Instagram isn’t just for pretty pictures — it’s one of the most effective paid social platforms for reaching high-intent audiences and driving real business results. But running Instagram ads that actually convert takes more than a boosted post and a trendy filter.

At Sitting Pretty Creative, we help brands of all sizes plan, build, and scale Instagram ad campaigns that don’t just blend in — they perform. Whether you’re new to Instagram Ads or looking to improve ROI, here’s a breakdown of how to do it right.

(Looking to advertise on Facebook too? Check out our article on How to Run Ads on Facebook for a step-by-step breakdown.)

Step 1: Use Meta Ads Manager — Not the Boost Button

Although Instagram has an in-app “boost” feature, running ads through Meta Ads Manager unlocks far more capabilities — better targeting, advanced objectives, split testing, and real performance data.

Instagram ads are managed through the same backend as Facebook, so if you’re already familiar with that platform, you’ll feel right at home here. If not, don’t worry — Sitting Pretty Creative can handle the entire setup for you.

Step 2: Connect Your Instagram to Business Manager

Make sure your Instagram account is linked to your Meta Business Manager and your brand’s Facebook Page. This integration is what allows you to run full-featured ad campaigns and track performance accurately.

If you’re not sure where to start, we help clients get their accounts structured properly before we even run a single ad.

Step 3: Choose Your Campaign Objective

Meta Ads Manager offers a range of objectives for Instagram campaigns, including:

• Awareness (maximize visibility and reach)

   

• Traffic (drive visitors to your site or landing page)
• Engagement (boost likes, comments, and shares)
• Leads (collect form fills directly within the app)
• Sales (promote products and track purchases)

Choosing the right objective matters — and it’s one of the first things we align with your brand goals before launching any campaign.

Step 4: Define and Segment Your Audience

Instagram allows advanced audience targeting based on:

• Location, age, gender, and interests

   

• Engagement with your Instagram or Facebook content
• Website activity tracked via the Meta Pixel
• Lookalike audiences built from your best-performing customers

We don’t just target — we strategically segment. At Sitting Pretty Creative, we use behavioral data, competitor analysis, and real-time experimentation to dial in audiences that are most likely to convert.

Step 5: Design Creative That Stops the Scroll

Instagram is a visual-first platform — which means your creative can’t afford to be average. To stand out, your ads need:

• Bold visuals or video designed for Reels, Stories, and the Feed

   

• Copy that’s clear, benefit-driven, and platform-native
• A strong call-to-action (like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Book Today”)

We tailor ad creative for every placement and format — and we test multiple variations to find what drives real performance.

Step 6: Launch, Analyze, and Optimize

Once your Instagram ad is live, the work has just begun. Success comes from:

• Monitoring metrics like CTR, CPM, ROAS, and conversion rate

   

• Running A/B tests across audiences, creatives, and placements
• Making informed optimizations based on performance data

As a full-service paid social agency, we take over the heavy lifting so you can focus on growth — not guesswork.

The Bigger Picture: Instagram Ads Aren’t Standalone

Running Instagram ads in a vacuum won’t get you far. For real results, your campaigns need to be part of a broader full-funnel strategy — with coordinated retargeting, landing page alignment, and conversion tracking across platforms.

That’s where Sitting Pretty Creative comes in. We don’t just run ads — we engineer high-performing campaigns across Meta platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and beyond.

TL;DR: How to Run Instagram Ads the Right Way

Instagram Ads are powerful — but only when backed by strategy, creative, and data. From campaign setup to segmentation and scaling, it takes more than boosting a post to drive ROI.

At Sitting Pretty Creative, we help brands run smarter Instagram campaigns that lead to real, measurable growth.

Ready to Launch Smarter Instagram Ads?

Whether you’re a business owner looking to promote your brand or a marketer needing expert support, Sitting Pretty Creative can help. We specialize in setting up, managing, and optimizing Instagram ad campaigns that are built to perform — no matter your size or industry.

From technical setup and Pixel tracking to creative strategy and audience targeting, we take the guesswork out of paid social so you can focus on results.

Let’s build Instagram ads that work — for you or your business. Contact us today to get started.