inter-state.
Q: Can I scale on my own?
Yes, but a part-time assistant (packing or DMs) is helpful.
Q: Do I need a business account?
Recommended. Enables analytics, ads, and contact buttons.
Q: Can I do paid ads without a site?
Yes, choose DM or WhatsApp as CTA in Instagram Ads.
✅ Conclusion
You can create a full-fledged e-commerce company on Instagram in 2025 — without requiring a single page of a website. With regular content, customer-centric service, and the right tools, even solo founders can grow their product companies to six figures and beyond.
Start lean. Sell smart. Grow fast.
