How to run Facebook Ads – Step By Step

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, businesses can’t afford to ignore the power of social media marketing—especially Facebook. With over 2.9 billion monthly active users, Facebook offers an incredible opportunity to promote your business, generate leads, and drive sales. But if you’re wondering how to run Facebook Ads, you’re not alone. Many small business owners and marketers are looking for a clear, beginner-friendly guide that simplifies the process.

In this step-by-step blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully launch Facebook Ads—from setting up your Business Manager account to optimizing your campaigns for results.

How to run Facebook Ads

What is Facebook Ads?

Facebook Ads are paid messages from businesses that appear in users’ Facebook feeds, Stories, and Marketplace. Learning how to run Facebook Ads involves understanding Facebook’s powerful ad system, which allows advertisers to reach users based on demographics, interests, and behavior. Facebook launched its ad platform in 2007, and since then, it has evolved into one of the most effective online advertising tools.

Key Components of a Facebook Ad:

  • Ad Creative (Image, Video, Carousel)

  • Target Audience (Demographics, Interests, Behaviors)

  • Ad Placement (Feeds, Stories, Reels, etc.)

  • Budget and Schedule

  • Call-to-Action (CTA)

Why is Running Facebook Ads Important?

Facebook Ads are important for businesses of all sizes due to the platform’s extensive reach and precise targeting options.

Here’s why Facebook Ads matter:

  • Massive Audience: Access to billions of users globally.

  • Advanced Targeting: Target people based on location, interests, online behavior, and more.

  • Cost Efficiency: You can start with any budget, even as little as ₹100 per day.

  • Detailed Analytics: Track performance, clicks, conversions, and return on ad spend (ROAS).

  • Diverse Ad Formats: Run image, video, carousel, or slideshow ads for maximum impact.

🔎 Stat: According to Statista, Facebook generated over $131 billion in ad revenue in 2023 alone—proving its dominance in online advertising.

Facebook ads

How Does Facebook Ads Work?

To master how to run Facebook Ads, it helps to break the process down:

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

  1. Create a Facebook Business Manager Account
    Visit business.facebook.com and set up your business manager account. This centralizes all your assets like pages, ad accounts, and pixels.

  2. Add Your Facebook Page & Ad Account
    Link your Facebook business page and create or connect your ad account.

  3. Install Facebook Pixel (for Website Tracking)
    Pixel is a piece of code added to your website to track user behavior and conversions.

  4. Go to Facebook Ads Manager
    This is your dashboard to create, monitor, and manage all your ad campaigns.

  5. Choose a Campaign Objective
    Options include:

    • Awareness: Brand Awareness, Reach

    • Consideration: Traffic, Engagement, Video Views

    • Conversion: Sales, Lead Generation, Store Visits

  6. Set Budget & Schedule
    Define daily or lifetime budgets and schedule your ad duration.

  7. Define Your Target Audience
    Filter by:

    • Location

    • Age & Gender

    • Interests & Behaviors

    • Custom Audiences or Lookalikes

  8. Choose Ad Placement
    Automatic Placements or Manual (e.g., Facebook Feed, Instagram Stories).

  9. Create the Ad
    Upload creative assets (images/videos), write headlines, text, and select a CTA (like Learn More or Shop Now).

  10. Publish the Campaign
    Submit your ad for review. Once approved, it goes live.

Types of Facebook Ads

To fully grasp how to run Facebook Ads, you must know the ad formats available:

1. Image Ads

Single image with text. Great for brand awareness or quick promotions.

2. Video Ads

Captivating videos to showcase products or services.

3. Carousel Ads

Multiple images or videos that users can scroll through.

4. Slideshow Ads

Lightweight video ads made from a series of still images.

5. Collection Ads

Mobile-friendly format to showcase a catalog of products.

6. Lead Generation Ads

Built-in forms that capture user info without leaving Facebook.

📌 Example: A fitness brand can use video ads to show workout results and lead generation ads to collect emails for a free trial class.

Facebook Ads Guide
How Facebook ads work
Learn Facebook advertising
How to run Facebook Ads

Pros and Cons of Running Facebook Ads

Understanding how to run Facebook Ads also means recognizing both benefits and challenges:

✅ Pros

  • Highly Targeted: Pinpoint your ideal audience.

  • Affordable: Suitable for all business sizes.

  • Real-Time Results: Immediate metrics like clicks, reach, and conversions.

  • Mobile Optimized: Works great across devices.

❌ Cons

  • Learning Curve: Can be confusing for beginners.

  • Ad Fatigue: Audiences may ignore repetitive ads.

  • Policy Restrictions: Facebook is strict with ad approvals.

  • Constant Monitoring: Needs optimization for best results.

Best Practices & Tips for How to run Facebook Ads

Want to get the most out of your Facebook Ads? Follow these proven tips:

  • Use Eye-Catching Creatives
    Visuals are the first thing users notice.

  • Write Clear and Persuasive Copy
    Focus on benefits and add a strong CTA.

  • Split Test (A/B Testing)
    Test different headlines, creatives, and CTAs.

  • Retarget Website Visitors
    Use Pixel to show ads to users who’ve interacted with your website.

  • Keep Mobile in Mind
    Most Facebook users are mobile; optimize accordingly.

  • Use Lookalike Audiences
    Expand your reach by targeting users similar to your existing customers.

  • Schedule Ads Wisely
    Run ads when your audience is most active.

Despite the cons, once you master how to run Facebook Ads, you’ll see a strong return on investment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced advertisers make mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:

❌ Mistake 1: Targeting Too Broad or Too Narrow

Impact: Either you waste budget or limit your reach.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Ad Relevance

Impact: Facebook lowers your ad score, increasing cost.

❌ Mistake 3: Not Using Pixel

Impact: You miss out on valuable data for retargeting and optimization.

❌ Mistake 4: One Ad Format Only

Impact: Reduced engagement. Mix it up with videos, carousels, and images.

❌ Mistake 5: Skipping Performance Reviews

Impact: You won’t know what’s working. Always track metrics weekly.

Avoiding these mistakes is part of mastering how to run Facebook Ads.

how to launch a Facebook ad campaign
Benefits of SEM

FAQs About How to Run Facebook Ads

Q1: How much does it cost to run Facebook Ads?

It depends on your budget and campaign goals. You can start with as little as ₹100 per day.

Q2: Do I need a Facebook Page to run ads?

Yes, you need a business Facebook Page to create ads.

Q3: How long should I run my Facebook Ads?

It varies. For testing, run for at least 3–7 days. For scaling, run continuously with optimizations.

Q4: How do I track Facebook Ads performance?

Use Facebook Ads Manager and Pixel for insights like clicks, conversions, and ROI.

Q5: Can I target Instagram users using Facebook Ads?

Yes! Facebook Ads also allow you to target users on Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network.

How to set up Facebook ads
Step-by-step Facebook ads guide

Conclusion

If you learn How to run Facebook Ads, It can be a game-changer for your business—whether you’re aiming to boost sales, grow brand awareness, or generate leads. The key is to start small, test what works, and scale up based on performance.

Now that you know how to run Facebook Ads step by step, it’s time to take action. Set up your campaign today and watch your business grow with one of the most effective advertising platforms available.

🚀 Need Help With Facebook Ads?

At Digital Shivani, we specialize in creating high-ROI Facebook ad campaigns for businesses in Bangalore and beyond. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, we craft strategies that convert.

📧 Contact: shivaninaryal1@gmail.com
🌐 Website: catchthesmile9.in

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

SPIN TO WIN!

  • Try your lucky to get discount coupon
  • 1 spin per email
  • No cheating
Try Your Lucky
Never
Remind later
No thanks