🛠 Step-by-Step Setup: Meta Ads Campaign — Instagram DMs
🎯 Objective: Messages 📩 People will be sent to Instagram DM and receive the "SESSION" auto-reply via ManyChat.
① Go to Meta Ads Manager
Click the "+ Create" button to start a new campaign.
② SELECT YOUR OBJECTIVE
01
Choose "Messages"
Select the Messages objective from the campaign options
02
Select "Click to Message"
Choose this specific message type for direct engagement
03
Platform: Instagram Direct
Uncheck Messenger if not needed for your campaign
Click "Continue"
③ CAMPAIGN LEVEL
Campaign Name
LP_MSG_Reel01
Buying Type
Auction
Campaign Objective
Messages
Turn OFF A/B Test and Advantage Campaign Budget (unless testing multiple ad sets)
Click "Next"
④ AD SET LEVEL
Basic Settings
  • Ad Set Name: Charleston Women 25–45
  • Messaging App: Instagram Direct
  • Daily Budget: $5–10/day
Schedule
  • Start Date: Today or schedule
  • End Date: Optional (e.g., 7 days for test)
📍 Audience Settings
Location
Charleston, SC
50-mile radius
Demographics
Women
25–45 years old
Detailed Targeting (Interests)
  • Photography
  • Emotional Wellbeing
  • Mindfulness
  • Self-care
  • Slow Living
  • Visual Arts
Choose 2–3 — keep it focused
📲 Placements
Choose Manual Placements
✅ Keep ONLY:
  • Instagram Feed
  • Instagram Stories
  • Instagram Reels
🚫 Uncheck Facebook, Audience Network, and Messenger
⑤ AD LEVEL (Creative)
Ad Name
Reel01_DM_Session
Instagram Page
Select your IG account
Ad Format
Use Existing Post
📎 How to connect your Reel
01
Click "Use Existing Post"
Navigate to the existing post option
02
Click "Select Post"
Browse your published content
03
Find your Reel
Must be published on your Instagram
✅ Select the Reel ✅ Do NOT edit the caption (preserves likes/comments)
✍️ Primary Text (enter this in the ad text field)
Feel awkward in photos? Most of my clients say this before we even begin. You don't have to pose. You don't need to perform. You just show up — and I'll guide the rest. 📍Natural light sessions in Charleston 📩 DM "SESSION" to begin — gently.
✅ CTA (Call to Action)
Call to Action Settings
  • Choose: Send Message
  • Click to message → Instagram
💬 Welcome Message
Leave default or write:
"Hi! Thanks for reaching out — send the word SESSION and I'll share all the details 🌿"

Ideally, connect ManyChat with auto-replies for the word "SESSION"
⑥ Review and Publish
✅ Final checklist:
Audience
Charleston, Women, 25–45, right interests
Budget
$5–10/day
Placements
Only Instagram
Post
Your selected Reel
CTA
Send Message
Objective
Messages
Click "Publish" — and your aligned ad is live.
This was just one example of how your ad campaigns and monetization pathway can be structured.
If you’d like help launching clear, effective ads — with the right objectives, safe budgets, and scaling strategies — BOOSTLAB will guide you through every step.