Instagram is one of the main digital advertising platforms where businesses can reach their audiences with visual content for their products and services. Running ads well means more than pressing “Boost”: it takes a clear objective, the right audience, tracking and testing.
In this guide we explain what an Instagram ad is, what you need to start, how boosting a post differs from Ads Manager, the steps from preparing an ad account to writing copy and adding a CTA, why Meta Pixel matters, how to do remarketing, what a landing page should be like, how to A/B test and which metrics to follow.
What Is an Instagram Ad?
A paid message shown to chosen audiences in the feed, Stories, Reels and other placements.
What Do You Need to Advertise on Instagram?
- A professional Instagram account. See Instagram professional account.
- Meta business assets such as a Facebook page and a business account. See opening a Facebook Business Manager account.
- A payment method and an ad account.
- A destination: your profile, website, messages or a form.
Boosting a Post vs. Ads Manager
Boosting a post from the app is quick for simple promotion. Ads Manager gives deeper control over objectives, audiences, placements, tracking and reporting.
How to Run an Instagram Ad
Prepare the Ad Account
Set up your business assets, payment method and permissions. If an agency or a creator is involved, see how to get Instagram ad permission.
Choose the Campaign Objective
Awareness, traffic, engagement, leads, messages or sales. The objective decides how the system optimizes delivery.
Define the Target Audience
By location, age, interests and behavior. See what is a target audience.
Set the Ad Budget
Choose a daily or total budget. See Instagram ad costs and Instagram advertising prices.
Select Placements
Feed, Stories, Reels, Explore or automatic placements.
Prepare the Ad Image or Video
Follow the right sizes. See Instagram ad formats.
Write the Ad Copy
Lead with the benefit, be specific and keep it short.
Add a Call to Action
Tell people what to do next. See Call to Action.
Why Should Meta Pixel Be Used?
It measures actions on your website and lets you optimize for conversions and build remarketing audiences. See Facebook Pixel.
How to Do Instagram Remarketing
Show ads to people who visited your site or interacted with your content. See what is remarketing.
What Should the Landing Page Be Like?
Fast, mobile-friendly, consistent with the ad and focused on one action. See what is a landing page.
A/B Testing in Instagram Ads
Test one variable at a time, such as the image, headline or audience. See A/B testing.
Which Metrics Should Be Followed?
Reach, click-through rate, cost per click, cost per result, conversion rate and return on ad spend.
For professional management, see digital ad management and our Instagram advertising service, or contact Soft Ajans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Facebook account to advertise on Instagram?
Simple promotions can be made from the app, but setting up Meta business assets is recommended for professional Ads Manager campaigns.
What budget do I need for an Instagram ad?
There’s no fixed budget. A test budget should be set according to industry, goal, audience and product value.
Do Instagram ads guarantee sales?
No. Sales depend on the ad as well as the product, price, brand trust, landing page and buying experience.
How many days should the ad run?
It depends on the campaign’s budget and conversion time. Don’t decide too early before enough data is collected.
