How To Run an eCommerce Ads On Instagram

Introduction.

When it comes to selling products online, Instagram is a goldmine. It’s not just a platform for sharing photos; it’s a place where people discover new brands, browse products, and even make purchases without leaving the app.

For anyone running an eCommerce business, Instagram ads are a fantastic way to reach more customers and grow your sales.

I know, running ads can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You might wonder where to start, how much to spend, or what kind of ads work.

But don’t worry—once you understand the basics, it’s much easier than you might think.

Let’s break it all down step by step, so you can start running ads on Instagram like a pro.

Why Instagram for eCommerce Ads?

Instagram isn’t just popular—it’s powerful. Over 1.6 billion people use it every month, and studies show that 70% of users look up brands on Instagram before buying. It’s designed to showcase visually appealing products, which makes it perfect for eCommerce.

Plus, with Instagram Shopping features, customers can browse your products, click to learn more, and purchase—all without leaving the app.

But here’s the real kicker: Instagram ads let you target the exact audience you want. Whether it’s people who’ve visited your website, added items to their cart but didn’t buy, or even those who follow your competitors, Instagram ads put you directly in front of the right people.

Getting Started with Instagram Ads

1. Set Up Your Instagram Business Account

Before you can run ads, you’ll need to make sure your account is set up as a business account. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s as simple as going into your settings, switching to a business account, and linking it to your Facebook page.

2. Connect to Facebook Ads Manager

Instagram ads are run through Facebook Ads Manager. Don’t worry, you don’t have to post anything on Facebook—it’s just the tool used to create and manage Instagram ads. Go to Ads Manager, and link your Instagram account.

3. Know Your Audience

Take some time to define who you want to target. Think about their age, gender, location, interests, and behaviour.

For example, if you sell skincare products, you might target women aged 25-40 who follow beauty pages or have bought similar products online.

Types of Instagram Ads You Can Use

Instagram offers several types of ads. Choosing the right one depends on your goals:

• Photo Ads: Simple and effective, these feature a single image with a caption.
• Video Ads: Show off your product in action with videos up to 60 seconds.
• Carousel Ads: Let users swipe through multiple images or videos.
• Stories Ads: These appear in between Stories and are great for grabbing attention.
• Shopping Ads: Tag products directly in your posts or Stories so people can shop instantly.
• Reel Ads: Tap into the fast-growing short video trend with Reels.

How Do I Create Instagram Ads That Work?

1. Focus on Visuals

Instagram is all about eye-catching visuals. Use high-quality photos or videos that showcase your product in the best light.

If you sell fashion, show the clothes being worn. If it’s home decor, style it in a cozy setting. Bright colors, clear images, and bold designs tend to perform better.

2. Write a Clear and Compelling Message

Your caption or ad text should grab attention and make people want to act. Keep it short and to the point.

Highlight your product’s benefits, including a discount or limited-time offer if you have one, and always add a call-to-action (CTA) like “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”

3. Target the Right People

Use Facebook Ads Manager to set up custom audiences. You can target people who’ve interacted with your Instagram, visited your website, or fit a specific profile based on interests and demographics. This ensures your ads reach those most likely to buy.

4. Set a Realistic Budget

Start with a small daily budget, like $10-$20, and see how your ads perform. Once you know what’s working, you can increase your spend. Instagram ads don’t have to break the bank, and testing helps you spend smarter.

5. Test Different Ads

Don’t stick to just one ad. Create a few different ones to see what works best. Try different images, captions, and audiences. Over time, you’ll learn what resonates with your customers.

6. Track and Optimize

Keep an eye on how your ads are performing in Ads Manager. Look at metrics like clicks, purchases, and cost per result. If something isn’t working, tweak it. Maybe try a different image, change your audience, or adjust your budget.

FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to run Instagram ads?

A: There’s no fixed cost—it depends on your budget. You can start with as little as $5 a day. Costs vary based on your audience, competition, and ad type. On average, businesses spend about $0.50 to $2.00 per click.

Q: How do I know if my ads are working?

A: Use Ads Manager to track metrics like impressions, clicks, purchases, and return on ad spend (ROAS). If your ad isn’t performing, tweak it and try again.

Q: Can I run ads without a website?

A: Yes! You can use Instagram Shopping features to let people buy directly from your Instagram profile.

Q: What if I’m not good at design?

A: You don’t need fancy skills. Use tools like Canva to create professional-looking ads quickly and easily.

Q: Do I have to post ads on my Instagram profile?

A: No, your ads can run without appearing on your profile. They’ll only show to the audience you target.

Final Thoughts

Running eCommerce ads on Instagram is one of the smartest ways to grow your business. It’s a chance to connect with people who are already interested in what you’re selling and encourage them to take the next step.

With the right visuals, message, and targeting, you can turn casual scrollers into loyal customers.

So, what’s stopping you from giving it a try? Ready to take your eCommerce game to the next level? Let me know:

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to running Instagram ads?