How to create an Instagram ad step by step

If you want to know how to create an ad on Instagram step by step, we present a brief guide for you to learn how to create campaigns with this platform in an effective and profitable way.

It is important to understand that it is not enough to create an ad and upload it to Instagram Stories or to your profile as just another publication. For Instagram Ads to be profitable, you must design a strategy that includes simple and profitable campaigns. If you don’t know how to create advertising campaigns on Instagram, here we will show you how to do it.

Formats that an ad can have on Instagram

Before you start creating your advertising campaign or ad on Instagram, I recommend that you prepare the content you want to upload. That is, the visual elements (photos, videos) with which you intend to attract your target audience. You can also do a little research on the advertising actions of your competitors, you have to differentiate yourself from them!

Photo ads

That is, the image format. This format is the most used in Instagram advertising. Look for a quality image that catches the attention of your target and transmits a strong message that reinforces the photograph.

Video ads

This format probably generates the most interaction with Instagram users. Moving images are much more eye-catching than static images. In addition, the amount of information you can convey in a video is greater than in the case of an image. Create a simple, high-quality video (perhaps this is the most difficult part) with relevant information that you want to get across to your target audience. Important: if you are going to create your video before creating your Instagram ad campaign, keep in mind that the maximum length of this format is 2 minutes.

Ads by sequence

The carousel format allows you to present several images or videos in the same ad. Include a call-to-action that invites the user to swipe to see the entire sequence of images or videos. Make sure the first image is eye-catching enough to make them stay to see more.

Collection ads

That is, create an integrated story that shows a collection of products (for example, show part of your sneakers catalog). It can be interesting if you already have a catalog on Facebook and you decide to synchronize both platforms with the Facebook pixel.

Instagram Stories

This may be the format most used by Instagram users. Here you can only upload an image or a video, so you’ll need to make sure these elements are eye-catching and create powerful messages that are able to convince the user in just 15 seconds to take the targeted action (e.g. scroll to see more or purchase an item from within the story itself). Guide | How to make an Instagram story ad.

How to create an ad on Instagram (Guide)

You have already prepared all the content you want to upload. Your creative strategy is defined. It’s time to start creating the ad. Follow these 6 simple steps to achieve effective and profitable advertising.

Step 1. Create a company page and profile.

Before you start, you need to link your Facebook account (your business page) with Instagram. You can do this from the Facebook Ads business manager (from your page settings). If you don’t have a Facebook page for your business yet, it’s time to create one.

Create an advertising account from the Facebook Ads business manager. This account will be linked to Instagram. I recommend that you install Facebook Pixel, which I have already told you about before, to be able to synchronize your ads on both platforms. You can skip this step, but it will be quite useful in the future when you want to create more complex campaigns.

Step 2. Select your target.

Among the goals you may want to achieve by creating a campaign on Instagram are goals of:

• Recognition (brand recognition, reach).
• Consideration (traffic, lead generation, downloads…).
• Conversion (conversions and sales).

Step 3. Setting up the ad set on Instagram.

Name the ad sets and set the location. The placement refers to the platforms where you want your ads to be seen. You can choose between Facebook, Instagram, Messenger or Audience Network. I know we are in a post about how to create an ad on Instagram, but remember that this whole process is done from Facebook. Therefore, you will see different options that will make reference to this platform.

If you only want your ad to be seen on Instagram, select edit ad placement and mark only the Instagram platform.

Step 4. Audience segmentation.

A good segmentation will make your ads reach the target you want, which translates into higher chances of traffic and conversion.

• The parameters you can select to segment your audience are:
• Location (provinces, cities).
• Demographics (age, gender or language).
• Interests (which ads they usually like, for example).
• Behaviors (what activities they do).
• Customers you already know (customize your target audience yourself).
• Customers similar to current ones.
• Automatic Instagram segmentation.

Important: Remember that each group of ads will target a different type of audience. Keep in mind the different profiles you will be targeting. Within the same campaign, you can create different ad sets or ad versions for different audiences.

Step 5. Choose your budget.

Decide how much you want to spend and how long these ads will run. The duration of the campaign will depend on the budget you set.

Step 6. Create your ad on Instagram.

Finally, it’s time to create your Instagram ad. Here you will write the text of the ad and upload the visual elements you have created. You can also choose a call-to-action (recommended).

Once the ads are ready, hit “Publish“. They must first be reviewed for compliance with Instagram’s Advertising Policy. When they are approved, they will automatically go live.