Instagram Ads // Getting Started

Instagram now has more than 1 billion accounts and this number shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon!

Have you thought about running Instagram ads but not quite sure where to start?

In this post we will show you how to get started and how you can better reach your business goals through the powerful visual platform.

Why Should You Advertise on Instagram?

Instagram ads help to build awareness, consideration and conversion for your brand;

Awareness

Help to develop awareness for your brand, product or service that you are providing to your customers. This includes;

  • Reach
  • Reach and Frequency
  • Brand Awareness
  • Local Awareness

Consideration

Instagram Ads help potential customers to take an action to learn more about your brand, such as;

  • Click on your website
  • Video Impression
  • Reach and Frequency

Conversion

By using ads on Instagram you can potentially increase product sales, mobile app downloads, and the amount of people visiting your store or website.

Different Types of Advertisements

There’s a few different ways you can run an ad on Instagram;

  • Story advertisements
  • Photo ads
  • Video ads
  • Carousel ads
  • Collection ads

Let’s have a quick look at these.

Story Advertisements

Complete your news content with ads on Instagram Stories. More than 500 million accounts use stories every day, so there is great opportunity here to reach your target audience.

Learn more about story ads and specifications .

story advertisements

Photo Ads

Tell your story with a simple and interesting advertising canvas. These photos can be made in square or landscape format.

photo ads

Video Ads

Get the same visual-quality video ads that are the same as photo ads — with more power on display, sound, and movement. You are able to share videos up to 60 seconds in landscape or square format.

video ad

Carousel Ads

Carousel Ads help you to display a richer campaign. This allows people to shift additional photos or videos in an ad.

Carousel ads

Collection Ads

You can use the Collection to inspire visually and help your viewers find, browse, and buy products. Tell stories that are integrated with a primary focus on products or lifestyles, through videos, images, or both.

collection ad

Three Ways to Buy Advertisements on Instagram

Inside the Application

Using the Instagram app is the easiest way to promote posts that you have shared. Just click on the post you want to be promoted and monitor the amount of people who view and interact with the post by tapping View Insight .

insta ad

Ad Manager

With Ad Manager you can plan, alter, and view results from all campaigns, ad sets, and Instagram ads in one place. Ad manager is available on desktop and mobile devices.

ad manager

Instagram Partner

You can use an Instagram Partner to help you. This includes buying advertisements to finding and displaying advertising material. All partners are proven to have experience in their fields. Click here to learn more.

Instagram Partners

Different Ways to Target Users

You can ensure your ad is seen by the right people by using different Instagram targeting options.

These options include;

  • Location
  • Demographics
  • Interest
  • Behaviour
  • Special Audience
  • Similar Viewers
  • Auto Targeting

How to Create an Instagram Ad

1. Create a Page and Business Profile

First of all, you need a Facebook page so you are able to create ads and have a Business Profile on Instagram.

If you don’t have one, it’s really easy to create a page.

2. Prepare Ads 

Select the destination of the ad, the target audience, and the format of your ad in Ad Manager.

If you choose to run an Ad through Instagram, select the post you have already shared and click Promote.

3. Allocate a Budget

Select how long you want your ad to run for and decide how much you are willing to spend.

4. Publish

You’re ready to go! Click publish – you will be notified when your ad has been approved and is ready to go.

If you’d like to firm up your knowledge and tap into the bottom-line boosting potential Instagram undoubtedly offers, make sure to check out our next Instagram Marketing Masterclass in Perth.

Have you had success running Instagram ads before? Do you have any tips? We would love to hear from you in the comments!

If you’re keen to learn even more, check out our Facebook & Instagram Advertising workshop in Perth or our on-demand course.