4 Common Facebook Ad Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

facebook ads guest expert Aug 29, 2024
a person signing into facebook on their phone, with a photograph of facebook ads coach josh okungbaiye

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach & Josh Okungbaiye, Facebook Ads Coach

Are your Facebook and Instagram ads not delivering the results you expected? You're not alone. Many businesses struggle to get the most out of their social media advertising efforts. In this post, I'm sharing expert tips from Facebook Ads Coach Josh Okunbaiye. Read on for four common mistakes people make with Facebook Ads and how to avoid them.

 

Mistake #1: Going Too Broad Too Soon

While it's tempting to cast a wide net with your targeting, going too broad in the beginning can be detrimental. When your ad account lacks data, the algorithm doesn't have enough information to optimize effectively.

Solution: Start with a more focused approach. Use relevant interests and demographics to guide the algorithm. As your account accumulates data, you can gradually expand your targeting.

 

Mistake #2: Lack of Creative Diversity

Sticking to a single ad format, like only using images or only videos, limits your potential reach and engagement. Different users respond to different types of content.

Solution: Embrace creative diversity! Experiment with various formats like images, videos, GIFs, and even memes. This allows you to discover what resonates best with your audience and keeps your ads fresh and engaging.

 

Mistake #3: Overspending in the Beginning

There's a common misconception that pouring a large budget into your ads will automatically yield better results. However, this isn't always the case.

Solution: Start with a budget that you're comfortable with. As you gain insights and see what works, you can gradually increase your spending. Remember, a higher budget doesn't guarantee success; it simply speeds up the learning process.

 

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Competition

It's easy to get caught up in your own product or service, but remember, you're not the only one vying for your audience's attention.

Solution: Research your competitors' ads and offers. Analyze what they're doing well and identify areas where you can differentiate yourself. Craft compelling offers that stand out from the crowd and resonate with your target audience.

 

When In Doubt, Put the User First

One of the most important takeaways that Josh emphasizes is the importance of focusing on the user. Your ads should provide value and a positive experience for the people who see them. By understanding your audience and crafting relevant offers, you can increase engagement, improve ad performance, and ultimately drive better results for your business.

 

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Ready to master Google Ads once and for all?

I’m Jyll Saskin Gales, your Google Ads Coach. I worked at Google for 6 years, bringing the best of Google's insights and ad products to the world's largest and most sophisticated advertisers. Now, I’m a Google Ads coach, consultant and teacher, working with business owners, marketers, agencies and freelancers.

I founded Learn with Jyll to make Google Ads training accessible for aspiring and experienced practitioners. My signature Google Ads training program, Inside Google Ads, is the right fit for most business owners and marketers. If you have zero marketing experience and want to ensure you understand all the jargon and terminology first, Google Ads for Beginners will get you ready in just a few hours.

Feel free to contact me with questions.

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