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Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a Facebook Ad (With Pictures!)

Source: https://www.wte.net/Step-by-Step-Instructions-to-Create-a-Facebook-Ad-(With-Pictures!)
Date: March 2022
Author: Rachelle in eMarketing

"Facebook ads still have one of the best returns on investment of any advertising method." The guide walks through creating a nonprofit advertisement example, highlighting how social media advertising offers simplicity, effectiveness, and audience targeting capabilities with daily budget controls.

Ad Content Section

Before creation begins, two preparatory steps are necessary:

Image Creation: Develop graphics with minimal text that convey the message clearly. "Facebook prioritizes image over words and has denied ads that contain over 50% of the area of an image having text." Recommended dimensions are 1080x1080 pixels. Canva is suggested as a free design tool.

Text Writing: Accompanying text requires careful attention to length constraints—"The headline is limited to 40 characters and your primary text should be less than 125 characters." Compose text in basic editors like Notepad rather than Word to avoid HTML code complications.

Setup Process

  1. Access the ad creation tool through the ad center or "create an ad" icon (avoiding the "boost post" option for better results)
  2. Select your campaign goal and save the selection
  3. Add ad description using concise language
  4. Upload media through the "select media" button, with capacity for up to five carousel images
  5. Create a headline (limited to 25 characters)
  6. Configure the button with appropriate call-to-action and destination URLs

Targeting & Budget Management

The targeting interface allows demographic filtering. Users can "remove any interests that don't apply" by editing the pre-populated interest suggestions. The example targets ages 18-65 within an 11-mile radius, focusing on parents of specific age groups.

Duration is adjusted using calendar controls, while daily budget amounts are set separately (not total spend). Users running previous campaigns may need to reset spending amounts through a dedicated button.

Placement options allow simultaneous display across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram when connected. Payment information entry follows, concluding with the "Promote Now" submission button.

Approval and Monitoring

Once submitted, ads enter review status. Approval typically takes "15 minutes to a few hours." Users receive notification when ads go live and can monitor performance through the Ad Center.

Conclusion

"While there may seem to be a lot of steps, the process is quick and simple." Technical assistance is available at social@wte.net for users requiring additional support.