What does an Instagram Ads manager do?

An Instagram Ads manager is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing Instagram advertising campaigns for businesses. Their role could involve content creation, ad optimization, general campaign management, and organic social media work on various platforms.

Here are some key responsibilities of an Instagram Ads manager:

Instagram advertising strategy

An Instagram Ads expert develops a comprehensive advertising strategy aligned with the business goals. They conduct research, identify target audiences, and determine the best ad formats and placements to achieve optimal results.

Content creation 

Social media ads manager creates visually appealing and engaging ad content that aligns with the brand's aesthetics. They work with designers, copywriters, and other creative professionals to develop eye-catching visuals, compelling copy, and compelling calls to action.

User-generated content 

Leveraging user-generated content is a vital aspect of Instagram advertising. Social advertising managers encourage and curate user-generated content that showcases real customers' experiences, which can enhance brand credibility and resonate with the target audience.

Influencer marketing campaigns 

Collaborating with relevant influencers can amplify the reach and impact of Instagram ad campaigns. Ads managers identify suitable influencers, negotiate partnerships, and oversee influencer marketing campaigns to leverage the influencers' reach and engagement with their audience.

Reporting and optimization

Monitoring and analyzing campaign performance is crucial for success. Instagram ad managers track key metrics, generate reports, and derive insights to optimize ad campaigns. They make data-driven decisions to refine targeting, messaging, and creative elements for continuous improvement.

Why should you hire someone to manage your Instagram Ads?

Hiring an Instagram Ads manager offers numerous benefits for businesses. Here are a few reasons why you should consider bringing in an expert to manage your Instagram advertising:

Expertise and experience 

Instagram marketing managers have specialized knowledge and experience in running successful ad campaigns. They understand the platform's nuances, best practices, and the latest trends, allowing them to develop effective strategies tailored to your business.

So many companies hire rookies and expect to get results. In reality, it takes years to learn best practices, A/B test copy and creatives, and in-depth knowledge of what works and what doesn't.

Save time and money 

Managing ads on any social media platform requires time and effort. It's not a one-and-done kind of task. You must set up the campaigns, design the creatives, and constantly optimize the targeting and keywords.

By outsourcing this channel to a dedicated professional, you can focus on other aspects of your business while ensuring your ad campaigns receive expert attention.

Maximize ROI

Instagram Ads experts are skilled in optimizing ad campaigns for maximum social media engagement and ROI. They use targeting, messaging, and creative optimization to help you achieve better campaign results and generate more conversions.

Gain industry insights

Instagram Ads specialists stay updated on the latest industry trends, algorithm changes, and advertising features. Their insights and knowledge can give your business a competitive edge and ensure you stay ahead of the curve.

5 Things you should consider before hiring an Instagram Ads Specialist

Before hiring a social media expert, there are several factors you should consider. These considerations will help you find the right professional who aligns with your business goals and requirements. Here are five essential aspects to evaluate:

Experience in your niche 

It's crucial to find an Instagram Ads specialist who has experience working in your specific industry or niche. They will understand the unique challenges, target audience preferences, and effective strategies for your market.

Proven track record 

Look for a digital marketing expert who can demonstrate a track record of success. Request case studies, client testimonials, or examples of previous campaigns they have managed to assess their ability to deliver results.

Ad budget 

Consider your ad budget and discuss it with potential candidates. Some specialists may have a minimum spend requirement, while others may be flexible. Ensure their pricing aligns with your budget, expectations, and project scope. The budget matters a great deal here. The more ad dollars you have to spend, the more A/B testing you can run. 

Full-time or ad-hoc basis 

Determine whether you need a full-time social media ads expert or someone to work on an ad-hoc basis. This decision depends on your business needs, the scale of your advertising efforts, and the number of campaigns you want to run.

Cultural fit 

Assess the compatibility of the Instagram Ads specialist with your company culture and values. Communication style, responsiveness, and collaboration are essential for a successful partnership.

What are the top skills an Instagram Ads expert should have?

To ensure you hire a proficient Instagram Ads specialist, here are the top skills to look for:

In-depth platform knowledge 

Your social media marketing expert should have a comprehensive understanding of the Instagram platform, including its features, ad formats, targeting options, and policies. They should also know how to work with various social media tools (such as creative tools to schedule ad campaigns and analytics tools to report on the results).

Creative thinking 

The right person should possess the creativity to develop visually appealing and engaging ad content that stands out in users' feeds and captures attention. 

Analytical Skills 

Analyzing campaign performance data, identifying trends, and making data-driven optimization decisions is crucial for an Instagram Ads expert.

Targeting and segmentation expertise

A professional ads manager can effectively segment audiences and target the right demographics, interests, and behaviors to maximize campaign relevance and performance.

Continuous learning

Instagram's advertising landscape is ever-evolving, and a good ads manager keeps up with the latest trends, algorithm changes, and best practices to ensure the highest level of campaign effectiveness.

How to hire the perfect Instagram Ads Manager in 4 Steps

When you're ready to hire an Instagram Ads manager, follow these four steps to find the perfect candidate:

1. Pick Your Goals: Clearly define your advertising goals and objectives. Determine what you want to achieve with your Instagram ad campaigns, whether it's increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or generating conversions.
2. Define the Scope: Consider the scope of work required for your campaigns. Decide whether you need assistance with strategy development, ad creative production, campaign management, or all of these elements.
3. Write a Job Description: Craft a detailed job description that outlines your requirements, including experience, skills, budget, and any other specifications. This description will attract suitable candidates who meet your criteria.
4. Hire on Mayple: Consider utilizing Mayple, a platform that connects businesses with pre-vetted marketing experts. Mayple offers a curated network of Instagram Ads specialists with a proven success track record.

Questions to ask your Instagram expert before you hire them

It's important to ask your candidates the right questions to filter through false promises and get to work with the right people. Here is a list of some questions you should ask.

1. Ask to see their portfolio.
2. How many clients have they managed?
3. Would they work with in-house designers, or do they create the designs themselves?
4.  Do they have experience running ads on other platforms? (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, 
5. Do they offer other marketing services?
6. What kind of campaign budgets do they have the most experience with?
7. What do they cost per month? Are there any additional costs?
8. What kind of conversion rate have they seen from similar work?
9. What are their management fees?