Everything You Need to Know When Starting Instagram and Facebook Ads

Before You Start

Set Up Your Accounts

1. Facebook Business Page Create if you don't have one. Required for advertising.

2. Instagram Business Account Convert personal to business account.

3. Meta Business Suite Access at business.facebook.com. Connect your assets.

4. Ad Account Create in Business Suite. Set payment method.

Install Tracking

Meta Pixel

• Add to your website
• Track visitor behavior
• Enable conversion tracking

Conversions API

• Server-side tracking
• More reliable data

Your First Campaign

Step 1: Choose Objective

Start with one of these:

• Traffic: Send people to your website
• Engagement: Get likes, comments, shares
• Leads: Collect contact information
• Sales: Drive purchases

Step 2: Define Audience

Start with:

• Location
• Age range
• Key interests

Don't over-target initially.

Step 3: Set Budget

Start small:

• Run for at least 7 days
• Gather data before scaling

Step 4: Create Ad

Keep it simple:

• High-quality image or video
• Clear, compelling message
• Strong call-to-action

Step 5: Launch and Monitor

• Check daily initially
• Don't make changes for first 3-4 days
• Let algorithm learn

Common Beginner Questions

How much should I spend?

How long before I see results?

Expect 1-2 weeks for meaningful data.

Should I use Instagram or Facebook?

Start with both using automatic placements.

What if my ads get rejected?

Read rejection reason, fix issue, resubmit.

How do I know if it's working?

Define success metrics before starting. Track them.

Next Steps After Your First Campaign

Analyze Results

• What worked?
• What didn't?
• What to test next?

Expand

• Test new audiences
• Try new ad formats
• Increase budget on winners

Learn More

• Take Meta Blueprint courses
• Follow industry blogs
• Consider professional help