Instagram is a powerful platform for advertising, but it's important to approach it strategically. If you're considering advertising on Instagram, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your efforts. Here are five mistakes that professional Instagram advertisers know to avoid.

Not Defining Your Target Audience.

One of the biggest mistakes that Instagram advertisers make is not defining their target audience. Without a clear understanding of who your ideal customer is, you won't be able to create effective ads that resonate with them. Take the time to research your target audience and create buyer personas that outline their demographics, interests, and pain points. This will help you create ads that speak directly to their needs and increase the likelihood of conversion. Also, within Instagram you can specifically choose the demographics and interests of the people who you want to see your ads. Make your money count and make sure you are clear on who should see your advertisements.

Ignoring the Importance of Visuals.

Instagram is a visual platform, and your ads need to reflect that. One of the biggest mistakes that advertisers make is not putting enough effort into the visual aspect of their ads. Your ad needs to be eye-catching, visually appealing, and on-brand. Use high-quality images or videos that showcase your product or service in the best possible light. Don't forget to use Instagram's built-in editing tools to enhance your visuals and make them stand out. I️ recommend looking back at old posts and seeing what performed the best in the past.

Are you trying to convey a lot of information? Try utilizing a carousel post with text broken up on each swipe page to avoid cramming too much information into one tiny Instagram square.

If you are trying to sell more work, then make sure to showcase the work in homes similar to those of your ideal customer. Help the client envision the work in their own home. Remember, people can’t always make the connection of how a piece will look in their space versus online so help facilitate that connection for them by showcasing the work hung in well-designed spaces.

Spending Too Much Too Soon.

One of the biggest mistakes that Instagram advertisers make is spending too much too soon. It's important to start with a small budget and test your ads to see what works best before investing a large amount of money. This will help you avoid wasting your budget on ads that don't perform well. Start with a small budget and gradually increase it as you see positive results.

Also, a little can go a long way if the ad is effective. I️ recommend testing one ad at a time and then making more of what works. I️ also think ads that are spread out over a longer period of time work better. Why? It takes someone seeing something multiple times to act on it. If you show them your ad over the course of 3 days they might not click, but if they see it every day for a week they might choose to learn more.

Not Testing Your Ads.

Testing your ads is crucial to the success of your Instagram advertising campaign. Many advertisers make the mistake of not testing their ads before launching them, which can result in wasted budget and poor performance. A/B testing allows you to compare different versions of your ad to see which one performs better. Test different elements such as the image, caption, call-to-action, and targeting to optimize your ad for maximum results. Test a few ads with a small budget then expand on what works.

Neglecting to Monitor Your Results.

One of the biggest mistakes Instagram advertisers make is neglecting to monitor their results. It’s important to track your ad performance to see what’s working and what’s not. This will allow you to make adjustments and optimize your ads for better results. Use Instagram’s built-in analytics tools to track metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions. You can also use third-party tools to get more detailed insights into your ad performance. Don’t make the mistake of setting and forgetting your ads – monitor them regularly to ensure you’re getting the best results possible.

I️ hope you enjoyed learning about the 5 mistakes to avoid when creating Instagram ads for your art. Want to dive deeper? Learn more about this topic and every other topic I️ write about on this blog through joining the membership!