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by 2Point

How Do I Run a Facebook Ad

Author: Haydn Fleming • Chief Marketing Officer

Last update: Oct 18, 2025 Reading time: 4 Minutes

Running an effective Facebook ad can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and expand your business reach. With billions of active users on the platform, Facebook offers a robust advertising solution that allows businesses to engage with potential customers, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. Here is a step-by-step guide to running a successful Facebook ad campaign.

Understanding Facebook Ads

Before diving into the practical steps, it is crucial to understand what Facebook ads are and how they function. Facebook ads are paid promotional content displayed to users on their news feed, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and other connected platforms. Targeting options allow businesses to reach specific demographics based on various factors such as location, age, gender, interests, and behaviors, making Facebook ads incredibly versatile.

Types of Facebook Ads

  • Image Ads: Simple ads featuring a single image.
  • Video Ads: Engaging content displayed in a video format.
  • Carousel Ads: A series of images or videos that users can swipe through.
  • Slideshow Ads: Lo-fi video ads made from a series of images.
  • Collection Ads: Showcase multiple products that appear as a single ad.

Steps to Run a Facebook Ad

Step 1: Define Your Objectives

Deciding on your campaign objectives is crucial. Choose what you aim to achieve with your Facebook ad. Common objectives include:

  • Brand Awareness: Increase your business’s exposure.
  • Lead Generation: Collect potential customer information.
  • Conversions: Encourage users to take specific actions on your site.

Step 2: Access Facebook Ads Manager

  1. Login to Facebook: Use your business account to access Ads Manager.
  2. Navigate to Ads Manager: This is where you can manage your ad campaigns, create new ads, and analyze performance.

Step 3: Create a New Campaign

  1. Click on “Create”: You will find this option within Ads Manager.
  2. Select Your Objective: Pick the appropriate objective that aligns with your goals.
  3. Name Your Campaign: Choose a name that reflects the campaign’s purpose for easy identification.

Step 4: Set Your Audience Targeting

  • Location: Choose where your audience resides.
  • Demographics: Define age, gender, and language.
  • Interests and Behaviors: Select interests that align with your target audience.

Use the targeting options to tap into specific markets effectively.

Step 5: Determine Your Budget and Schedule

  • Budget Options: Decide on a daily or lifetime budget. This controls how much you are willing to spend.
  • Schedule: Choose to run your ad continuously or set a specific start and end date.

Step 6: Select Your Ad Format

Choose from the various ad formats offered by Facebook. Each format has its own strengths:

  • Image Ads for straightforward promotions.
  • Video Ads for storytelling.
  • Carousel Ads to showcase multiple products.

Step 7: Craft Your Ad Content

  1. Ad Copy: Write engaging and clear copy that resonates with your audience. Focus on benefits and value propositions.
  2. Visuals: Use high-quality images or videos that align with your brand aesthetic and are visually appealing.

Step 8: Add a Call-to-Action (CTA)

A strong CTA is vital for guiding users towards taking the desired action. Examples include “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up.”

Step 9: Place Your Order

After reviewing all components of your ad, click on the “Place Order” button. Your ad will be submitted for review before it goes live.

Step 10: Monitor and Optimize Performance

After launching your ad, monitor its performance regularly through Ads Manager. Analyze key metrics such as impressions, clicks, and conversion rates.

  • A/B Testing: Experiment with different versions of your ad to see which performs better.

Benefits of Running Facebook Ads

  • Targeted Advertising: Achieve better engagement rates through specific audience targeting.
  • Cost-Effective: You control your budget, making it adaptable for businesses of any size.
  • Integrated Analytics: Facebook Ads Manager provides in-depth performance metrics to track effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to run a Facebook ad?

The cost of Facebook ads varies based on factors such as bidding methods, audience targeting, and campaign objectives. You can set your own budget, making it flexible to manage.

How long does it take for Facebook ads to be approved?

Typically, Facebook ads are reviewed within 24 hours. However, this may vary based on the volume of submissions.

Can I run Facebook ads without a business page?

A Facebook business page is required to create and run ads. It serves as the foundation for your ad campaigns and brand presence.

When looking to enhance your marketing strategy, understanding how to run a Facebook ad opens new doors to potential growth. For assistance with comprehensive advertising solutions, visit 2POINT for expert guidance on optimizing your campaigns. Explore more about effective strategies through multi-channel marketing to ensure a seamless user experience across platforms. Embrace the power of targeted ads and elevate your brand today.

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