Have you ever been scrolling through your Instagram feed and spotted a product you liked? Chances are, you could buy it immediately, without leaving the app. That’s because social media platforms have transformed into more than just places to chat and share, but spaces for shopping and selling as well. 

From Instagram’s shoppable posts to Facebook Marketplace, social commerce has taken the internet by storm. This blend of social media and e-commerce has become a game-changer for online shopping and selling, but how can you best utilize it, and how does Close School help students navigate this emerging field?

The Merge of Social Media and E-Commerce

Millions of people around the world are using social media platforms to shop for products and services. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest have become more than just spaces for social interaction, they have become hubs for businesses.

Shoppable content has taken center stage, allowing viewers to purchase items directly from posts, stories, and videos. Social media used to serve only as a platform to build trust, loyalty, and community around your brand, but social commerce has cut retailers from the equation.

Social Commerce can create Opportunities while Making a Difference

Social commerce can help your brand connect with new customers directly through your accounts. Partnering with influencers who resonate with your target audience can amplify your reach, and connect with potential customers in authentic ways. 

Social commerce can be particularly good at generating positive social impact and tackling societal issues. Evan Ehlers, an alum of the Close School, is the founder and CEO of Sharing Excess – a non-profit organization that fights food insecurity and food waste. Evan uses social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to raise awareness, share stories, and solicit donations for his cause. He partners directly with influencers and celebrities who support his mission and amplify his message, such as his notable collaboration with Mr. Beast and Beast Philanthropy. Thanks to his social commerce strategy, Sharing Excess has rescued over 2.5 million pounds of food and provided over 2 million meals to people in need.

Ways to Overcome the Challenges of Social Commerce

Social commerce has its fair share of challenges that entrepreneurs need to overcome. It may seem difficult to differentiate yourself from other businesses, but by providing value and quality, you can stand out from the crowd and attract customers. Using social media to engage with your customers helps create a strong community around your brand in a very authentic way, and for a lower price than other forms of marketing.

How Close School Alumni are Rocking the Social Commerce World

Alumni from The Close School have been innovating industries for a long time, and social commerce is no different. Here are two examples of Close School Alumni who are working right now to push boundaries and change the digital landscape with their startups:

• Olivia Curzi is the co-founder and COO of LUXE Brand, a company that sells premium shoelaces. Olivia leverages the power of social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase and sell her products. She also collaborates with influencers and celebrities who market her shoelaces to their respective audiences.

• KJ Dhaliwal is the founder and CEO of Dil Mil, a dating app that connects people of South Asian descent. KJ has used social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to market and grow his app, which now has over 2 million users and resulted in over 100 million matches. He utilizes influencers and celebrities who endorse his app, and share their success stories with their followers.

How The Close School can help You become a Social Commerce Star

At the Close School, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of social commerce pioneers. We offer a variety of programs and initiatives that help you master the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving field:

• Silicon Valley Immersion Trip: This week-long experience helps you network with entrepreneurs, investors and innovators in Silicon Valley. You get to learn the latest trends and best practices in entrepreneurship, such as how to work with influencers, create viral content and build online communities. 

• Influencer Startup Studio: Taught by real-world influencers in the lifestyle and beauty space, this course pulls the curtain back on the systems and strategies you need to succeed in an industry that’s perceived as overcrowded, but is actually ripe with opportunity. A profitable, sustainable influencer business takes a thoughtful, results-driven approach, and the Influencer Startup Studio is your first step.

What does the Future hold for Social Commerce?

Social commerce is constantly evolving, and entrepreneurs need to keep up with the changes to effectively innovate. Some trends shaping the future of social commerce today include:

• Augmented reality shopping experiences: Augmented reality allows you to see how products look on you, compare different options and get instant feedback from your friends without leaving home. 

• Voice commerce integration: Voice commerce allows you to use voice commands to search, browse and buy products online, so you can shop hands-free and save time.

• Social shopping communities: Social shopping communities are online platforms that connect shoppers with each other, allowing them to discover, recommend, and buy products together. Hence, you can shop with like-minded people and get personalized recommendations. 

Social commerce is not just a trend, but an innovation actively changing the digital space. By using social media platforms to buy and sell online, entrepreneurs can reach new audiences, drive sales and build thriving businesses in ambitious ways. As the world of social commerce continues to evolve, the Close School remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs on their journey to success, and providing them the resources they need to make their dreams a reality.