Facebook is one of the largest platforms for businesses to connect with their audience, boasting 3.07 billion active users monthly. To help businesses advertise effectively, Facebook offers Ads Manager—a powerful tool to create, manage, and track ad campaigns. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get to Ads Manager in Facebook and use it to drive growth for your business.
What is Facebook Ads Manager?
Facebook Ads Manager is a central hub designed to help businesses run and manage ad campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta platforms. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing large-scale campaigns, this tool simplifies the process of creating ads, selecting audiences, setting budgets, and tracking performance.
Key Benefits for Businesses
Comprehensive Ad Management: Ads Manager provides everything you need in one place, from creating your first ad to analyzing its results.
Advanced Audience Targeting: Use detailed targeting options to reach the right people based on their interests, location, behavior, and more.
Real-Time Insights: Monitor your ad campaigns and make adjustments to improve performance without missing a beat.
Cross-Platform Advertising: Run ads seamlessly on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network for greater reach.
Scalability: Whether you’re testing with a small budget or scaling a larger campaign, Ads Manager adapts to your needs.
With Ads Manager, businesses can gain control over their advertising efforts while reaching their marketing goals more efficiently.
Now that you understand Facebook Ads Manager and how it can benefit your business, let’s dive into the practical steps. Here’s how to get to Ads Manager in Facebook and set up your account to start creating effective ad campaigns.
How to Access Facebook Ads Manager
Getting started with Facebook Ads Manager is straightforward, but there are a few steps to ensure you’re set up correctly. Here’s a simple guide to help you access Ads Manager and meet the basic requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Ads Manager
Below, we’ve detailed how to access Ads Manager on both platforms and ensure you’re ready to manage your campaigns efficiently.
From a Desktop Computer:
Log in to Your Facebook Account:
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to facebook.com.
Enter your personal Facebook credentials to log in. Ensure you're using the account associated with your business pages or ad accounts.
Access Ads Manager via Direct URL:
In your browser's address bar, type facebook.com/adsmanager and press Enter.
This direct link takes you straight to the Ads Manager interface.
Navigate Through Facebook Interface:
After logging in, locate the menu icon (a downward-facing arrow) in the top-right corner of the Facebook homepage.
Click the menu icon to open a dropdown list.
Under the "Manage Business" or "Professional" section, select "Ads Manager."
If "Ads Manager" isn't immediately visible, you might need to click "See More" to expand the list of options.
Access via Meta Business Suite:
Navigate to business.facebook.com to access the Meta Business Suite.
Log in with your Facebook credentials.
Click "All Tools" in the left-hand menu to expand the tool options.
Select "Ads Manager" from the list to be directed to the Ads Manager interface.
From a Mobile Device:
Using the Facebook App:
Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), typically located at the bottom-right corner on iOS or top-right on Android.
Scroll down and tap "Ads Manager" under the "Ads" section.
If "Ads Manager" isn't visible, tap "See More" to reveal additional options.
Using the Facebook Ads Manager App:
Download the Facebook Ads Manager app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Install and open the app.
Log in with your Facebook credentials to manage your ad campaigns directly from your mobile device.
Selecting the Appropriate Ad Account:
If you manage multiple ad accounts or business pages, ensure you're working within the correct account:
In Ads Manager, look for the account dropdown menu at the top of the page.
Click the dropdown and select the desired ad account associated with the campaigns you intend to manage.
Requirements to Use Ads Manager
To fully utilize Ads Manager, make sure you meet these essential requirements:
Facebook Business Page
Ads Manager is linked to your business page, so creating one is necessary. Add your business name, profile picture, and essential details to set it up.
Instagram Account Connection
If you plan to run ads on Instagram, connect your Instagram business account to your Facebook page. This integration allows for seamless cross-platform advertising.
Payment Setup
Under your Ad Account Settings, add a valid payment method to cover the costs of your campaigns. Double-check that the billing information is accurate to avoid interruptions.
Why These Steps Matter
Setting up these basics ensures a smooth experience when creating and managing campaigns. Following the steps above will make accessing and using Ads Manager hassle-free.
With Ads Manager set up and ready to use, the next step is understanding its structure. Let’s explore how campaigns, ad sets, and ads work together to create a streamlined advertising experience.
The Campaign Structure Explained
Facebook Ads Manager organizes ad campaign structure into three interconnected levels: Campaigns, Ad Sets, and Ads. Each level serves a specific purpose in structuring and optimizing your advertising efforts.
Campaigns
This is the top level where you set the overall objective of your campaign, such as increasing brand awareness, driving traffic, or boosting sales. The objective defines the primary goal and guides Facebook’s algorithms to prioritize specific outcomes.
Ad Sets
Ad sets sit within campaigns and allow you to define important settings, such as:
Audience: The group of people you want to target.
Placements: The platforms where your ads will appear.
Budget and Schedule: How much you’ll spend and when your ads will run.
Ads
At the ad level, you create the content your audience will see. This includes visuals, text, and a clear call-to-action (CTA) to inspire engagement or conversions.
Now that you know how campaigns, ad sets, and ads come together, it’s time to explore the tools and features in Ads Manager that make managing your campaigns easier and more effective.
Features and Tools in Ads Manager
Facebook Ads Manager offers various features and tools to help you create, optimize, and track your campaigns effectively. These tools make advertising more precise and results-driven.
A/B Testing: Find What Works Best
A/B testing allows you to compare campaign elements to identify what resonates most with your audience. You can test:
Ad Creative: Compare different visuals, headlines, or copy.
Audience: See which targeting strategy performs better.
Placements: Evaluate your ads' performance in different locations, such as Instagram stories versus the Facebook news feed.
For example, if you’re unsure whether a video or image ad will drive more engagement, A/B testing can help you make data-driven decisions.
Budget Management: Stay in Control
Ads Manager gives you flexible options for managing your campaign budget:
Daily Budget: Set how much you’re willing to spend each day.
Lifetime Budget: Allocate a fixed amount for the entire campaign duration.
The Advantage Campaign Budget feature lets Facebook automatically distribute your budget across ad sets to prioritize the best-performing ones, saving you time and maximizing ROI.
Placements: Optimize Ad Delivery
With Ads Manager, you can control where your ads appear:
Automatic Placements: Facebook optimizes delivery across its platforms, including Instagram and Messenger.
Manual Placements: Choose specific locations, such as Instagram stories or Facebook right-hand column ads.
Dynamic Creatives: Personalize Your Ads
Dynamic creative tools let you automatically generate multiple ad variations. Ads Manager combines different elements—images, videos, headlines, and CTAs—to find the best-performing combinations for each audience.
For instance, a clothing brand can upload several product photos, and Ads Manager will test which ones appeal most to users based on their preferences.
Performance Tracking: Stay Informed
Real-time performance tracking helps you monitor how your ads are doing. Key features include:
Metrics Dashboard: View data like reach, impressions, and conversions.
Custom Reports: Focus on the metrics that matter most to your campaign goals.
Breakdowns: Analyze performance by demographics, device type, or placement.
By reviewing performance regularly, you can make informed adjustments to improve your results.
Now that you’re familiar with the powerful features of Ads Manager, let’s move on to creating your first campaign step-by-step to put these tools into action.
Setting Up Your First Campaign
Creating your first ad campaign in Facebook Ads Manager may seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Create a Campaign and Select Objectives
Start a New Campaign: Log into Ads Manager and click the green Create button in the Campaigns tab.
Choose an Objective: Select a marketing goal that aligns with your business needs. Facebook offers six main objectives:
Awareness: Increase brand visibility.
Traffic: Drive users to your website or app.
Engagement: Encourage likes, comments, or shares.
App Promotion: Boost app downloads or usage.
Sales: Drive purchases or conversions.
For example, if you’re launching a new product, the Sales objective can help direct potential customers to your website’s checkout page.
Step 2: Design Your Ad Sets
Once you’ve selected your campaign objective, it’s time to set up ad sets. This level is where you’ll define your audience, budget, and schedule.
Audience: Use Facebook’s targeting tools to reach the right people. You can:
Create a Custom Audience using your customer data.
Build a Lookalike Audience to find users similar to your existing customers.
Refine targeting with demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Placements: Choose where your ads will appear. Choose Automatic Placements for a broader reach or Manual Placements to focus on specific platforms, such as Instagram stories or Facebook feeds.
Budget and Schedule:
Set a Daily Budget for consistent spending or a Lifetime Budget for the campaign duration.
Choose a start and end date for your ads, or let them run continuously.
Step 3: Craft Engaging Ads
At the ad level, you’ll design the creative elements that will capture your audience’s attention.
Select an Ad Format:
Single Image or Video: Perfect for highlighting a specific product or message.
Carousel: Showcase multiple products or features in a scrollable format.
Collection: Create an immersive, shoppable experience.
Upload Creative Assets:
Use high-quality images or videos to ensure your ads stand out.
Include eye-catching visuals that resonate with your target audience.
Write Ad Copy and CTAs:
Craft concise and compelling text that highlights the value of your product or service.
Add a clear call-to-action (CTA) button, such as “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up.”
For example, a fitness brand might create a carousel ad featuring workout equipment. Each ad links directly to the product page, which has a “Buy Now” button.
Review and Publish
Once you’ve finalized your campaign settings, ad sets, and creatives, preview your ads to ensure they look great across devices. When everything is ready, click Publish. Facebook will review your ads, which usually take up to 24 hours before they go live.
Now that you’ve set up your first campaign, it’s crucial to monitor and refine it for optimal results. Let’s explore tips and best practices to ensure your ads perform at their best.
Tips for Success
Creating ads is just the beginning. To maximize your return on investment (ROI) and drive consistent results, it’s important to follow proven strategies for campaign success. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
1. Start Broad and Refine
When targeting your audience, it’s tempting to get highly specific right away. However, starting with a broader audience can help you gather valuable data about who engages with your ads. Over time, you can refine your targeting based on these insights, narrowing it down to the most responsive demographics and behaviors.
💡Pro Tip: Begin with interest-based targeting and then experiment with custom and lookalike audiences for more precision.
2. Use A/B Testing Effectively
Testing different elements of your ads, such as visuals, headlines, or CTAs, can provide insights into what works best. Split your audience evenly between two or more variations and compare their performance to guide your future strategies.
Test one element at a time for accurate results.
Experiment with audience targeting to see which group responds better.
3. Monitor Performance Regularly
Tracking your ad performance is essential for ensuring your campaigns stay on track. Use Ads Manager’s real-time insights to measure key metrics like reach, click-through rates, and conversions. Regular monitoring allows you to spot underperforming ads early and make adjustments.
Why It Matters: Regular monitoring helps prevent wasted ad spend and ensures effective budget utilization.
4. Take Advantage of GoMarble’s Meta Ads Grader
While Ads Manager provides essential tools for running campaigns, getting a detailed evaluation of your ads can be time-consuming. This is where GoMarble’s Meta Ads Grader stands out.
The Meta Ads Grader offers:
Comprehensive Analysis: Evaluate 20+ ad performance metrics, including targeting accuracy, creative effectiveness, and budget efficiency.
Actionable Insights: Receive tailored recommendations to improve underperforming ad sets and creative elements.
Time Savings: Generate an in-depth report in just a few clicks, giving you more time to focus on scaling your business.
From accessing Ads Manager to optimizing campaigns, this guide covered everything you need to run effective Facebook ads. Let’s conclude with a quick summary of its value for your business.
Conclusion
Facebook Ads Manager is a powerful tool for businesses looking to grow their audience, increase engagement, and drive sales. This guide covered everything from how to get to Ads Manager in Facebook to setting up campaigns, using its features, and implementing tips to maximize ROI. With the right strategies, Ads Manager can help you achieve your marketing goals efficiently.
For businesses ready to take their advertising to the next level, GoMarble is here to help. As an AI-powered performance marketing agency, GoMarble combines cutting-edge technology with expert guidance to create Meta ad campaigns that deliver measurable results. With tools like the Meta Ads Grader, GoMarble pinpoints areas for improvement, helps optimize your ad spend and enables you to achieve unbeatable ROAS.
Take the next step toward profitable growth. Book a free demo with GoMarble today and see the difference AI-assisted, human-led performance marketing can make for your business.