When it comes to growing your presence on Instagram, advertising plays a pivotal role. Outsourcing Instagram ads (also known as “Instagram Ads uitbesteden” in the Dutch language) can be a smart move for businesses that want to scale efficiently, access expert knowledge, and save time. However, choosing the right agency is crucial. A poor fit can waste your budget and hurt your brand image. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what to look for when you outsource Instagram ads to an agency, helping you make a confident and informed decision.
Why Consider Outsourcing Instagram Ads?
Advertising on Instagram involves more than just boosting posts. It requires strategic targeting, compelling creative, campaign testing, and continuous optimization. Many businesses outsource Instagram ads because:
- They lack in-house expertise
- They want to improve return on ad spend (ROAS)
- They need to scale faster
- They want to save time and focus on core business tasks
But not all agencies are created equal — here’s how to find the right one.
What to Look for in an Instagram Ads Agency
1. Proven Track Record with Instagram Ads
Start by checking if the agency has a history of success specifically with Instagram ad campaigns, not just general social media marketing. Ask to see:
- Case studies with real metrics (like CTR, conversion rate, ROAS)
- Before-and-after comparisons
- Relevant client industries
Red flag: Agencies that speak in vague terms and can’t show real results may not be performance-focused.
2. Experience in Your Niche or Industry
Different industries require different ad strategies. A fitness brand won’t need the same creative or targeting tactics as a SaaS company. When you outsource Instagram ads, look for agencies that:
- Have worked with businesses similar to yours
- Understand your audience’s behaviors and preferences
- Can speak to the pain points and goals specific to your market
This ensures faster ramp-up time and better ad relevance.
3. Clear Strategy and Testing Process
The agency should walk you through a clear, strategic approach to running Instagram ads. This should include:
- Audience research
- Campaign objectives and funnel planning
- Creative testing (A/B testing images, videos, copy)
- Conversion tracking and reporting
Pro tip: Ask how often they test new creatives and optimize campaigns — a data-driven approach is key.
4. Transparency and Communication
One of the most common complaints businesses have is poor communication with their ad agency. To avoid this, choose an agency that:
- Provides regular reports (weekly or monthly)
- Schedules calls or updates
- Explains performance data clearly
- Gives you access to ad accounts, dashboards, or tools
Avoid agencies that “own” your data or don’t give you access to your own campaigns.
5. Creative Capabilities
Instagram is a highly visual platform. Your ads need to stand out in a feed full of competitors. A good agency should either have in-house creative support or collaborate with your team to:
- Design eye-catching visuals
- Create short-form video content (Reels, Stories)
- Write compelling ad copy tailored to Instagram’s tone
Ask to see a portfolio of their Instagram ad creatives and inquire about content creation processes.
6. Ad Spend Management and Budget Alignment
Agencies often charge a flat fee, a percentage of ad spend, or a hybrid model. When comparing agencies:
- Understand how their pricing aligns with your ad budget
- Ask about minimum ad spend requirements
- Clarify whether ad spend is separate from service fees
Some agencies specialize in managing large ad budgets, while others are ideal for small-to-medium businesses. Make sure you’re financially aligned.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Here are specific questions you should ask before you outsource Instagram ads to an agency:
1. What’s Your Process for Onboarding New Clients?
A smooth onboarding process shows that the agency is organized. This should include gathering your brand assets, setting up ad accounts, and scheduling strategy sessions.
2. How Will You Define Success?
You and the agency should agree on clear KPIs (key performance indicators). This could be:
- Cost per acquisition (CPA)
- Return on ad spend (ROAS)
- Click-through rate (CTR)
- Leads or purchases generated
3. Who Will Be Managing My Account?
You don’t want to be handed off to a junior after signing with a senior strategist. Make sure you know:
- Who your main point of contact is
- Their experience level
- How available they’ll be to you
4. How Often Will You Report Results?
Consistent reporting builds trust. Agencies should provide insights, not just numbers — such as what’s working, what’s not, and why they’re making changes.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Avoid agencies that:
- Guarantee specific results (especially without testing)
- Refuse to give you account access
- Don’t explain their strategy clearly
- Use cookie-cutter solutions for every client
- Don’t talk about data, testing, or performance optimization
A good agency will treat your ad spend as carefully as if it were their own.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing Instagram ads can unlock serious growth — but only if you choose the right partner. Focus on finding an agency with:
- Instagram-specific expertise
- Industry experience
- A clear, data-driven strategy
- Transparent communication
- Strong creative and technical skills
Take your time to research, ask the right questions, and request evidence of results. By doing so, you’ll avoid costly missteps and maximize the impact of your Instagram advertising efforts.