Using a partner app like Spur for your "Click to Instagram Direct" ads allows you to send an automated welcome message as soon as a user clicks your ad. This leads to better engagement, instant lead qualification, and a higher number of qualified leads.
Here is the step-by-step process to set it up correctly.
Part 1: Configuration in Your Partner App (e.g., Spur)
Before you even open Meta Ads Manager, you need to set up the foundation in your third-party application.
Connect Your Channels: In your partner app's dashboard, navigate to Settings and ensure both your Instagram and Facebook accounts are properly connected.
Create the Automation Flow:
Go to the Automation section and create a new workflow for Instagram.
For the Starting Trigger, you must select "Meta Click To DM Ad". This is the specific trigger that connects the app to your ad.
Build the sequence of messages you want to send automatically after a user clicks the ad. This can include welcome texts, qualifying questions (e.g., "Which package are you interested in?"), and requests for contact information.
Once your flow is built, enable the workflow and save it. Ensure it saves without any errors.
Part 2: Setup in Meta Ads Manager
With the automation flow ready, you can now create the ad.
Campaign Setup:
Create a new campaign and choose Engagement as the objective.
Partner App will only be shown for "Engagement" & "Sales" Objective. It does not work for lead's objective.
Ad Set Configuration:
For the Conversion location, select Messaging apps.
Under Message destinations, make sure only Instagram is selected. Deselect Messenger and WhatsApp.
Ad Creation:
Select Ad Creative First: In the Ad section, set up your ad by selecting the image or video. You must do this before attempting to select the partner app.
Select the Partner App:
Scroll down to the Message template section.
Instead of the default "Start conversations," select the Partner app option.
In the "Partner app" dropdown, choose your application (e.g., Spur).
In the "Message flow" dropdown, select the specific automation flow you created and saved in Part 1.
Enable Tracking: Under the Tracking section, check the box for Offline events. This helps Meta's algorithm optimize your ad for better leads over time.
Publish your ad.
Troubleshooting: Common Fixes
If you cannot see or select the "Partner App" option, work through these common solutions.
1. Check Your Channel Connections: The most common issue is an incomplete connection. Go back to your partner app's settings and re-verify that your Instagram and Facebook pages are fully connected and authenticated.
2. Ensure the Flow is Saved and Enabled: Your automation workflow must be active. Go back to your partner app, find your flow, and confirm that it is enabled and was saved without any errors.
3. Use the Correct Automation Trigger: The Partner App option will only appear if your automation flow is built with the "Meta Click To DM Ad" trigger. Using other triggers (like a story mention or comment trigger) will not work for this specific ad type.
4. Add Your Ad Creative First: Meta Ads Manager often requires a creative (an image or video) to be in place before showing advanced options in the Message template. If the Partner App option is missing, make sure you have already uploaded and selected your ad's visual.