Why Instagram Ads Work and Who Should Use an Instagram Ad Agency

Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into one of the most dynamic and high-converting digital advertising platforms. With over 2 billion active users and a visual-first, mobile-native design, it’s become a core channel for brands looking to capture attention, build community, and drive sales.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What makes Instagram such a powerful ad platform
• How brands are using it to drive performance
• Who stands to benefit most from working with an Instagram ad agency

If you’re wondering whether Instagram should be part of your paid media strategy, and whether hiring an Instagram ad agency can make the difference, read on.

The Power of Instagram as a Marketing Platform

Instagram isn’t just popular, it’s persuasive. It’s one of the most commercially effective social media platforms available today, and its evolution into a performance marketing powerhouse is a direct result of its unique blend of visual content, data-driven ad targeting, and user engagement. For brands and businesses, this combination creates a fertile ground for building awareness, trust, and conversions.

Audience Scale and Demographics

Instagram boasts 2 billion active users globally, with a particularly strong presence among users aged 18 to 44, a key demographic for many consumer brands. In the UK, over 35 million users are active on the platform, making it a critical channel for British businesses targeting both local and global audiences.

It’s not just the size of the audience that matters, but its behaviour. Instagram users:

• Check the platform multiple times a day.
• Spend an average of 30 minutes per day engaging with content.
• Follow brand accounts, not just personal contacts, around 90% of users follow at least one business.

This level of active engagement, combined with the platform’s mobile-first nature, makes Instagram one of the best places to reach consumers when they’re relaxed, receptive, and ready to engage.

Visual Content Drives Stronger Engagement

Instagram is a visual platform at its core. Its image-first format makes it ideal for storytelling, lifestyle content, product showcases, and immersive brand experiences.

For ecommerce, fashion, travel, beauty, fitness, and hospitality brands in particular, this visual appeal offers a huge advantage:

• Users are more likely to remember visual content.
• Image and video ads typically generate higher click-through rates (CTR) than text-based alternatives on other platforms.
• Product tags, carousel ads, and shoppable posts offer a seamless journey from discovery to conversion.

Instagram’s prioritisation of Reels and Stories, short, immersive video formats, is also in line with broader content consumption trends. Reels in particular are favoured by the algorithm and shown to drive higher engagement than static posts.

Sophisticated Targeting and Ad Infrastructure

Powered by Meta’s advertising engine, Instagram gives advertisers access to some of the most sophisticated ad targeting tools in the industry. Through the Meta Ads Manager, businesses can:

• Target users based on location, age, gender, interests, behaviours, job titles, and more.
• Use lookalike audiences to find new customers similar to their best existing ones.
• Retarget users who’ve interacted with their website or profile.
• Optimise campaigns based on real business goals, like website purchases, lead generation, or app installs.

This level of targeting precision allows Instagram ads to be both scalable and cost-effective, delivering measurable ROI across multiple campaign types.

Instagram’s Role in the Buyer Journey

Instagram plays a role at every stage of the marketing funnel, from initial discovery and interest through to purchase and loyalty.

• Top of Funnel (Awareness): Eye-catching visuals, branded storytelling, and influencer partnerships help introduce your brand to new audiences.
• Middle of Funnel (Consideration): Carousel ads, testimonials, behind-the-scenes content, and educational Reels provide value and build trust.
• Bottom of Funnel (Conversion): Shoppable posts, promo codes, and retargeting ads drive conversions with minimal friction.

As part of an integrated marketing strategy, Instagram excels at supporting wider business goals, from driving traffic to increasing sales.

Why Work with an Instagram Ad Agency?

Running Instagram Ads may seem straightforward, after all, Meta’s platform encourages self-service ad creation. But in reality, building profitable, scalable campaigns on Instagram requires a sophisticated blend of creative, data analysis, media planning, and strategic execution. That’s where working with a specialist Instagram Ad agency makes all the difference.

Here’s why partnering with an agency like Zeal is often the smartest investment for brands serious about performance.

Access to Expertise

Instagram’s advertising tools are constantly evolving, and agencies live and breathe these changes. From new ad formats to algorithm updates and creative best practices, an experienced agency will stay up to date so you don’t have to.

At Zeal, we:

• Manage campaigns daily across Instagram and Meta platforms.
• Test and optimise creative for every placement: Feed, Reels, Stories, Explore.
• Understand what works for different objectives, from lead generation to product sales.

This allows us to make informed, data-driven decisions that maximise performance from day one.

Strategy That Aligns with Business Goals

Unfortunately, many brands dive into Instagram ads without a clear plan. A good agency doesn’t just run ads, it builds strategy around your actual business objectives.

That means:

• Selecting the right campaign objectives (reach, traffic, conversions).
• Building smart audience segments (cold, warm, remarketing).
• Aligning creative with brand positioning and funnel stage.
• Setting budgets and KPIs based on growth goals, not guesswork.

Rather than “set and forget” campaigns, we build flexible, insight-led campaigns that adapt over time, focused on driving ROI, not just reach.

Creative That Converts

Instagram is a visual-first platform, and creative is everything. It’s not enough to “boost a post” or repurpose static graphics ,  your content needs to stop the scroll and deliver value within seconds.

An agency will help you:

• Design high-performing visuals optimised for different placements.
• Develop persuasive ad copy that speaks to each stage of the funnel.
• Use motion (like Reels or animated stories) to increase engagement.
• Test A/B variants across headlines, CTAs, formats and messaging.

Creative testing is where most businesses fall short, and where agencies shine.

Advanced Targeting and Retargeting

Agencies bring deeper audience knowledge and can build more effective segmentation strategies. At Zeal, we use:

• Behavioural data from your website and social channels.
• First-party data and CRM integrations for customer matching.
• Lookalike audiences based on your best customers.
• Funnel-based retargeting to move users toward conversion.

We don’t waste ad spend on broad targeting or guesswork, we refine constantly, ensuring the right message hits the right person at the right time.

Transparent Reporting and Ongoing Optimisation

With an agency, you’re not left wondering whether your ads are working. We provide:

• Custom dashboards and monthly reports.
• Clear analysis of performance metrics: CTR, CPA, ROAS, etc.
• Insight into what’s working (and what’s not).
• Recommendations for continuous testing and iteration.

Instagram Ads are dynamic, and so is our approach. That’s how we deliver sustained growth, not just short-term wins.

Saved Time, Reduced Risk

For many internal teams, learning Meta’s ad system from scratch takes time, and mistakes are expensive. Working with a trusted Instagram Ad agency means you:

• Avoid common pitfalls like poor audience setup or creative misfires.
• Get faster results from experienced hands.
• Free up your internal team to focus on other areas of marketing or operations.

You don’t just get a service, you get a performance partner.

Who Can Benefit from Instagram Advertising?

Instagram isn’t just for influencers and lifestyle brands. With 2 billion monthly active users and one of the highest engagement rates of any social media platform, Instagram Ads have become a powerful tool for brands of all sizes, across both B2C and B2B sectors.

The key is understanding how to use the platform strategically. Here’s a breakdown of the types of businesses that stand to benefit most from investing in Instagram advertising, particularly when guided by a skilled Instagram Ad agency.

Ecommerce Brands

Instagram is all but built for ecommerce. From shoppable posts to dynamic product ads and immersive Reels, the platform offers numerous tools to convert browsers into buyers.

Great for:

• Fashion and apparel brands
• Beauty and skincare lines
• Home and lifestyle products
• Subscription boxes
• Consumer electronics

Instagram’s visual nature allows you to showcase your products in action, while features like Meta Shops and checkout integrations make the buying process seamless.

Bonus: When paired with strong creative and conversion tracking, ecommerce brands can see impressive ROAS and scalable growth through retargeting campaigns.

Local and Service-Based Businesses

Even if you don’t sell products online, Instagram can build awareness, drive enquiries, and position your business as the go-to expert in your area.

Perfect for:

• Gyms and fitness studios
• Cafés, salons, and spas
• Estate agents and solicitors
• Trades and home improvement businesses

Targeting local users with location-based ads or interest-based audiences allows service businesses to grow their client base effectively and affordably.

Hospitality and Travel

Instagram’s aspirational, image-led format makes it ideal for brands that rely on visual storytelling.

Well suited for:

• Hotels and boutique stays
• Restaurants and bars
• Travel companies and tour operators
• Experiences and attractions

Beautiful visuals and user-generated content (UGC) campaigns can spark wanderlust and bookings. When paired with remarketing, Instagram Ads can be a powerhouse for travel ROI.

Professional Services and B2B Brands

Instagram might not be your first thought for B2B marketing, but that’s changing fast. Business decision-makers use Instagram daily, and visual content that communicates value can attract high-quality leads.

Good examples include:

• Marketing agencies
• Consultants
• Tech companies
• SaaS providers

Using Instagram Ads to drive thought leadership content, case studies, and gated lead magnets can nurture prospects and feed your pipeline.

Creators, Personal Brands and Events

Instagram is still a cornerstone for influencers, educators, and event organisers.

This includes:

• Coaches and course creators
• Podcasters
• Event managers and conferences
• Artists and musicians

Whether you’re growing your following, selling digital products, or filling a venue, Instagram’s ad tools help amplify your reach with targeted content that speaks directly to your audience.

The takeaway? If your audience is on Instagram, and chances are, they are, then a well-managed ad campaign can connect you with them. The key is tailoring your messaging and targeting to your specific goals, and that’s where an experienced Instagram Ad agency like Zeal can help.

What Makes Instagram Ads Different from Facebook Ads?

Instagram and Facebook are both part of the Meta advertising ecosystem, meaning they share a powerful ads manager, targeting infrastructure, and performance data. But while they’re technically on the same platform, they behave, and perform, very differently.

Understanding those differences is critical for any business investing in social media advertising, and it’s where a holistic, channel-aware strategy from an agency like Zeal can make a genuine impact.

Audience Behaviour and Demographics

Instagram skews younger, with its core user base in the 18–34 age bracket. It’s a mobile-first platform, highly visual, and driven by trends, influencers, and discovery. Instagram users are often in a “browsing” or “aspirational” mindset, making them receptive to product-led, visually compelling campaigns.

Facebook, meanwhile, has broader demographic reach, especially among users aged 35+. Its format supports longer-form content, community building, and conversion-driven funnels (such as lead generation forms, event RSVPs, or Messenger interactions). It’s well-suited for services, information-rich offers, and retargeting.

Ad Format & Placement Differences

• Instagram Ads thrive in full-screen placements: Stories, Reels, and Explore. These formats demand high-quality creative and fast engagement. Think vertical video, strong calls to action, and UGC-style content.
• Facebook Ads offer more space for storytelling. You can incorporate longer copy, carousels, external links, and CTAs that guide users through a sales funnel.

The difference isn’t about which platform is better, but rather how the content and intent align with each platform’s strengths.

Intent & Engagement

On Instagram, engagement is visual and expressive: likes, saves, shares, story replies, and swipe-ups. Facebook, on the other hand, offers more versatility ,  users are often more inclined to comment, click through to websites, or even take action via on-platform lead forms.

Both platforms support the full marketing funnel, but:

• Instagram excels at awareness and consideration.
• Facebook often shines in conversion and retention stages.

Why This Matters for Strategy

Here’s the key: an effective paid social strategy doesn’t pick one platform ,  it understands the unique role each plays. For example:

• An Instagram Reel might grab attention.
• A Facebook carousel might follow up with product benefits.
• A retargeting ad across both might close the sale.

That’s why working with a strategic partner like Zeal matters. We’re not here to just “run ads”, we look at the big picture. We’ll help you:

• Identify the right platform mix for your audience
• Tailor creative for each format and device
• Optimise spend across placements and objectives
• Coordinate messaging across Instagram, Facebook, and beyond

Summary: Instagram Ads and Facebook Ads aren’t interchangeable. They each play a role in the broader digital advertising landscape, and used together, they’re even more powerful. A holistic social strategy, managed by an agency with multi-platform experience like Zeal, ensures you get the best results from both.

What Does an Instagram Ad Agency Do?

An Instagram Ad agency does far more than just place ads on your behalf. A great agency acts as a strategic partner, helping you plan, execute, and optimise campaigns that not only look good but perform. Instagram is a unique platform with its own language, trends, and audience behaviours, and working with specialists can give your brand the edge it needs in a competitive feed.

At Zeal, we don’t just manage Instagram Ads, we build campaigns that align with your wider business goals and integrate with your overall digital marketing strategy.

Key Services an Instagram Ad Agency Provides

1. Campaign Strategy & Planning

A well-thought-out campaign starts with understanding your business, your audience, and your goals. Whether it’s driving ecommerce sales, promoting a product launch, or growing brand awareness, your agency should shape every element of your Instagram strategy to support measurable outcomes.

2. Creative Development

Instagram is a visual-first platform, and creative is everything. A good agency will help:

• Develop scroll-stopping visuals (videos, Reels, Stories, carousels)
• Craft compelling copy and calls-to-action
• Ensure all creative adheres to Instagram’s specs and best practices

3. Targeting & Audience Segmentation

Effective targeting is about more than just age or location. An Instagram Ad agency will help you:

• Build custom audiences using your customer data
• Retarget website visitors or past engagers
• Use lookalike audiences to scale reach
• Segment by behaviour, interests, or stage of the funnel

4. Campaign Management & Budget Optimisation

Campaigns need ongoing management to maximise ROI. This includes:

• A/B testing different creatives and copy
• Adjusting bids and budgets in real time
• Monitoring frequency and engagement
• Pausing underperforming ads quickly

5. Performance Tracking & Reporting

Any agency worth working with will give you transparent, actionable reporting, not just impressions and clicks, but conversions, cost per acquisition (CPA), ROAS, and other metrics that matter to your business.

6. Strategic Guidance Across Channels

While the focus is Instagram, a good agency won’t work in a silo. Your Instagram activity should complement efforts across Facebook, Google, TikTok, and email, creating a connected experience for your customers. Zeal’s integrated approach means you’re not just investing in ads, but in a fully aligned marketing ecosystem.

Why It Matters

The truth is, running Instagram ads is easy. Running Instagram ads that work, consistently, profitably, and at scale is not easy. That’s where an Instagram ad agency comes in. We bring experience, tools, and creativity to the table, backed by clear strategy and transparent results.

If you’re investing in Instagram Ads and want to see real growth, working with a team who lives and breathes paid social can make all the difference.

Why Choose Zeal as Your Instagram Ad Agency?

When choosing an Instagram ad agency, it’s not just about finding someone who can run ads, it’s about finding a strategic partner who understands your brand, aligns with your goals, and is as invested in your success as you are.

At Zeal, we bring a level of care, creativity, and commercial thinking that sets us apart.

We’re Not Just Ad Managers, We’re Growth Partners

Our team is made up of seasoned digital marketers, creative strategists, media buyers, and analysts. That means we don’t just “boost posts”, we build data-driven campaigns with a clear objective, and we’re obsessive about performance. Whether you’re launching a new product, scaling ecommerce revenue, or growing a service-based brand, our approach adapts to your goals.

Deep Platform Knowledge

Instagram’s ad platform changes constantly, from algorithm updates to new creative formats like Reels and Shopping ads. At Zeal, we stay ahead of the curve through continuous training, platform certifications, and real-world experience managing budgets from a few hundred pounds to six-figure campaigns.

Creative Meets Conversion

We understand that on Instagram, creative is the differentiator. But we also know that even the most beautiful ad means little without results. Our in-house team works closely with you to produce creative that not only fits your brand but performs, backed by A/B testing and data-led refinements.

Transparent Reporting, Clear Results

We believe in accountability. You’ll get regular performance reports that clearly explain what’s working, what we’re testing, and what we’re doing next. No fluff, no vanity metrics, just honest insights into how your budget is driving real returns.

A Fully Integrated Agency

As a full-service digital marketing agency, we don’t treat Instagram Ads in isolation. We build campaigns that feed into your broader SEO, content, PPC, email and web strategies. This joined-up thinking ensures all of your channels work together to deliver maximum ROI.

Want to see what this looks like in practice? Head to our case studies page to explore how we’ve helped brands like yours grow through performance-led marketing.

Ready to Launch Smarter Instagram Ad Campaigns?

Instagram offers one of the most powerful visual advertising platforms available today ,  but only when approached with the right strategy, creative, and expertise. Whether you’re trying to build brand awareness, drive conversions, or engage a niche audience, success on Instagram requires more than just posting pretty pictures.

At Zeal, we’re not here to sell you vanity metrics or overpromise results. We’re here to roll up our sleeves, understand your business inside out, and deliver performance-driven campaigns that actually move the needle. Our integrated approach to digital marketing means your Instagram ads aren’t operating in a silo, they’re part of a broader, scalable strategy designed for sustainable growth.

If you’re ready to work with a partner who combines creative flair with strategic rigour, let’s talk.

Contact Zeal today to find out how we can help you get more from Instagram Ads.