Studying Facebook Ads - FB Policies Seem Better Than I Thought
I have talked for like 1,5 years "I must start using Facebook ads..."
But for some mysterious reason, I have always postponed it. Also, for some mysterious reason my Facebook page was banned from ads. Well, I've created a new page where it seems that I can start advertising.
One reason is that I've been focusing on other things but I think I should have made time for learning this earlier...
Anyways, finally I'm studying them and going to start doing Facebook ads very soon. Over time I've talked with many people who do FB ads and got some ideas from them so in that sense I don't start from 0. But of course, it's completely different to just listen to others and their tips than getting your hands dirty.
I wanted to write a blog post here to document on what I've learned and connect with others who are interested in FB ads.
If you are doing Facebook ads, I'd be glad to discuss with you so we can share ideas and improve together. => Feel free to send me a PM.
Today I read through the Facebook Advertising policies and I found out something interesting.
Facebook Policies Seem Better Than I Have Thought
I have heard many people and Facebook marketers saying, "Facebook is very strict with their rules. You may get your account banned very easily."
In fact, almost every single person that I have talked with who is doing Facebook ads, has got their account banned at some point. But after reading the policies, I started thinking if they really got banned for violating the policies.
Here are a few notes that I made when reading their policies:
- Facebook wants that you are honest with your ads and you tell upfront what your offer is all about. => Good
- Facebook doesn't want to promote smoking, drugs, nudity, racism or other things that are harmful for humans. => Good
- Facebook wants that your landing page is congruent with your ad. => Good
- Facebook doesn't let you give exaggerated promises. => Good
Overall, I got a feeling that Facebook values their users and wants that you treat them well.
They could probably make a lot more money in short-term by allowing all kinds of ads but they wisely understand that it could harm their user experience.
After reading the policies, my respect towards Facebook as a company rose more. They want it to be a safe community which is great.
Learning Facebook Ad Technical Things
I think one of the reasons that has holding me back with starting Facebook Ads is that I have been "afraid" that I don't know how to get around the technical things.
And as I mentioned, one acccount already got banned and I remember having technical issues the first time when I started.
Well, I believe I'll figure things out sooner or later just by going through training videos, testing, trying and asking.
If you have any tips on how to learn the technical things about the Facebook ads, let me know in the comments below!
Of course, learning technical things is just a "foundation" for starting. The right strategy is then what will make the difference in the revenue and profits. But one can't get started without mastering the technical things first.
Step-by-step, little by little.
Probably I'll look back after 1 month and laugh that I had problems with technical things because most likely they'll be easy after playing with them a while.
More updates most likely coming as I move forward...
Cheers
Roope "Learning Facebook Ads" Kiuttu
PS. Now I'd love to hear from you.
Have you done Facebook ads or are you planning to do them in the near future?
Let us know in the comments ANY TIPS that you have for getting started with the Facebook Ads.
PPS. After talking with several people who have done professionally Facebook ads for a while, I could easily write a post "10 reasons why you you are leaving money on the table if you are not using Facebook ads yet."
Maybe that could be a topic for the next post... :D
Recent Comments
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I“m one of the people who never had issues with Facebook. Maybe one of the reason was that I still didn't try Facebook add on MMO niche.
But, FB can be great for business. Actually, ( I forgot to mention you, Roope, when we talk), I sold two big concerts only through Facebook. I didn't use radio and TV advertising; there were no advertising posters or flyers.
I sold 26000 tickets total just using Facebook groups, connecting with fans, and with FB ads.
I've done a couple of Facebook ads, as I have a FB page for my business. Haven't had any trouble with them; haven't done many because didn't want to spend the money. I will do some more, though.
I admit I have a natural bias against FB because of them minimizing the organic reach you get on your facebook pages. Obviously they are in the business of making money like Google is. So I understand the business reason they did this. But I always thought it was shady.
And apparently all MMO is bad to them since they won't allow folks in this niche to give them money to promote our opts. So that's another reason I've stayed away.
But I know it works very well. It's just a learning curve and you need to have the money to make mistakes while you learn.
I understand. I've also heard the same that it's strict when it comes to the mmo niche. However, there are still many people who are making a fortune also in this niche. So it's possible :)
I don't know how they are able to promote anything related to MMO on facebook ads. Unless they are not mentioning the making money aspect at all.
I have the same feelings with FB but I found out that is not actually the case. it is just for me testing the waters of FB again, so to speak.
Yeah I would be interested in seeing how people are promoting MMO on facebook without getting their ads getting rejected and how effective the conversions are if you can't flat out say this is a make money opportunity.
I talked recently with someone and analyzed a little bit the ads I've seen.
One way how people do it is to show the pictures of their lifestyle they've achieved. Then they tell the story of that.
You can also tell that you're going to teach some skills.
I mean, no need to mention "I will teach you to make money." But for example, learn how to build a website or something else.
Jerry and Chris at least have definitely more information about that.
I'll be wiser after I have done it myself in practice :)
I tried FB ads on my eCommerce business. The problem is you need to try and keep trying and do many experiments until you find the best result. Also, you need to have more than 1 ad and try to change different things. Offer different products. For example, I once advertised for 1 T-shirt design that was the best Design I have but no one bought it. I added the worst designs ever and they loved it! So you need to keep doing it until you understand what your audience need and want!
You will for sure waste money first but once you start discovering what your audience wants then you will give them the products they want! or service.
The other tip, people love Videos more than pictures! If you can add a video. If you can't you need a really attractive photo.
Keep it short and on the point!
Good luck.
Thanks for sharing. Yeah I heard also it's all about testing and feeding FB with tons of data.
Yea, that's why you need to pay a lot before you actually earn money! Or hire someone expert to do it for you which I find it better.
I don't have anything encouraging to say here. What Facebook says and what they do are two different things.
I've heard/seen that *what* one advertises is just as important, if not substantially more, than their rules.
Among other biases, they disfavor the MMO niche.
But maybe you can prove that incorrect.
Personally, I think you have shown good judgement to avoid them.
That's what some other people have said to me too. But usually those people have never made money with FB ads.
On the other hand, those people who are making tons of money with FB ads (in many niches) say that it's completely amazing.
right on! That totally makes sense. I admit I have an anti-Facebook bias; I don't like the way they do business.
Try to google it. Tips on using FB ads for your website. Thanks for telling us some good things about the FB Ads policy. - Florentino
I've tried FB ads a couple of times but nothing ever came from it. I consider it a waste of money but hope your experience is better.
I guess it requires probably more commitment than just trying. I've heard from many people that it's a gold mine.
Yes, please keep documenting your progress and tips. I have had a FB page for a long time now, and haven't posted on it in forever because I got tired of everything I posted being removed.
Since I had such a hard time even posting, I haven't looked into Ads, and I've been focusing on other areas.
What I found most frustrating is that there is NO real support for business accounts. I emailed "support" several times while I was experiencing issues with my posts being removed, and never received one response other than "thank you for your feedback."
How are business marketers suppose to market on Facebook if their content is constantly removed, and there is no one to ask why to make changes?
Sorry, side rant. I'm still bitter. I still have the page but don't know what to do with it. Keep sharing your info, Roope!
Yeah. I've heard similar things from other FB marketers. I guess they focus on creating better support pages, intuitive platform and then let marketers figure things out themselves instead of providing 1-on-1 support.
Thank you for the encouragement Joe! I will :)
Have you started using Facebook ads or considered it?
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Hi Roope,
Wish I could be more helpful. But, you know how limited my techy knowledge is.
I think you can answer this question, though. Can you write a blog on facebook along with your ad like you would on another site, writing 1,000 word or more blog?
It would be a nice media to use since it is so popular.
Marion