How to Run Local Ads on Instagram: Reach Customers Near You

adspyder5
Jun 18
4 min read

If you’re a small business owner or a service provider looking to boost visibility in your neighborhood, Instagram local ads can be a powerful tool. With millions of users scrolling daily, Instagram gives you the chance to reach the right people, especially those close to your business location.

In this blog, we’ll break down the steps to run local ads on Instagram, highlight the benefits of Instagram carousel ads, and share tips to get the most out of your budget.

Why Choose Instagram Local Ads?

Instagram is more than just a social media app—it’s where people discover new places, services, and local businesses. If your goal is to:

Drive more foot traffic to your shop
Promote a local event or special offer
Build awareness within a specific area

…then running local Instagram ads is an affordable and targeted way to make that happen.

Step 1: Set Up an Instagram Business Profile

Before you can run ads, you’ll need to switch your personal Instagram account to a business account. This unlocks access to Instagram Insights, promotions, and ad tools.

Here’s how:

Go to your profile settings.
Tap “Account.”
Select “Switch to Professional Account.”
Choose “Business” and follow the setup steps.

Make sure your profile includes key local details like address, contact number, and business hours.

Step 2: Connect Your Account to Facebook

Instagram ads are managed through Meta Ads Manager, which is part of Facebook. If you haven’t already:

Create a Facebook Business Page for your brand.
Link your Instagram account to this page from Meta Business Suite.

This setup is essential for creating and running Instagram local ads using Meta's advanced tools.

Step 3: Launch a Local Ad Campaign in Meta Ads Manager

Here’s where the real magic begins. Go to Meta Ads Manager and click “Create.”

Choose Your Campaign Objective:

For local reach, pick one of the following:

Reach – Maximize how many people near you see the ad.
Traffic – Drive visitors to your website, store locator, or directions.
Engagement – Boost interactions like likes, comments, or saves.

Set Up Local Targeting:

In the Audience section, define your local audience with:

Location – Enter your address and choose a radius (e.g., 5–10 km).
Age and Gender – Choose based on your ideal customers.
Interests – Narrow down by interests like “coffee,” “yoga,” or “local shopping.”

This ensures that your ad is seen only by people nearby who are more likely to visit or buy from you.

Step 4: Design Eye-Catching Ads with Instagram Carousel Format

If you want to showcase more than one product, service, or message, go for Instagram carousel ads. This format enables you to upload multiple images or videos in a single ad, allowing users to swipe through them.

Why Use Carousel Ads for Local Ads?

Show multiple items in your store
Tell a story about your brand (e.g., before and after)
Share step-by-step instructions or testimonials
Highlight different locations or menu items

Tips for a Great Carousel Ad:

Start strong with your best image on the first slide
Use short, clear captions on each slide
Add calls-to-action like “Swipe to see more” or “Visit us today.”
Keep a consistent style with your brand colors and tone

Carousel ads are especially helpful for local promotions, weekend offers, or seasonal products.

Step 5: Set Your Budget and Schedule

You don’t need a huge budget to see results. Many small businesses start with just ₹200–₹500 per day.

Here’s how to plan it:

Daily Budget – Choose how much you want to spend per day.
Ad Duration – Pick a specific number of days or run the ad continuously.
Placements – Select “Manual” if you want to show the ad only on Instagram (feed, stories, or reels).

Meta’s algorithm will help you get the most out of your spend, even with a small budget.

Step 6: Monitor, Analyze, and Optimize

Once your ad is running, it’s time to track performance. Head back to Meta Ads Manager to see:

How many people viewed your ad (Reach)
How many clicked, liked, or commented (Engagement)
Which carousel slide performed best

Use this data to tweak your next ad. Maybe a certain image drew more attention, or a specific offer had higher engagement.

Who Should Use Instagram Local Ads?

Instagram local ads are perfect for:

Cafes, restaurants, salons, and gyms
Event organizers promoting a local gig or workshop
Service providers like plumbers, tutors, or makeup artists
Boutique stores and neighborhood shops

If your business depends on local customers, Instagram can help you reach them faster and more efficiently than traditional methods like flyers or posters.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Real

The best-performing local ads are those that feel authentic and relatable. You don’t need fancy video production or a massive campaign—just clear visuals, honest messaging, and smart targeting.

Keep your audience in mind. Use carousel ads to tell a story, invite them in, or simply show off what you do best. With the right setup, even one small local ad can turn a curious viewer into a loyal customer.

Start Your First Instagram Local Ad Today

Now that you know how to run Instagram local ads—and how carousel ads can enhance your visibility—it’s time to give it a try. Start small, test your content, and adjust based on results. With consistency and creativity, your local presence can grow one swipe at a time.