If you are an avid social media user, you must have heard about paid advertising or Google ads. But do you know that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc., also allow you to run paid ads? Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms with a massive audience base of 2 billion monthly active users, and Instagram ads reach 96.6% of the active user base per month. With the continuous growth in the audience, the reach of Instagram ads is also increasing, making it vital for brands and creators to try their hands at this effective Instagram promotion strategy.
Instagram ads not only increase the reach and visibility of your content but also ensure that it reaches the right target audience that is genuinely interested in your content. There are different types of Instagram ads, but the question is what they are and how to run them. So, in this blog, we will discuss Instagram ads in detail and enlighten you with the basic ways to run successful Instagram ads that increase profile views, boost engagement, and drive meaningful connections.
What are Instagram Ads?
Instagram ads are sponsored content in the form of images, videos, carousels, or collections, that a user may launch by paying money to Instagram. It allows you to promote your post to the specific target audience on Instagram in the same form and format as an organic post. The only difference is that “sponsored content” will be written below such paid ads to inform the users that it is a sponsored ad. Brands can even add links, product tags, CTA buttons, etc., to increase interaction and engagement. By running Instagram ads in the right manner, you can easily increase reach, visibility, likes, comments, followers, and views for Instagram and ultimately establish a strong brand presence. There are many benefits of running Instagram ads, such as:
- Enhance Brand Exposure
- Increase Traffic
- Boost Engagement
- Generate new leads
- Create Conversions
- Provide greater reach
- Increase views on videos
- Entice your audience
- Ensure global reach
- Boost Business
Types of Instagram Ads
Instagram is a content-rich platform that allows you to post content in different ways. Aligning to that, there are 8 main types of Instagram Ads:
- Photo/Image ads
- Video ads
- Carousel ads
- Story ads
- Collection ads
- Explore ads
- Shopping ads
- Reels ads
How to Run Successful Instagram Ads
Instagram is a dynamic platform that allows you to run Instagram ads in two basic ways. However, to run ads on Instagram, it’s crucial to understand that Facebook is the parent company of Instagram, and Facebook ads manager is the most popular way to run Instagram ads. Check out both the ways to run Instagram ads:
Create Ads directly from Instagram
There is just one way to run ads on Instagram directly – Using Promote Content Method. Using this method, a creator or a brand can run Instagram Ads without a Facebook or Business Manager Account. Follow the below steps to use this method to run ads:
Step 1 – Create a professional Instagram account. If you already own an Instagram personal account, simply switch to a business or professional account by clicking on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
Step 2 – Find the already published image or video you want to turn into an ad. Using the Promote option, you can only promote a single Instagram post rather than the whole profile.
Step 3 – Click on the “Boost” or “Promote” button present below the post on the right-hand side.
Step 4 – You will be directed to a screen where you can choose the destination where you want your users to land. Three options will be present – Your profile, your website, and your direct message. Choose the one as per your Instagram marketing goals and objectives.
Step 5 – Select the target audience by choosing either “Automatic” option or “Create your Own.” If you choose the second one, you will get the opportunity to create a custom target audience based on the demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Step 6 – Set a budget and duration. The budget can be between $1 and $1000 per day, whereas the duration can be as short as 1 day and as long as 30 days.
Step 7 – There is a chance that you will get an option asking to link your Facebook account. Simply tap “skip”.
Step 8 – Finally, add the payment method and click “promote”.
Create Instagram Ads using Facebook Ads Manager
As Facebook is the parent company of Instagram, the most authentic way to run ads on Instagram is by using Facebook Ad Manager. However, remember that you must have an active Facebook page also to use this method. Follow the below steps to run an engaging and successful Instagram ad using Facebook Ad Manager:
Step 1 – Link the Facebook account to Instagram in order to create ads to run on Instagram.
Step 2 – Log in to your Facebook account and click on Ads Manager.
Step 3 – Choose your marketing objectives like brand awareness, reach, traffic, engagement, app installs, conversions, store traffic, etc.
Step 4 – Give an effective and relevant name to your ad campaign.
Step 5 – Choose your audience. If you are running an ad for the first time, you have to create your target audience by choosing options such as location, age, language, gender, relationship, interests, behaviors, education, work, financial status, etc.
Step 6 – Set placement by choosing the “Instagram” option from the given options. If you want to run ads only on Instagram, uncheck the rest of the options; otherwise, select according to your preferences.
Step 7 – Choose your budget and schedule. This helps you define how much you are willing to spend and for how long. You have the option of setting up a lifetime budget or a daily budget according to your convenience. Besides that, to set the schedule, mention the start and end date.
Step 8 – Create your Instagram ad by selecting the format. You can choose your format from the given options, such as a single image, single video, carousel, story, reel, etc. Upload a creative and captivating post you must have created for the ad and add an engaging caption that can entice users to know more. Don’t forget to include call to action and URL
Step 9 – Finally, publish your Instagram ad and wait for your post to get stormed with likes, comments, views, and shares.
Conclusion
Instagram ads are the best way to enhance your brand presence on Instagram with minimal effort. We have discussed the steps you have to follow to run Instagram ads using the two most basic ways, i.e., Promote methods and Facebook Ads Manager. Ensure that your ad has a flair of creativity, relevance, and a unique personality that offers value to your audience. Post the ad at the optimal time to enhance its performance further by reaching the right audience.
