In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali breaks down the complete, step-by-step process for running Instagram ads that actually convert. Whether you’re brand new to paid social or looking to tighten your system, Nickolas walks you through how to turn strangers into followers, leads, and customers—without wasting ad spend. He covers how to select the right campaign objective, define your target audience, create thumb-stopping visuals, and write short, high-converting ad copy. You’ll also learn how to start small, test efficiently, and scale the right creative for consistent growth.
Packed with practical insights, simple formulas, and relatable humor, this episode helps demystify Instagram Ads Manager and equips you with the mindset and tactics to grow your brand faster. Nickolas also shares a free guide in the show notes detailing the exact KPIs to track during your first 7, 14, and 30 days of running ads, helping you set realistic expectations and make smarter optimization decisions from day one.
Takeaways
Choose your campaign objective based on your end goal: followers, leads, or sales.
Target effectively by using interests, behaviors, or custom/lookalike audiences.
Use native-looking creative that blends in with organic posts for better performance.
Craft ad visuals with a strong hook, a single clear idea, and a call-to-action.
Keep copy short and direct—Instagram users scroll fast.
Use the proven formula: Problem → Agitate → Solve → CTA.
Launch with a small daily budget ($5–$20) and gather data before scaling.
Test 3–5 variations of your ad creative to identify top performers.
Focus on cost-per-result metrics, not vanity metrics like likes or comments.
Cut underperformers after 5–7 days and scale winners gradually.
View ads as paid learning—iterate, test, and improve consistently.
Use KPIs from days 7, 14, and 30 to benchmark progress and expectations.
Chapters
00:00 The power of Instagram ads
00:31 Choosing the right campaign objective
01:10 Understanding and targeting your ideal audience
01:58 Creating magnetic, scroll-stopping visuals
02:45 Writing clear, short, and persuasive ad copy
03:25 Example breakdown of effective ad copy
04:00 How to launch small and optimize smart
04:55 Key metrics to focus on and avoid vanity metrics
05:14 Testing, learning, and scaling winning ads
05:40 Final thoughts and free KPI tracking guide in the show notes
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