Why Most Instagram Ads Suck—How to Make Yours Unstoppable

Instagram is home to 1.3 billion users. But most businesses waste their ad budget on campaigns that just blend into the background.

If you want your ads to stand out, they need to stop people in their tracks. Let’s talk about how to make your Instagram ads work.

Why Instagram Ads Are a Goldmine (If You Know How to Use Them)

Instagram isn’t just for Gen Z. 30% of users are 35+, and with Meta’s targeting, you can reach exactly who you need. That’s a huge opportunity—if your ads are up to the challenge.

The Ad Formats That Get Results (And the Ones You’re Probably Using Wrong)

Instagram gives you plenty of options, but these are the ones that actually get engagement:

1. Photo Ads: One striking image that pops. If it doesn’t grab attention immediately, it’s lost.
2. Carousel Ads: Use these to showcase a story or a product collection with up to 10 images or videos. Each slide has to earn its spot.
3. Video Ads: You’ve got 60 seconds, but the first 10 seconds are critical. Open with something visually powerful to hold attention.
4. Reels Ads: The format that works for fast, snappy content. 30 seconds?max and seamlessly blended into the Reels feed.
5. Story Ads: Perfect for fast-paced, emotion-driven ads. Keep it sharp, with your message up front—people flick through these fast.
6. Explore Ads: These appear where users are already discovering new content. Reach a wider audience while they’re actively looking for something fresh.
7. Shopping Ads: Add product tags so users can buy directly from your ad. Perfect for pushing seasonal products?or exclusive releases.

Stop Writing Ads That Get Ignored

Weak copy is what kills most Instagram ads. Take this:

“We’ve developed a new system that can help generate leads for home service businesses.”

No punch. No impact. Let’s fix it:

“We generate leads for home service businesses. You in?”

Direct, simple, and strong.

Best Practices for Instagram Ads That Crush It

Here’s how to make sure your ads are a success:

1. Grab Attention in 3 Seconds: If your ad doesn’t stop them right away, they’re gone. Use bold visuals?or a strong headline.
2. A/B Test Everything: Different visuals, different copy, different CTAs. Test it all. Find what works and scale it. If it doesn’t work, cut it.
3. Monitor Your Metrics: Keep a close eye on your clicks, conversions, and engagement rates. Ads aren’t set-and-forget—keep adjusting.

Real Brand Success Stories

Here’s how the pros do it:

• Starbucks: Their ads mix bold, vibrant imagery with simple CTAs. Selling more of a lifestyle and status to buyers.
• OREO: With their OREOVERSE?campaign, they took engagement to the next level with an interactive, virtual world. It worked—cookies sold out fast.

• Nike: Always the master of storytelling. Their video ads for the Phantom shoes pulled in 17 million views?by tapping into emotion and action.

Bottom Line

Instagram ads are powerful when they’re done right. It’s all about grabbing attention fast, testing what works, and making sure every ad delivers.

Ready to take your Instagram ads to the next level? Let’s make it happen.

www.thresults.com

Speak soon,

Thomas