Maximize Your Reach & ROI with Instagram Ads: Here’s How

By: Val Razo

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Val Razo

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. It is a visual platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. As such, it is a great platform for businesses to showcase their products and services and reach a larger audience. One of the ways that businesses can reach a larger audience on Instagram is through Instagram ads.

What are Instagram Ads?

Definition

Instagram ads are paid advertisements that appear on users’ Instagram feeds and Stories. These ads are created and managed through Facebook Ads Manager, and can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and more. Instagram ads can include photos, videos, carousels, and stories.

Types of Instagram Ads

There are several types of Instagram ads that businesses can use to reach their target audience. These include:

  • Photo Ads: Single images that appear in users’ Instagram feeds.
  • Video Ads: Videos up to 60 seconds in length that appear in users’ Instagram feeds.
  • Carousel Ads: Multiple photos or videos that users can swipe through in their Instagram feeds.
  • Stories Ads: Full-screen ads that appear between users’ Instagram Stories.
  • Explore Ads: Ads that appear when users are browsing through Instagram’s Explore tab.

Benefits of Using Instagram Ads

Increased Reach and Brand Awareness

One of the primary benefits of using Instagram ads is that they can help businesses reach a larger audience and increase brand awareness. With over 1 billion active users on Instagram, businesses have the opportunity to reach a massive audience. Additionally, Instagram ads allow businesses to target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and more, which can help increase the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns.

Targeted Advertising

Another benefit of using Instagram ads is that they allow businesses to target specific audiences. By targeting specific audiences, businesses can ensure that their ads are being seen by the people who are most likely to be interested in their products or services. This can help increase the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns and ultimately lead to more conversions.

How to Create Instagram Ads

Creating an Instagram Ad Campaign

To create an Instagram ad campaign, businesses will need to use Facebook Ads Manager. Facebook Ads Manager is a tool that allows businesses to create and manage their Facebook and Instagram ads in one place. To create an Instagram ad campaign, businesses will need to follow these steps:

  • Create a Facebook Ads Manager account if they don’t already have one.
  • Click the “Create” button and select “Ad”.
  • Select the objective of their campaign (e.g. brand awareness, reach, conversions, etc.).
  • Define their target audience (demographics, interests, behaviors, etc.).
  • Choose the placement of their ads (Instagram, Facebook, or both).
  • Create their ad content (photo, video, carousel, etc.).
  • Set their budget and schedule for their ad campaign.

Instagram Ad Formats

There are several different Instagram ad formats that businesses can choose from. These include:

  • Photo Ads: Single images that appear in users’ Instagram feeds.
  • Video Ads: Videos up to 60 seconds in length that appear in users’ Instagram feeds.
  • Carousel Ads: Multiple photos or videos that users can swipe through in their Instagram feeds.
  • Stories Ads: Full-screen ads that appear between users’ Instagram Stories.
  • Explore Ads: Ads that appear when users are browsing through Instagram’s Explore tab.

Businesses can choose the format that best suits their advertising goals and audience. For example, if a business wants to showcase multiple products, it may choose a carousel ad, whereas if they want to tell a story or demonstrate a product in action, it may choose a video ad.

Best Practices for Instagram Ads

Compelling Visuals

Since Instagram is a visual platform, it is important for businesses to use high-quality, compelling visuals in their ads. This includes using high-quality images and videos, as well as incorporating branding elements and calls-to-action. Businesses should also consider using visually appealing and engaging content, such as user-generated content or influencer partnerships.

Strong Call-to-Action

Another important element of Instagram ads is a strong call-to-action. Businesses should include a clear call-to-action in their ads, such as “Shop Now” or “Learn More”, to encourage users to take the desired action. It is also important to ensure that the call-to-action is aligned with the advertising goal and that the landing page or website that users are directed to is relevant and optimized for conversions.

F.A.Q.

How much does an ad on Instagram cost?

On average, Instagram ads cost around $0.20-$2.00 per click, while CPM averaged $6.70. Ads on Instagram are cheaper than Facebook due to the platform’s high engagement rates for both organic and paid content. To get the best engagement rates, consider advertising on Instagram.

Do you pay for Instagram ads?

Yes, you have to pay for Instagram ads, but the amount you spend is entirely up to you. You’ll need to set a Total budget, which is the total amount you want to spend on the ad, and a Duration for your ad, which is the number of days you want it to run.

Does buying Instagram ads work?

Yes, Instagram ads definitely work, and you can achieve success with your ads on the platform. If you’re new to Instagram or want to learn how to buy Instagram ads, you’re in the right place to get started.

Is creating an ad on Instagram free?

No, creating an ad on Instagram is not free. However, you can use Adobe Express on the web or mobile to start designing your Instagram ad for free.

How much does an Instagram ad cost per month?

The average cost per click for an Instagram ad is $0.95 per month. However, the cost of placing ads on Instagram varies depending on several factors, such as your target audience, ad placement, and the duration of the ad. To optimize your budget and maximize your returns, consider following best practices for Instagram advertising.

Conclusion

Overall, Instagram ads can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to increase their reach and engage with their target audience on Instagram. By using compelling visuals and strong calls-to-action, businesses can create effective advertising campaigns that drive conversions and increase brand awareness. Additionally, by targeting specific audiences and using the right ad format, businesses can ensure that their ads are being seen by the right people at the right time. If you want to boost your Instagram presence even more, buying Instagram followers and likes from reputable sources like Lightning Likes can help you gain credibility and visibility on the platform.

Author Bio

Val Razo

Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.