As a platform, Instagram is offering more and more possibilities, especially for companies. If you haven’t yet made the leap for your business, know that this social network can be very effective if you’re looking to boost your client loyalty and win over new prospects.
But to reach your goals on Instagram, you need to know how to use the tool to its full potential. Here we’ve put together your keys for success to help you and your company make the most of advertising on this popular social media platform.
What’s the point of advertising?
In recent years, Instagram has become a leading outlet for your social media posts. Though it is newer than Facebook and does not have quite as many users, its success is continuously on the rise. With its ever-growing popularity, the app has become an absolute must for every communication strategy.
Since its creation in 2010, the platform’s square pic gallery has never ceased to reinvent itself. These days, a number of tools make it possible for the social media network to adapt to everyone, even businesses.
Advertising on Instagram means paying for sponsored ads so you can reach a bigger audience. You might have multiple goals such as boosting your visibility, presenting your news products or increasing your traffic to your website.
If you’re still not convinced, know that advertising on Instagram generates an excellent ROI (return on investment). Let yourself be seduced by the numbers. A study conducted by Instagram shows that 60% of users report they discovered a product or service on the platform.
How does it work?
First thing’s first. You should know that you don’t need to have an Instagram account in your company’s name in order to publish sponsored content on the platform. That said, you will need to have a Facebook account.
Your first step is to choose where you want to display your ad, either in your stories or in the newsfeed. If you decide to publish your content in the newsfeed, you’ll need to choose between different formats. One or several photos, a carousel, a diaporama, or a video. For stories, it’s more simple. You can only choose between photos and videos.
The second step is to create your campaign. Instagram will accompany you every step of the way as you choose your marketing goals, budget, date and length of publication, and of course, your target audience. Because Instagram is the property of Facebook, the tools are similar. So if you’re already a seasoned user of Facebook ads, the adjustment should be pretty straightforward.
Who will see my ads?
Like most other networks that offer paid advertising, Instagram lets you choose your audience fairly precisely, using criteria such as age, location, gender and interests.
Which format should I choose?
A number of formats are available, giving you a certain freedom when you set up your campaign. Whether you choose to use photos or videos, Instagram offers a vast range of customizable options throughout the ad creation process, so you’ll have the chance to express your creativity and originality.
How much does it cost?
As far costs go, this will vary from campaign to campaign. The advantage of this solution is you’ll be able to choose your investment and give yourself some flexibility when it comes to your budget. The total amount is determined based on Cost per Click (CPC). CPC depends on several criteria, such as your country, target age, time of year and where you display your ad on the platform.
What do I need to do for an effective Instagram ad campaign?
If you want to nail your Instagram ads, these simple and practical tips will make your advertising more credible and effective.
The first thing you need to know is that as a platform, Instagram relies heavily on visuals and the use of images. This means you need to avoid large quantities of text. Choose powerful images and videos. You can use a few sentences to complement and enhance your visuals, but don’t go overboard.
Like we mentioned, you do not need to have an Instagram account to publish Instagram ads. Even so, we recommend that you create a professional profile for your company. This way, when users come across your ad, they will be able to click directly on your avatar so they can visit your Instagram profile and learn more about you. Then they won’t have to go look for you on another platform.
Once you’ve created your Instagram account, you need to maintain it. Post consistent and catchy content that will let you showcase your brand, products and accomplishments. This step is important, since your advertising will redirect your users directly to your content.
Handy Tip
Do you work in a creative field? Are you in the restaurant, crafting or visual communication industry? You are the perfect candidate for Instagram ads. Go for it!
