With an estimated 11.56 million Facebook users in Australia – more than 40% of the entire population – it’s safe to say that your customers are on the platform.
So how can you best reach them?
A solid social media presence is a must. But you also need to invest in ads so that you can push through the noise and get in front of a user’s eyes.
Facebook advertising and your digital marketing strategy are essential to any social media marketing campaign.
To help you get started, we’ve got everything you need to know about Facebook ads and how you can begin to create some effective campaigns for your business.
First of all… what are Facebook ads?
You’ve most likely seen Facebook ads and even tried giving them a go. But there are a number of different types of ads you may not have even heard of.
Today, we’re going to focus on image ads only, as these are the easiest to get started with and can have an excellent ROI for your business. But for those who are curious, you’ll find an explanation of each ad type below.
Image ads
These ads you’ll be most familiar with appear as static images in your newsfeed. This is a great way to show off your products or services.
Video ads
Similar to image ads, this format includes video and can be more dynamic, attracting users’ attention while scrolling.
Carousel ads
If you have a range of products, this can be a great way to show them off. Carousel ads involve up to 10 different images or videos, each of which can have its links. You can also use this to create a panorama or highlight a single offer’s different aspects.
Slideshow ads
Using less data than video, slideshow ads are a great solution if you’re targeting mobile users. You can create a video-like experience without the budget using a collection of short clips or images.
Instant experience ads
This mobile ad will take up a user’s screen when tapped on, allowing them to experience your site quicker than if they were to click on your link and get a feel for your brand.
Collection ads
Often used with instant experience ads, collections showcase up to 5 of your products and allow customers to buy from you without leaving Facebook.
Anatomy of a Facebook ad
Headline
This is where you convince a user to click through and convey what makes your business unique. In other words, this is where you put your business’s unique value proposition.
You’ve only got 40 characters, so make sure that they count!
Creative
This is your image(s) or video that accompanies the ad. It should be eye-catching and support whatever you emphasize to the user.
Link description
Beneath your headline, you can include a brief description that supports your offer. This is an excellent place to mention free trials or other clarifying information.
Primary text
This is that bit of text that sits above the creative. The job of this element is to support the headline and creative, giving any extra information needed or making your offer seem more valuable.
There’s a limit of 125 characters that your users will always see – the rest gets hidden under ‘See More.’ You’ll most likely want to stick to the limit (more on that later).
Call to action button.
This tells users what you want them to do next. Ensure it reflects the goal and call to action in the rest of the ad.
How to create a great Facebook ad
A few things separate good from great and help you get that click. Here are the 5 things you should consider when crafting your ad.
Identify your audience
While it is getting harder for businesses to personalize their ads, you have options. By knowing exactly what type of audience you want to target and their demographics, you can ensure that your ad spend goes where it’s needed most.
Consider the length of your primary text.
You’ll want to keep your primary text above the ‘See More’ threshold – especially for mobile users. When scrolling, most users won’t take the time to tap and read more, meaning you risk your message being lost.
Keep it short and straightforward, and the right users will be able to get an understanding of your business at a glance.
Use an eye-catching visual
Your audience has a surprisingly small attention span. You need something different to stand out from other posts and stop them from scrolling.
Generally, you’ll want little or no text – only what’s necessary. Bright colors and human faces are also a plus. See what types of ads your competitors are putting out and try to take a different direction – this can help distinguish you from the crowd.
Include only one call to action.
Your ad should only have one goal – and, therefore, only one call to action.
(Figuratively. You can repeat the call to action in your primary text or creative, but it should be along the same lines and not something entirely different).
Your call to action should be short and direct. Things like ‘Sign Up’, ‘Download’, ‘Buy Now’ and ‘Learn More’ tell your user exactly what to expect and urge them to act.
Consider your landing page.
It’s all good to get a user to click on your ad, but what good is it if you lose them right after visiting your site?
The landing page you send people to should reflect the offer of the ad – after all, that’s why they clicked. If offering a free consultation, ensure it’s front and center. If you’re advertising a special deal, ensure that’s one of the first things your user sees.
If your ad is simply to build brand awareness, it can help to reflect the language in the copy of your website. For example, if you emphasize having a wide range of products or fast service in your ad, you’ll want to touch on this on the landing page.
Need help with your advertising? Our social media specialists have you covered! Get in touch with our team today to see how we can widen your reach and bring in a range of new clientele.
