Hello there! You’re probably here because you’re curious about running ads on Instagram and what they cost, particularly during 2019. Well, you’re in the right place. Instagram advertisements can be a game-changer for businesses looking to extend their reach and engage with a vibrant community. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Instagram ads in 2019—from costs to strategies—to make informed decisions about your marketing efforts.
Understanding Instagram Sponsored Ads
When I first considered using Instagram sponsored ads, I found myself asking the basic question: What exactly are they? Well, Instagram sponsored ads are posts or Stories for which businesses pay to serve to a targeted audience. They look similar to regular posts or Stories, except they have a “Sponsored” label, along with some potential call-to-action options.
These ads blend seamlessly into users’ feeds, making them a less intrusive and often more effective form of advertising. By 2019, Instagram had refined its ad offerings to include various types like photo ads, video ads, carousel ads, and more. This versatility means you can tailor your campaigns to fit a specific story, brand, or message.
Why Choose Sponsored Ads?
Before 2019, influencer marketing was all the rage. However, many businesses pivoted to Instagram’s sponsored ads due to their ability to reach targeted demographics at scale. The key wasn’t just about getting likes and comments but about driving real business value—be it through increased brand awareness, website visits, or product sales.
When I tested them for the first time, I noticed a distinct improvement in engagement compared to traditional advertising methods. It’s almost like being handed a magical wand that can direct your brand message straight to the right audience’s doorstep.
Are Instagram Ads Cheaper in Comparison?
As a business owner on a budget, cost is always top of mind when considering advertising options. You may wonder whether Instagram ads compare favorably to other platform costs. Here’s what I found after numerous campaigns and some heartfelt financial calculations in 2019.
While Instagram ads aren’t the cheapest form of digital advertising, they aren’t the most expensive either, particularly when you consider their potential ROI. In comparison to Facebook ads, which share the same advertising platform, Instagram ads tend to be more expensive due to their higher engagement rates. However, their conversion rates tend to justify these costs.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better when it comes to advertising. What genuinely matters is whether an ad’s cost aligns with the potential return. For my campaigns, I typically found that Instagram ads delivered a better CPM (cost per thousand impressions) when targeting a visually engaging product or lifestyle brand.
Moreover, Instagram’s audience tends to be more affluent and younger, which often translates into higher shopping intent. So, while you might dish out a little more per ad, you’re also likely tapping into a market that’s ready to act.
Instagram Advertising Cost Per Month
If you’re mapping out your monthly advertising budget, estimating the monthly cost of Instagram ads is crucial. I’ve had months where I invested just $100 and others where the budget ballooned to $5,000 depending on my objectives for that period.
In 2019, Instagram’s cost structure was heavily influenced by user demand and the competition for ad placements. According to experiences and industry data, most minimal campaigns could start from as low as $200 per month, but serious campaigns typically attracted a spend of anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per month.
Budgeting Wisely
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My advice? Start small, learn, and adjust. If you’re just dipping your toes into the Instagram ad waters, set a conservative budget, and monitor the results. As you grow more comfortable and understand which ads resonate with your audience, you can ramp up spending.
Be sure to anticipate fluctuations in pricing around key periods like holidays or major events where competition may drive up costs. This strategic planning ensured I got the most ad mileage, regardless of budget!
Is Paying for Instagram Ads Worth It?
A question I get asked a lot is whether spending money on Instagram ads pays off. If you’re unsure about diving into the financial commitment, let’s break it down, shall we?
From personal anecdote to countless testimonies from marketers, the general consensus seems to be a resounding yes—paying for Instagram ads can be worth the investment, especially if you’re clear about your goals and target audience.
Instagram’s sophisticated targeting options, such as interest targeting, custom audiences, and lookalike audiences, allow you to reach the right people, even when operating on a shoestring budget.
Measuring Success
To gauge if your investment is effective, you need to track metrics like conversion rates, click-through rates, and return on ad spend (ROAS). During one of my campaigns in 2019, keeping a keen eye on these metrics helped me tweak my strategy in real-time for better results.
Ultimately, the worth is subjective and relies on aligning ad spends with actionable goals. If executed well, Instagram ads can fuel significant growth and engagement—definitely making them worth it.
How to Advertise on Instagram for Free
Yes, it’s possible! When bootstrapping, you might want to take advantage of some free methods to promote your brand on Instagram. Trust me, even with a minimal to zero budget, effective promotion is still possible.
Strategies for Free Advertising
-
Cross-Promotion: Let’s say you have a decent following on Facebook; you can use that audience to drive followers to your Instagram. This can exponentially increase your reach without additional costs.
-
User-Generated Content: Encourage users to create content that features your product. This not only builds trust among your audience but also helps create organic hype around your offerings. I’ve found that customers love showcasing creative uses of products, which amplifies your brand voice.
-
Hashtag Strategy: Using trending and relevant hashtags can organically increase post reach. A smart hashtag strategy helped me capture an audience that genuinely cared about my brand narrative.
-
Engagement: Actively engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Authentic interaction can foster community and organically expand your brand reach.
How Much Do Instagram Ads Usually Cost?
The cost of running an Instagram ad boils down to several factors. From my experience and research in 2019, Instagram ads typically cost between $0.20 to $2 per click. The exact cost can vary based on elements like demographics, engagement rates, and timing.
Factors Influencing Cost
-
Audience Targeting: The broader the audience, the lower the cost. However, hyper-targeted ads, albeit pricier, can lead to better conversions.
-
Ad Placement: Ads placed within Stories often have a different pricing model compared to those in the feed because they tend to drive higher engagement rates.
-
Quality Score: Instagram assesses your ad’s relevance. A higher quality score can result in lower costs since your ad matches well with the targeted audience’s interests.
-
Time of Year: Competition spikes during holidays or sales seasons, driving up costs. When planning my ad campaigns, I’ve often had to weigh the benefit of increased visibility against the surge in ad rates.
Understanding these elements and planning accordingly can help tailor a cost-effective ad strategy.
How Much Are Instagram Ads 2019 Per Month?
In 2019, monthly costs for running Instagram ads could range significantly based on your goals and scale. For small businesses, monthly spend ranged from $200 to upwards of $2,000. Larger campaigns by bigger brands could see costs soar to $10,000 or more each month.
Analyzing Monthly Costs
-
Length of Campaign: The longer the campaign duration, the higher the monthly spend, although this could lead to a decrease in cost per result due to optimized targeting.
-
Purpose of Ad: Whether you’re aiming for brand awareness, conversions, or app installations, the objective will heavily dictate monthly budgets. When I was aiming solely at increasing brand reach, my costs were significantly lower than when I focused on direct sales.
-
Testing Phase: Initial campaign stages often require more financial input as you determine what resonates with your audience. However, once you identify the winning elements, costs may stabilize or decrease.
Setting a monthly budget that aligns with your expected ROI is essential. It allows you to adjust and adapt strategies swiftly to enhance ad performance.
Conclusion
Instagram advertising, especially in 2019, offered businesses an intriguing prospect for brand promotion and audience engagement. From adjusting your budgets to choosing the most effective ad types, this platform provides a plethora of opportunities for marketers who understand how to tap into its potential.
While costs can vary, the investment often pays off in reach and engagement if managed strategically. Whether you’re operating on a shoestring budget or have ample resources to deploy, understanding these intricacies will empower you to make informed decisions.
By integrating both paid and free strategies, your scope for growing and reaching the right people multiplies, offering a robust foundation for any successful marketing initiative on Instagram.
Your Turn!
Have you tried Instagram ads before, particularly around 2019? I’d love to hear about your experience, what worked, what didn’t, and any tips you might have. Feel free to drop a line or share this post with someone who might find it helpful. Happy advertising!
