How to Do Affiliate Marketing with Instagram Ads?

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There’s no doubt that Instagram is one of the hottest social media platforms right now. Now, what we’re interested in here is how to make Instagram a perfect platform for affiliate marketers. The main problem is the unique and original content. How can you stand out?

To be honest, as an affiliate marketer, Instagram surely is perfect for reaching out to tons of people through ads. So, let’s get this train moving and see Instagram ads cost, how they work, and what they actually are. 

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Instagram Ads and Affiliate Marketing

How do these two go hand in hand? Well, it’s simple. Instagram is a platform where people spend time, and affiliate marketing is a way to earn money off of these people. Easy, right? Think twice here.

Types of Instagram Ad Formats

Before we go any further, let’s look at ad types on Instagram. 

• Image ads: These are simple ads that use one image to show off your affiliate product.
• Video ads: Video ads are the same as image ads but in video format. 
• Carousel ads: This type of ad mixes both video and image ads. 
• Stories ads: Story ads are short-video ads that pop out when people are listing stories. 
• Reels ads: Reels ads work the same as story ads just with the Reels format. 

What to do with affiliate links?

You may ask. Well, as you may know, Instagram doesn’t allow links in posts, namely – if you locate one there, it won’t be clickable. Instead, you can locate links easily in your Stories:

Your account bio:

Instagram Reels:

Getting Started with Instagram Ads

Now that we know what ads are, let’s see some Instagram ad specs.

1. Create an Instagram Ads Manager account: Go to the Instagram Ads Manager website and set up your account.
2. Set campaign goals and budget: Decide what you want to achieve – brand awareness, website traffic, or lead generation – and set a daily or monthly budget. You might be asking, what’s the cost for Instagram ads – the truth is, it varies.
3. Target your audience: To do so,  use demographics, behaviors, and custom audiences features. 
4. Design ads: Make sure to really learn how to create Instagram ads, this is where you’re business will shine. 
5. Launch and monitor: Start your campaigns and monitor their performance with Instagram analytics. You can also keep tabs in the Instagram ad library.

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Strategies and Techniques for Effective Instagram Ads

Probably the best way to understand how Instagram ads work is to learn about some strategies.

Next, write an ad copy that really makes people think twice. Keep it short, engaging, and persuasive. Also, don’t forget about strategic hashtag usage. Relevant hashtags can help increase the visibility of your ads and help you reach a wider audience.

Another important thing is to consider influencer partnerships, too. Teaming up with influencers who match your niche can help you promote your affiliate offers to their engaged followers.

Finally, make sure to track and analyze your campaigns. Keep an eye on key metrics like impressions, reach, engagement, and website clicks to ensure your campaigns are performing well.

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Pros and Cons of Instagram Ads for Affiliate Marketing

Before jumping into your campaign, it’s important to know the pros and cons of Instagram Ads.

Pros:

• Visual platform: Great for showcasing products with stunning images and videos.
• Engaged audience: Users actively like, comment, and share content.
• Variety of ad formats: Choose from image, video, carousel, and Stories ads.
• Precise targeting: Reach specific demographics and interests easily.

Cons:

• Cost: Ads can get pricey, especially in competitive niches.
• High competition: Many businesses are already advertising here.
• Link restrictions: Clickable links are mostly limited to your bio and Stories for larger accounts.

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Regulations and Restrictions for Instagram Affiliate Marketing

Creating Instagram ads is just the start; don’t forget that. You also need to understand the rules and restrictions to avoid getting your campaign or account banned.

FTC Guidelines

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says you have to let your audience know if you might earn a commission from purchases made through your affiliate links. This disclosure should be clear and easy to spot.

Instagram’s Advertising Policies 

Instagram has rules about what you can promote and how your ads should look and feel. Make sure you follow these guidelines to avoid any issues.

Community Guidelines 

Instagram doesn’t allow content that’s harmful, misleading, or violates copyright laws. Keep your ads honest and safe.

Restricted Categories

Some product categories have extra rules or need specific disclosures. It’s essential to check the regulations for your niche, including Instagram ad dimensions and specifications.

Link Placement

Instagram has strict rules about where you can put clickable links. In feed posts, links usually only go in your bio. In Stories, you can use links, but only if you have a certain number of followers.

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Tips and Advice for Affiliate Marketers on Instagram

We understand that being original these days is quite hard, there’s always someone who tried the idea you have. But why don’t you focus on quality, then? In that case, here are some tips on how to run Instagram ads.

• Be as authentic as you can. Promote products that genuinely fit your audience’s interests and your niche.
• Use sharp, high-resolution images and creative editing to show off your affiliate products.
• Your captions should do more than describe the product. Highlight benefits, share a story, and include a clear call to action (CTA) to encourage clicks on your affiliate link.
• Keep an eye on how your campaigns are performing using Instagram analytics. 

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Instagram Ads Examples and Ideal Verticals

Possibly, the best way to get a picture of Instagram ads is to see examples and learn about the best niches.

Examples of Successful Instagram Ad Campaigns

• Airbnb: This travel platform uses images to “sell” experiences. 
• HelloFresh: They leverage video ads to show how easy it is to stay healthy in today’s world. 
• Fashion Nova: They use Stories ads to show their latest clothing lines – again, it “sells” luxury, experience, and style, not the product. 

Verticals That Shine on Instagram

While Instagram ads work across various niches, some perform especially well:

• eCommerce
• Health and Wellness
• Beauty and Fashion
• Travel and Hospitality
• Food and Beverage

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Conclusion

So, with all said and done, it’s clear that Instagram is a go-to place for all who like advertising through videos and images. Knowing exactly how much Instagram ads are will help you make your budget, and therefore you can start. 

You’re now all set up to start your affiliate marketing campaign on Instagram, just remember – it’s all about how you present yourself and your product to your audience.