It’s no secret that we here at Laptop Empires love Facebook ads. Not only can it draw attention to a small business with the right target audience, but running ads can be a lucrative side hustle.

The best advertising on Facebook tips are to set a clear goal, use a tracking pixel, and create an eye catching ad. If you do this, you will create campaigns that get real results.

Advertising on Facebook tips and top strategies

1. Determine your goal and make it clear

The very first step with a Facebook ad is to nail down the goal of the actual ad. We know the audience’s attention span is likely very short. So this means you need to narrow the message and identify the goal of the ad.

First, what do you want the Facebook ad audience to do? Do you want them to:

• Go to a specific website to make a purchase?
• Sign up for an email newsletter?
• Read blog posts?

Whatever the goal of your Facebook ads may be, this will be the central idea your Facebook ad centers around.

Here’s a great example of a clear goal from a Facebook ad.

This popular insurance company is trying to get the reader’s attention with a simple message: click here for a quote. The goal is obvious – get the audience to input their information so Allstate can generate a quote and ultimately gain a new customer.

2. Pay attention to the Facebook Pixel

If you’re using Facebook ads to drive readers to a website, make sure the website has Facebook pixel installed on it. Facebook pixel is basically code placed on a site.

The pixel keeps track of the activity on your site and allows you to gain deeper insights into who is visiting your site and what they do while they are there. All this information can be used to optimize your Facebook ad.

You can also create events, so you can see exactly how customers are reacting to your Facebook ads. Reactions such as if they add a product to cart, sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to a service – whatever is important to you.

Think of Facebook pixel as your secret weapon to developing the most targeted ads to get the audience to take actions.

3. Use images that stand out

We all know Facebook is visual. We almost always read the posts with pictures and the best pictures stop us from scrolling. The same is true with Facebook ads. You have to use images that stand out.

When creating your ads, keep these main ideas in mind:

Use a pop of color or contrasting colors:  You want your ad to stand out through color, not blend in. You can achieve this with contrasting colors or bright colors.

Portray positivity: Use people in your ad with a smile on their face or images that convey a positive message. It can be something simple, it doesn’t have to be an elaborate picture. Remember, people use Facebook to escape for a moment.

Keep it clean: Use crisp, high-quality pictures. Sorry, but your blurry picture from your iPhone 4 probably won’t cut it.

Use your own images: It’s perfectly fine to use your own images versus a stock photo. You can also create a graphic with a website like Canva.

Use text sparingly: The Facebook ad is the last place you want to display something that looks like a novel. Use text that not only gets straight to the point, but doesn’t take up the entire ad either.

Here’s an example of an ad that hits all the marks.

The calming colors of various shades of blue and white stand out within the newsfeed. Not to mention how even the birdhouses look happy! The text is clean and simple too.

4. Creative copy counts

You have your visuals down. You’re using all the right colors and positive images. Now you have to use words to create more interest! This is where the creative copy comes in.

Writing copy for your ads can seem a little intimidating. You want to convey the right message and get people to take action. Sounds great, but how do you make this happen?

Turns out, there are several ways you can enhance your copy. Try any of these tactics:

Ask a question:Ask a compelling question that makes a reader stop to think. Then show them how your product or site is related to the question.

Use statistics: Statistics are a fantastic way to grab someone’s attention.

Address a pain point: Does your website or service offer something to make life a little bit easier? Let the reader know how your product solves their problem.

Keep it simple: Ads don’t have to be complicated. Stay away from technical language or industry jargon and you’re more likely to get someone to click.

Use testimonials: If someone has something great to say about the service or site you’re advertising, then brag about it! Using testimonials is a powerful way to let the audience know the business stands apart from others. Here’s an example of using a straightforward testimonial:

5. Don’t be vague — create a CTA

Along the same lines of using irresistible copy, make sure your goal of what you want the audience to do is clear. What is your call to action, or CTA?

Whatever it is, make it so it’s obvious to anyone who stops to read the ad. No one wants to waste their time guessing what to do next.

There are numerous ways to get a reader to take action. Here are actionable words you can use so they know exactly what the next step is after reading the ad:

• Subscribe
• Add to cart
• Download
• Shop now
• Get a quote
• Click here
• Apply now
• Learn more
• Contact us
• Install
• Book now
• Read more

Here’s another insurance example where there are two goals: use a statistic to inform the readers and get the audience to get a quote. Oh, and notice how the colors are on point with the brand of this insurance company too.

6. Keep it consistent

Facebook ads are just as important to the overall brand as a logo or slogan is. You want the ad to be consistent with what the reader finds on the website, the Instagram page, the Pinterest board…wherever the company has a presence.

You can keep it consistent throughout by using the same, or similar, color palettes. In addition to colors, you can use the same people in your ads as on your site or other social channels. You can also use variations of images, such as kids or animals.

Don’t forget to be consistent in your tone and copy. Whether copy is funny, serious, sweet, or sappy — the audience will quickly catch on to the consistency of your messaging.

7. Keep testing

The old adage is true – if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Fortunately, this applies to Facebook ads too.

If you find no one is responding to the Facebook ads, then it’s time to tweak your message. And remember, a response can take on several forms. It all depends on what your CTA is and your goal for your ad is.

But you don’t have to wait until something negative happens either. You can run several different Facebook ads for the same client, and see which one resonates the best.

How do you know if the ad you’re testing is resonating? You’ll know from your data. For instance, if your goal is to have a certain number of people download your free infographic, then you’ll easily be able to identify the number of downloads. This will tell you if your message is getting through.

If not enough people download (or whatever your CTA is), then you know you need to modify the message to get more excitement behind it.

Once you find the formula that works, then run with it! Not every ad will be a resounding success. But it won’t take long before you figure out the right messaging and formula.

8. Learn more strategies with the FBSH

The Facebook Side Hustle (FBSH) course was developed to help you tackle each of these strategies for Facebook ads, plus more. We know starting a campaign can be overwhelming, but once you get everything in place for your ads, then the sky is the virtual limit.

The FBSH was created to help take the mystery out of Facebook ads. Soon, you’ll be able to create your own effective campaigns for your business or for someone else’s…and get paid in the process.

The FBSH has nine modules. Each module goes into great detail about the basics of ads, using Facebook pixel, troubleshooting, setting up a sales funnel. This is only scratching the surface! There is a Facebook community you have access to and several other helpful resources.

If you want to get started running Facebook ads the right way, then the FBSH course is your answer.

Final thoughts regarding advertising on Facebook tips…

As you can probably tell, Facebook ads require a little more thought than picking a random graphic and stringing a sentence or two together. Although none of these strategies are difficult, we know it can get overwhelming.

By focusing on these strategies first, we are confident you can create amazing Facebook ads in no time. And don’t forget, if an ad doesn’t work perfectly the first time, now you have tools to get it right the next time!