Selling on WhatsApp & Instagram: The Do’s & Don’ts

Lorraine A
Apr 28
2 min read

Selling on WhatsApp & Instagram: What No One Tells You

You’ve got followers, your WhatsApp status is popping, and people are always replying to your posts. But… sales? That’s another story.

Why? Because engagement doesn’t always mean sales—especially if you’re unknowingly making selling mistakes that turn potential buyers away.

If you’re tired of people asking, “How much?” and then vanishing, here’s what you need to start—and stop—doing.

What Works: The Do’s of Selling on WhatsApp & Instagram

What’s your biggest challenge when selling on Instagram or WhatsApp?

People ask, then disappear
No one clicks my links
Sales are inconsistent
I don’t know what to post

1. Make Buying Effortless

If your customer has to DM for price, wait for a response, then ask about payment options, guess what? They’re already gone.

Use WhatsApp Business: Set up automated replies, quick responses, and product catalogs.
Add Clickable Links: Your bio, stories, and captions should always lead to a purchase page or order form.
Display Prices Upfront: Hidden pricing doesn’t create curiosity—it creates frustration.

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

People buy what they can see in action. Instead of just posting product pictures:

Demo the product in real life (How it works, benefits, results)
Use customer reviews & testimonials (Screenshots = instant credibility)
Behind-the-scenes content (Packaging, stock arrivals, quality checks)

What makes you trust a business more?

Customer reviews
Product videos
Behind-the-scenes content
A professional-looking page

3. Create Urgency—But Be Authentic

Fake “limited stock” tactics make customers roll their eyes. Instead:

Use real scarcity: Limited edition, seasonal sales, or time-bound offers.
Highlight demand: “Only 5 left” (if it’s true).
Exclusive deals for engaged customers: Reward those who interact.

4. Follow Up Without Being Annoying

Not everyone buys instantly. But most sellers give up too soon.

Follow up within 24 hours (if they asked about a product)
Use WhatsApp broadcasts for updates, restocks, and special offers
Offer payment plans if price is a common objection

How do you prefer businesses to follow up?

WhatsApp message
Instagram DM
Email
I don’t like follow-ups

What to Avoid: The Don’ts of Selling on WhatsApp & Instagram

1. Don’t Spam People

If your WhatsApp list feels like a never-ending sales pitch, people will mute or block you. Keep it balanced:

70% valuable content (tips, insights, testimonials)
30% sales posts

2. Don’t Ignore DMs

No one likes being left on read. Even if you can’t reply instantly, set up quick replies on WhatsApp Business or auto-responses for common questions.

3. Don’t Overcomplicate the Buying Process

The longer it takes for someone to buy, the less likely they will.

Don’t ask people to “DM for payment details.” Use M-Pesa, bank transfers, or e-commerce links to make it easy.
Don’t make them search—send direct links to products.

What makes you abandon a purchase?

Complicated checkout
No clear pricing
Slow response from seller
No trust in the business

4. Don’t Rely on One Platform

Instagram’s algorithm changes all the time. WhatsApp can ban numbers for excessive broadcasts. If your entire business is built on one platform, you’re at risk.