In 2022, increasing your eCommerce sales is tough without utilizing Instagram ads along the way. With Instagram ads, you can boost your reach, target potential customers, and increase your sales—that’s just the beginning. Today, we’ll tell you everything you want to know about Instagram ads for eCommerce, including why you need to advertise on Instagram, tips for creating successful ads, the different kinds of Instagram ads for eCommerce stores, and much more. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!
Why Advertise on Instagram?
Let’s start with why your eCommerce business needs to use Instagram ads. To begin, it’s helpful to understand how Instagram works for your eCommerce business and its benefits. Simply put, Instagram is a powerful tool that can increase brand awareness, reach potential customers, and increase sales.
How Does Instagram Work For Your eCommerce Business?
There are two primary ways Instagram works for your eCommerce business:
Increasing reach
The first way Instagram can work for your eCommerce business is by increasing reach. By definition, reach is the number of people who see your content. And the more people see your content, the more likely you increase sales.
Connecting with potential customers
The second way Instagram works for your eCommerce business is by connecting with potential customers. Instagram allows you to connect with potential customers in a number of ways, including through hashtags, comments, and direct messages.
The Benefits of Using Instagram Ads to Increase eCommerce Sales
- Brand Awareness: Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users, which gives your eCommerce business the chance to increase its brand awareness on a global scale.
- Reach Potential Customers: Not only does Instagram have a large number of users, but it’s also incredibly effective at reaching potential customers.
- Increase Sales: Ultimately, the goal of any eCommerce business is to increase sales. And luckily, Instagram can help you do just that. By expanding your reach and connecting with potential customers, you’re more likely to increase sales.
- Cost-Effective: Instagram is a cost-effective way to increase eCommerce sales, if you’re not getting any.
- Generate leads: Instagram ads can also be used to generate leads. For example, you can use an Instagram ad to drive people to a landing page where they can enter their contact information in exchange for a discount or free shipping on their first purchase.
Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of advertising on Instagram, let’s take a look at how you can create successful ads.
What Do You Need To Get Started?
One of the first things you’ll need to do is switch from a personal Instagram account to a business account. This will give you access to essential features like Instagram Shopping and Instagram Insights.
To switch to a business account, tap on the three lines in the top-right corner of your profile. Then, tap “Settings” and scroll down until you see “Switch to Business Profile.” Once you’ve switched to a business account, you can start creating ads.
Choose an objective
When creating an ad on Instagram, you’ll need to choose an objective. Your objective will determine what kind of ad you create and where it’s shown. For example, if your objective is brand awareness, you might create an ad shown in the News Feed. But if your objective is to increase sales, you might create an ad shown in the Shopping section.
Create an ad
Once you’ve chosen your objective, you’ll need to create your ad. To do this, you’ll need to provide basic information about your business, like your website URL, and a description of your products or services. You’ll also need to choose how much you want to spend on your ad and when you want it to run.
(We’ll share some hot tips for creating Instagram ads later in this post, so don’t miss it!)
Launch your ad
After you’ve created your ad, it’s time to launch it. Once your ad is live, Instagram will start showing it to people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. And as people see and interact with your ad, you’ll be able to track its performance using Instagram Insights.
Track your ad’s performance
By tracking the performance of your ad, you can see how well it’s performing and make changes accordingly. For example, if your ad isn’t getting a lot of views, you might want to increase your budget or change the image. Watch for key metrics like reach, impressions, and clicks.
Hot Tips For Creating Successful Instagram Ads
Now that you know how to create Instagram ads let’s take a look at some hot tips for creating successful ads.
Use high-quality images
People are visual creatures, so it’s important to use high-quality images in your ad. After all, if your image is low quality, people might not even bother reading your ad copy. So make sure to use bright, vibrant, attention-grabbing images relevant to your products or services.
Keep your ad copy short and sweet
When writing ad copy, less is more. Write short, concise copy that clearly explains what you’re offering. And make sure to include a call-to-action (CTA) so people know what they should do next.
Use relevant hashtags
Hashtags are an awesome way to increase the reach of your ad and connect with potential customers. When creating an ad, be sure to include relevant hashtags that describe your products or services. For example, if you sell skincare products, you might use hashtags like #skincare, #beauty, or #wellness.
Run A/B tests
Suppose you’re not sure which ad is performing better, run an A/B test! An A/B test is when you create two similar ads and then show each ad to a different group of people. Then, after some time, you can compare the performance of each ad and see which one did better.
Know your target audience
It’s essential to know your target audience before you create an ad. After all, how will you create an ad that appeals to them if you don’t know who you’re trying to reach? So when creating an ad, be sure to keep your target audience in mind and tailor your ad accordingly.
To get to know your target audience, you can use Instagram Insights. Instagram Insights is a tool that provides information about the people who follow you on Instagram. By identifying & understanding your target audience, you can create ads that are more likely to resonate with them.
Creating successful Instagram ads doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow these hot tips, and you’ll be on your way to increasing your eCommerce sales in no time!
TYPES OF INSTAGRAM ADS
But if you’re new to Instagram ads, you might also be wondering about the different types of Instagram ads you have to choose from. Luckily, there are all kinds! But we know with so many options it can be overwhelming to pick the right choice for your eCommerce ads. So next, let’s talk about the seven different types of Instagram ads and when to use them.
Photo ads
A photo ad is a single image with a text overlay. They’re excellent for promoting products or services and can be used to increase brand awareness or drive website traffic. If you go this route, use high-quality images and keep your ad copy short and sweet. Stick to the rule of thumb: one image, one message. Then, add a CTA, so people know what you want them to do next.
Stories ads
Stories ads are full-screen, vertical videos or images that appear between people’s stories. They can be up to 15 seconds long and can include text, emojis, music, and sound.
Stories ads are a good way to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience on Instagram. And because they’re full-screen and vertically oriented, they’re attention-grabbing and easy to consume.
Carousel ads
Carousel ads are a type of ad that allows you to showcase multiple products or services in a single ad. They consist of multiple images or videos that people can swipe through, and each image or video can include its own link.
Carousel ads are a good way to increase engagement and conversions. Because they allow you to show multiple products or services, they’re especially well-suited for eCommerce businesses.
Video ads
Video ads are a type of ad that help you showcase your products or services in a short video format. They can be up to 60 seconds long and include text, music, and sound.
Video ads are an effective way to increase brand awareness and reach a broader audience on Instagram. And because they’re attention-grabbing and easy to consume, they’re also an effective way to get your message across.
If you want to increase brand awareness or reach a larger audience on Instagram, video ads are a powerful option at your disposal!
Collection ads
Collection ads are a type of ad that showcases multiple products in a single ad. They consist of a cover image or video and four smaller images beneath it. Each image is clickable and can link to a different product page.
Collection ads are similar to carousel ads but have a few key differences. First, collection ads have a cover image or video, while carousel ads do not. Second, collection ads can link to product pages, while carousel ads cannot.
Instant experiences
Instant experiences allow you to showcase your products in a full-screen, immersive experience. They’re designed to capture people’s attention and increase conversions by making it easy for people to learn about and purchase your products.
To create an instant experience, create a new Instagram ad and select the “Instant Experience” option. Then, upload the images and videos you want to include in your ad and add links for each product. Once you’re done, publish your ad and drive traffic to your store!
Ads in explore
Finally, you can also place ads in explore, the tab people see when searching for new content on Instagram. Explore ads are a helpful way to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience, as they allow you to show your products or services to people who might not be familiar with your brand.
To create an explore ad, create a new Instagram ad and select the “Explore” option. Then, upload the images and videos you want to include in your ad and add links for each product. Once it’s published, it can start driving traffic to your eCommerce store.
Tips For Creating High-Converting Instagram Ads
We’ve talked a bit about setting up successful ads on Instagram, but let’s dive even deeper into creating the ads that will get you the best conversions.
Here are five must-have components for high-converting Instagram ads:
Professional photos
These are (usually) a must for any Instagram ad. People are visual creatures, and high-quality images will help your ad stand out from the rest. If you don’t have professional photos of your products, consider hiring a photographer, buying a professional camera to take them yourself, or using stock photos.
Captivating ad copy
In addition to professional photos, your ad copy should be captivating and persuasive. Write copy that speaks to your target audience and tells them why they need your product. Remember to include a call-to-action (CTA) that encourages people to take the next step, whether it’s visiting your website or buying from your shop.
User-generated content
User-generated content (UGC) is another excellent way to increase conversions on Instagram. UGC is content your customers or fans create and can be incredibly powerful. In addition, people trust other people more than they trust brands, so UGC can help increase conversions by building trust and credibility.
To get started with UGC, ask your customers or fans to post photos or videos of themselves using your product and to tag your brand. You can also run contests or giveaways encouraging people to create and share UGC. For example, you could offer a discount code to the first 10 people who post a photo of themselves with your product.
Videos
Videos are another useful tool to increase conversions on Instagram. They’re eye-catching, engaging, and informative, which makes them perfect for driving traffic to your store.
Micro-influencers
Lastly, micro-influencers can be a great asset for increasing conversions on Instagram. Micro-influencers are people with a small but engaged following who are seen as credible and trustworthy by their followers.
How To Use Instagram Stories Ads For Your eCommerce Store
Next, let’s talk specifically about Instagram Stories ads and how you can use them for your eCommerce store. Instagram Stories are a powerful way to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience, as they allow you to show your products or services to people who might not be familiar with your brand.
To create an Instagram Stories ad, create a new Instagram ad and select the “Stories” option. Then, upload the images or videos you want to include in your ad and add links for each product. Once it’s published, it can start driving traffic to your eCommerce store.
Introducing Instagram Reels Ads & How To Use Them
Instagram Reels Ads are becoming increasingly popular and for a good reason. They’re an incredibly effective way to increase reach and engagement, and they’re perfect for eCommerce stores.
To create an Instagram Reel ad, create a new Instagram ad and select the “Reels” option. Then, upload the video you want to use for your ad and add links for each product. Once you’re done, publish your ad and drive traffic to your store!
How to Set Up Instagram Ads
Next, we’ll do a quick walkthrough of how to setup Instagram Ads with Facebook’s Business manager as well as creating ads directly on Instagram (although this option isn’t recommended)
Setup Instagram Ads With Facebook’s Business Manager
If you want to create Instagram Ads, the best way to do it is through Facebook’s Business Manager. Facebook owns Instagram, so they can offer many features and options you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll start by creating a new account or logging in to your existing Business Manager account. Once logged in, click the “Create Ad” button and select the “Instagram” option. From there, you can choose your ad format, budget, and target audience.
Creating Ads Directly On Instagram
You can also create ads directly on Instagram, although this option isn’t recommended. This is because you won’t have access to as many features and options as you would if you were to create your ad through Facebook’s Business Manager.
To create an ad on Instagram, simply log in to your Instagram account and click on the “Promote” button. From there, you’ll be able to choose your ad format, budget, and target audience.
Best Instagram Ads Strategies For Ecommerce
Now let’s get into some eCommerce-specific tips for Instagram ads.
Purchase from your Instagram Shop
Instagram Shopping offers a seamless way for customers to purchase products directly from your Instagram posts and Stories. To set up Instagram Shopping, you’ll need to create a business profile and connect it to your Facebook Shop. Once that’s done, you can start tagging products in your posts and Stories.
To encourage people to purchase from your Instagram Shop, post high-quality photos, and videos showing off your products in use. You should also include CTAs in your posts and Stories, such as “Shop Now” or “Buy Now.”
Get your audience from Instagram to your email tool
You want to get your audience into your database so you can remarket to them and increase LTV. You can do this by using a tool like Klaviyo, which allows you to capture emails from people who visit your website as well as specific landing pages.
Klaviyo also can create automated email flows such as an abandoned cart series or a browse abandonment series. These are handy ways to increase revenue and increase the chance of someone returning to purchase on your site
Run flash sales
People love a good deal, so running flash sales and limited-time offers is a great way to increase sales on your eCommerce store. And because Instagram is all about visuals, it’s the perfect platform to promote these types of sales.
When running a flash sale or limited-time offer, create eye-catching images and videos highlighting the discount. You should also include a clear CTA that tells people how to take advantage of the sale.
Test, test & more testing
We’ve already talked about A/B testing, but it’s worth mentioning it again because it’s so important. The best way to increase sales on your eCommerce store is to constantly test different ad campaigns, images, videos, CTAs, and more.
You’ll need to use a tool like Facebook’s Ads Manager to do this effectively. This will allow you to track the performance of each ad and make changes accordingly.
And that’s it! These are just a few ways to increase sales on your eCommerce store with Instagram ads. So if you’re not already using Instagram to promote your business, now is the time to start.
Why Use Instagram to Increase Your Sales Online?
Before we go, let’s go over a few final reasons to convince you to start using Instagram to increase eCommerce sales if you’re still on the fence.
Demographics Align With Many eCommerce Industries
The first reason to use Instagram to increase eCommerce sales is that the demographics align with many eCommerce industries. For example, if you sell beauty products, fashion, or anything else that requires visuals, then Instagram is an excellent platform for promoting your business.
More Inclined to Purchase Products
Another reason to use Instagram to increase eCommerce sales is that people are more inclined to purchase products when they see them on Instagram. This is because Instagram allows businesses to show off their products in a way that is visually appealing and easy to understand.
Additionally, Instagram makes it easy for users to purchase products directly from the platform. With features like Instagram Shopping and links to external websites, businesses can make it easy for customers to buy their products without ever leaving the app.
More Engagement Than Facebook Or Any Other Social Media Platform
Besides TikTok, Instagram has more engagement than Facebook or any other social media platform. This means that when you post on Instagram, you’re more likely to get likes, comments, and shares than you would on any other platform.
And when it comes to promoting your eCommerce business, engagement is key. The more people who see your posts and are interested in what you’re selling, the more likely you are to increase sales.
Build From Existing Content
Instagram Ads also lets you build from existing content. For example, if you have product photos on your website or other social media platforms, you can easily repurpose them for Instagram.
Or, if you have videos of customers using your products, you can upload those to Instagram as well. Again, this is a strategic way to increase eCommerce sales because it allows you to show off your products in a way that is already familiar to your audience.
Turn Your Catalog into an Ad
Finally, one of the best features of Instagram Ads for eCommerce is that you can turn your catalog into an ad. This means that if you have a large inventory of products, you can create an ad that includes all of them.
This is a terrific way to increase eCommerce sales because it allows customers to see everything that you have to offer in one place. Plus, it makes it easy for them to purchase multiple items simultaneously.
If you’re searching for a social media platform that will allow you to increase eCommerce sales, then Instagram is a perfect choice. With its large and engaged user base, easy-to-use features, and ability to turn your catalog into an ad, Instagram is a powerful tool that any business should use.
Increase Your eCommerce Sales with Instagram Ads Today
There you have it! All the tips and info you need to create and run Instagram ads will increase your business’s eCommerce sales. If you’d like more hands-on help and guidance, get in touch with the team of eCommerce experts at Blue Water Marketing.
