Social media or your own turf, where should you really be selling?

If you’re running a small business or launching a new product line, chances are you've considered turning your Instagram feed into a storefront. And hey, we get it… It’s tempting. No setup hassle, built-in audience, and those heart reacts feel so good.

But before you bet your entire business on likes and hashtags, let’s break it down:
Is Instagram enough? Or do you actually need your own eCommerce website too?


The Case for Selling on Instagram

Pros:

  • Built-in audience: If you're already active, you’ve got eyeballs ready.

  • Low cost: No domain, hosting, or dev work needed.

  • Impulse-ready: Instagram’s visual layout encourages quick buying decisions.

  • In-app checkout: Users never have to leave the platform.

Cons:

  • Limited control: You don’t own your followers or the platform. One algorithm change, and your visibility drops.

  • Restricted branding: Your store looks like everyone else’s.

  • Harder to scale: Inventory management, email marketing, and analytics? You’ll need workarounds.

  • Platform risk: If IG glitches (or bans your account), your biz is on pause.


The Case for Having Your Own Online Store

Pros:

  • Full control: Your design, your branding, your rules.

  • Professionalism: A proper eCommerce website builds trust and signals you're serious.

  • Better analytics: Track visitor behavior, abandoned carts, and tweak what’s not working.

  • More ways to sell: Integrate email marketing, SEO, and even mobile apps for repeat sales.

Cons:

  • Setup cost: You’ll need to invest in design and development (hello, Aripro Designs).

  • Marketing required: No automatic followers, you’ll need to drive traffic.


So… Which One Wins?

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to choose.

Instagram is a great tool for visibility and engagement. But it works best when paired with your own online store, where customers can browse freely, build trust, and shop without distractions (and no algorithm in sight).

Think of Instagram as the party and your website as the actual shop.
People may find you on IG, but they buy with confidence when they land on a proper website that’s fast, functional, and branded.


Final Thoughts  

If you’re serious about growing your brand, you’ll want both:


At Aripro Designs, we help businesses build affordable, high-performing online stores… and yes, we can integrate your social media too. Want to look like a pro and sell like one?
Let’s build something your customers can trust. 


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