In today’s digital age, Instagram has evolved beyond a photo-sharing platform into a powerful business tool. Entrepreneurs across the world are using Instagram to start and scale their online businesses, especially in the field of international e-commerce. Whether you’re in Pakistan or any part of the world, Instagram can help you reach customers globally and generate sales around the clock.
In this article, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of starting international e-commerce using Instagram, from selecting your niche to handling shipping and receiving payments.
What is Instagram E-commerce?
Instagram e-commerce refers to selling your products or services through Instagram – either directly using the Instagram Shop feature or by redirecting your audience to an external website/store. With international e-commerce, you’re not limited to your local country; instead, you target global customers and offer worldwide shipping.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting International E-commerce on Instagram
1. Create a Professional Instagram Business Account
Your journey starts with creating a Business Account on Instagram.
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Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account
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Choose your business category (e.g., Fashion, Skincare, Gadgets)
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Add contact information like email, phone, or website
A business account gives you access to insights, promotions, and the ability to set up a shop.
2. Research Your Niche and Products
Don’t try to sell everything. Focus on a specific niche that’s in demand globally.
Ask yourself:
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What type of products do people often buy online?
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Are these products easy to ship internationally?
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Can I compete in this niche?
You can use platforms like AliExpress, CJ Dropshipping, or Printful to find trending international products with global shipping options.
3. Choose a Reliable Supplier
If you’re not manufacturing your own products, choose a dropshipping or print-on-demand supplier that supports international shipping:
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AliExpress – Ideal for beginners
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CJ Dropshipping – Faster shipping, more control
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Printful – For custom t-shirts, mugs, and more
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Zendrop – For US-based and global suppliers
These platforms handle product storage, packaging, and shipping for you.
4. Build a Trustworthy Instagram Page
Your Instagram page is your online shop front. It must look professional to attract and convert visitors into buyers.
Make sure to:
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Use a clean, recognizable logo
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Post high-quality product photos
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Add clear highlights (e.g., Shipping Info, FAQs, Reviews)
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Write a short, impactful bio with a Linktree or website link
5. Plan Your Content Strategy
Consistent and engaging content builds trust. Use different content types:
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Reels with trending audio showing your product in action
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Product demos
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Customer reviews and testimonials
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Behind-the-scenes clips of packaging orders
Posting 3–4 times per week is ideal to stay active and visible.
6. Use Effective Hashtags
Hashtags help you reach your target audience. Use a mix of broad and niche-specific hashtags like:
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#InternationalShipping
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#ShopOnline
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#WorldwideDelivery
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#InstaBusiness
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#SmallBusinessGlobal
You can use up to 30 hashtags per post – keep them relevant to your niche and product.
7. Run Instagram/Facebook Ads
If you want fast international reach, paid ads are the way to go.
Use Meta Ads Manager to run targeted ads:
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Select the countries you want to target (e.g., USA, UK, Canada)
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Choose interests like “Online Shopping”, “Beauty”, “Fitness”, etc.
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Start with $5–$10 per day and scale up based on performance
Ads help you grow faster than organic reach, especially in competitive niches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I sell to the USA or Europe from Pakistan?
Yes! You can use dropshipping or print-on-demand to sell globally. Your supplier handles shipping; you just manage your Instagram page and marketing.
Q2: How do I receive international payments?
You can use:
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PayPal
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Wise
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Payoneer
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Your website’s payment gateway (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce)
These platforms allow you to receive USD, GBP, EUR, etc.
Q3: Will shipping take too long?
Depends on your supplier. Choose fast-shipping suppliers on CJ Dropshipping, or use US/UK-based print-on-demand companies for faster delivery.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Success
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Provide excellent customer support – reply to DMs quickly
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Run giveaways and offer discount codes to boost engagement
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Share user-generated content – real people using your products
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Always test and analyze what type of content/ad works best
Conclusion
Starting an international e-commerce business on Instagram is a golden opportunity in 2025. With the right strategy, tools, and consistency, you can run a global brand from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re selling fashion items, skincare products, or digital services, Instagram offers all the tools to make your dream business a reality.
So what are you waiting for? Start today – and step into the world of international e-commerce!
