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.

Want to Stay Ahead of the Facebook Ads Game? Subscribe to Josh Okungbaiye's free Facebook Ads newsletter.

Subscribe to Jyll's free Google Ads newsletter, The Insider, for the latest updates, strategies, and insights.