A step-by-step guide on creating Instagram ads for business, to engage and attract users on this popular social network!
What was once a trendy iOS-only app has risen and made its way to the social media marketing hall of fame.
As the popularity of Instagram continues to rise, with around more than 400 million users, businesses and marketers are leveraging the app to provide their audience with unique visual content, while encouraging community engagement.
On the 30th September, 2015 Instagram made its ad features available to all businesses, so if you aren’t already using Instagram to its maximum potential, here’s a guide on how you can do so:
What are Instagram Ads?
Instagram ads take form of a typical Instagram photo or video, with an additional “sponsored” tag on the top right corner, and don’t necessarily have to be from an account you follow.
Users can like the photo or follow the brand’s account, just as they would with any other Instagram user.
Instagram Ad Formats
Instagram advertising comes in three, simple formats: Image, Video & Carousel.
Image: Any image with a call to action button at the bottom, such as, “Install Now”, “Sign Up”, “Shop Now” or “Learn More”.
Video: Videos up to 30 seconds shared by the advertising account, can be uploaded in portrait or landscape format.
Carousel: Ads that allow you to swipe sideways to see additional images. A call to action button can be installed, which takes the user to a landing page of your choice.
How To Create An Instagram Ad?
1. Link your Instagram
While on your business Facebook page, click on Settings at the top of the page. Within Settings, you will see “Instagram Ads” on the left-hand side. Click on this tab and link your Instagram account to your Facebook page to get started.
2. Login to Ads Manager
On Facebook, you will need to be logged into your Ads Manager account within Facebook. If you don’t have this set up, follow these easy steps by AdEspresso to create an account.
3. Download Facebook Power Editor
A crucial step to create an Instagram ad. Find the Power Editor from the menu on top of the page, directly under the Ads Manager platform and download it.
Note: Power Editor is only supported by Google Chrome, so make sure to use the same browser.
4. Create an Ad Campaign
You are a whole lot closer now to creating your ad. Click the Manage Ads tab at the top of the page on the left, and click on the option underneath that says “Create Campaign”. You can follow
Facebook’s simple instructions to keep going.
5. Reach Your Target Audience on Instagram
During this set-up phase, make sure you choose an objective that is compatible with Instagram, which would include Clicks to Website, Mobile App Installs and Video Views.
You will want to take the following steps:
Create new campaign
Create new ad set
Create new ad
6. Edit the Ad Setting Options
Under Ad Sets, you can set your budget, ad schedule, target audience and placement. Don’t forget to then select “Instagram Advertising” and deselect the other options.
You will then have the option to select which type of mobile device to serve your advertisement on.
7. Sync your Facebook and Instagram accounts
After you are through with the Ad Set options, on the left-hand side menu click on “Ads,” to select the business page that you will serve the ads from. Once selected, click “Use the Instagram account connected to the selected Facebook page.”
8. Create the Ad
You are now almost there. Simply enter your website URL and a memorable caption for your image (300 characters limit).
Upload your image. Be sure to use eye-catching and visually-appealing images to maximise your ad’s effect. Take time to strategize on an image that will align with your brand and your promotion.
Recommended image size: 1200 × 628 pixels
Image ratio: 1.91:1
Your image may not include more than 20% text.
Next, you will be given an option to create a “call-to-action” button for your ad.
9. Upload changes
Almost done. After you’ve complete the steps mentioned about, merely “Upload Changes” from the Power Editor.
And VOILA. Your ad should now be up and running!