I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…
Facebook advertising is a MUST for any serious internet marketer.
There is absolutely no better way to advertise online. Facebook has more than 2 billion users worldwide. That’s an incredible number of potential customers!
But that’s not all…
Facebook collects HUGE amounts of data on every user they have—and all that data is provided voluntarily.
Every Comment, Like, and Status Update is a window into the mind of a Facebook user. Every group they join, every Facebook page they like. ALL of that data is just sitting there waiting to be tapped into, and that means…
Facebook ads can be highly targeted!
We’re talking targeting so specific, it’s on a level the world has never seen before.
And running a Facebook ad campaign doesn’t even have to be expensive. A campaign can be launched for as little as $5 a day!
With just a few clicks of the mouse button, an ad campaign can be up and running in mere minutes. It’s so user-friendly and so quick.
All of these factors make Facebook the ideal method of advertising on the internet.
There are also a lot of different ways to create Facebook ads so they stand out and get noticed—text ads, ads with images, video ads, slideshow ads. And there are many different resources that can be used to create ads.
With that in mind, what follows is a thorough description of the types of resources available to the Facebook advertiser. The use of these resources will help anyone launch a highly successful campaign!
Images
People are visual creatures, and for that reason…
The very first thing we look at in an ad is the image.
Our eyes are automatically drawn to images. So, the image in a Facebook ad MUST be very eye-catching. It needs to stand out and really draw the eye in. Which means, these images need to be enticing and high-quality. They need to:
- Be clear
- Have a high resolution
- Have good lighting
- Look completely professional
And be sure to choose the image based on the target audience. It has to appeal to them. Test different images to find the ones that are most effective.
Tools for creating images:
Fortunately, there are some great tools out there for creating images. In fact, there is software out there that makes it possible to create high-quality images that include text. Take a look:
- Slidely— With Slidely, it’s possible to make great images AND slideshows. With this tool, people can also create collages, photo galleries, and business promos. Plus, it’s FREE!
- Canva— Canva is also a great resource for creating images. The basic account is free, but it can be upgraded at a low cost to access more features. They have a lot of free stock images and there are also images that are for sale.
- Pablo— Pablo is another free image resource that makes it possible to choose from fabulous images and create text to go with those images. It’s easy to create images in various sizes and shuffle images in an ad just for fun. And no account is required. Just choose from their image library, add the text, and download it to use as needed.
- PicMonkey— PicMonkey offers a little more in the way of features. There is a free trial, but after that it is a paid service. However, this tool makes it possible to edit or touch up photos, add a watermark, create a collage, and add text in creative ways. This is ideal for anyone who is using their own photos.
- Stencil—This is another paid tool that offers the ability to use their templates, fonts, and images or create your own. There is a free subscription level that allows 10 images per month, but unlimited images only costs $12 per month.
- BeFunky—This is a photo editor that is great for anyone using their own photos. Adding text and creating collages can be done with ease.
Tools for finding stock images:
Sometimes all that is needed for a Facebook ad is a simple stock image. These are images taken by someone else and available for free or for purchase. And the quality is generally top notch.
There are a few places where stock images can be obtained for free. The images on these sites are public domain. They include:
- Pixabay—Images from Pixabay are available via Creative Commons Zero. They can be used, modified, and distributed in any way. No permission is required and no credit needs to be given.
- Pexels—Again, these images are free under Creative Commons Zero. And can be used in the same way as images from Pixabay.
- Unsplash—Again, all images are available for free, but under the Unspalsh licensing terms. Fortunately, these terms also allow the images to be used, modified, and distributed as desired without the need for permission or credit. However, this does not apply to images that include brand logos or people. For these, permission may be required.
- io—Here, all images are part of Creative Commons Zero.
- Burst (by Shopify)—Burst has both Creative Commons and Licensed photos. They are all free, but the terms of licensed images must be adhered to.
There are also resources for stock images that are not free. However, they tend to have a bigger selection. The images are also incredibly high-quality and these companies have a very good reputation. They include:
But when it comes to creating a Facebook ad, images are only the beginning…
Video Ads
Video ads are all the rage right now. They are far better than images at catching attention.
People LOVE to watch videos. And videos can be fun to make too!
And Facebook makes it possible to create video ads that grab the attention. In fact, video ads are more effective at getting the consumer’s attention than text ads. Why?
Because they feel more personal.
The audience can connect with the ad and the person behind that ad much more easily. And videos are highly visual. They really attract the eye and keep people interested.
And here’s the best part…
Video ads are easier to make than most people think. In fact, they are incredibly easy to make. And that is because there are some great tools out there that make it so easy.
Tools for Editing/Creating Video Ads
The following tools are ideal for editing or creating video ads. They are designed to be simple and user-friendly so literally anyone can make video quickly and easily.
- Viddyad—They offer the ability to create and customize video ads, all in real-time. Users can upload their own videos and images or use Viddyad’s video and image library. All videos can be instantly published on any social media platform.
- Shakr—This service offers video designs anyone can use to create video ads. Just choose the design, drag-and-drop photos, and change the text. Once the video is finished, it can be used anywhere. This service is very professional, with three tiers of pricing available.
- Snap Studio Plus—This service makes it possible to create videos for free. Once the video is made, users can create a video ad and purchase download or streaming for the ad. Alternatively, Snap Studio Plus has experts who can make the videos for marketers.
Animated Video Tools
Animated videos are fun, engaging, and so entertaining. It is easy to be creative with animation. And these are also incredibly easy to create. Here are some great tools for creating animated videos:
- GoAnimate—With different pricing and plans, this service allows for the unlimited creation and download/distribution of videos. They have all the tools so the user can do it themselves with ease.
- PowToon—This animation platform is ideal for creating video ads. Their drag-and-drop templates make it possible to create professional-looking animated video in just 20 minutes.
- CrazyTalk—This software is perfect for facial animation. It allows the user to mimic real-life facial expressions and add voice and text for an awesome video experience.
- iClone—This animation software offers the ability to create realistic real-time 3D animation. Cinematic-level storytelling is possible, but with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy character creation and animation.
- Adobe After Effects—Adobe has a solid track record of superior performance when creating images and video. After Effects has a learning curve, but the video that can be created with this software, including live action and 2D animation, is professional quality. The user can even act out the movements of their animated character in front of a webcam. Adobe allows the user to access the software via an affordable monthly subscription.
- Toon Boom—Similar to After Effects in terms of professionalism and learning curve. Top animation studios use this software. It’s pricey, but it’s good.
Screen-Capture Videos
Screen-capture videos are probably the easiest and least intimidating to make. They make it easy to communicate ideas and promote products.
And they are ideal for anyone who is not comfortable in front of a camera.
Screen-capture videos look really professional and allow marketers to clearly deliver great content. Essentially, they are like a PowerPoint presentation in video mode. All the user needs to do is create the slides and use screenshots and then record a voiceover to match them.
And there are a number of tools that make this simple to do:
Screen Capture Tools
- Camtasia—Record a computer screen or import video to create fantastic video for Facebook ads. Edit the video right in the software and share the final results on YouTube, Vimeo or Facebook.
- Screenflow—This software makes it possible to record the full or partial computer screen, edit videos, create professional animation and motion graphics, and share the results.
- Screencast-o-matic—This is the perfect tool to record a computer screen. Take screenshots of PowerPoint slides or anything else and create an engaging video to which voiceover can be added.
Smartphone Videos
Creating a video doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s no need for expensive video equipment to create a great ad.
In fact, all that is needed is a smartphone!
Great videos can be recorded on a smartphone. Just use a selfie stick and look and speak naturally and the video will be fantastic.
Some of the most successful ads on Facebook are people recording selfie videos on their phone. Don’t underestimate the power of simple, relatable videos!
General Facebook Ad Manager Tools
Once the ad is made and launched, it is important to properly manage the ad campaign. This means knowing how well the ads are performing each and every day.
Fortunately, there are some awesome tools out there that can make this easy.
Note that these aren’t 100% necessary when just starting out. But for anyone running multiple ad campaigns – or for a marketing agency or a marketing team – these tools are game-changers!
These are tools that allow marketers to manage their ads and view detailed analytics. Here are the best tools to use:
- Qwaya—This platform is designed specifically for Facebook and Instagram ads. They charge a flat monthly fee and have different plans to suit the needs of a growing business.
- Pagemodo—This platform is also designed strictly for Facebook advertising. They help marketers design their ads, target their audience, and start seeing the analytics as soon as the ads are live.
- Adspresso—This is another Facebook-specific analytic platform. They offer A/B testing and a complete set of analytics to optimizes ads.
- Simply Measured— Simply Measured is designed to analyze and optimize ad campaigns on any social media platform. Listen in on social conversations, use their social analytics tool, track content sharing, and track conversions.
- Driftrock—Driftrock is designed to enable marketers to generate more leads, while minimizing the cost per lead. They have their exclusive Lifecycle Marketing technology to help increase conversion rates.
- Hootsuite—This is designed to allow marketers to create, track, and analyze ads on multiple social media platforms all in one convenient place.
Tracking Links
Facebook has its own analytics that allows marketers to track their click results. But there are some tools out there that offer more detailed analytics than Facebook can provide.
Plus, they can be used to cloak really long, awkward looking URLs. This makes any URLs associated with the ad look more professional and make tracking easier.
Here are the best tools for tracking links:
- ly—Enter any URL to shrink it. Also, track analytics for individual links and optimize ad performance.
- ly—This tool pairs with Hootsuite for full analytics. Just enter in the desired URL and Owl.ly automatically shrinks it so it can be shared.
- ClickPerfect—This tool has lots of features for tracking. This includes conversion tracking and pixel tracking and retargeting. Tracking is in real-time. There is also link cloaking, password-protected links, and advanced geotargeting. And this is just some of their features!
Outsourcing
At this point, some or all of the above resources might seem overwhelming. Some people just aren’t comfortable with the different aspects of Facebook advertising. That’s fine—because there are plenty of people out there who can help.
Anyone can outsource any aspect of creating Facebook ads. This includes:
- Writing the copy
- Creating the images and text
- Designing the ad
- Creating video
- Anything else required
It’s even possible to hire someone to run the ad campaign, but we don’t recommend this. At Lurn, we know how important it is that EVERY business owner have a solid understanding of how to run a Facebook ad campaign.
And the only way to develop that understanding is for the marketer to do it on their own.
Even if someone chooses to outsource any aspect of their ad campaign, they should still learn the basics of Facebook ads.
When it comes to outsourcing, it’s incredibly easy. There are freelance websites that can connect a business owner with the professionals they need. Professionals such as writers, graphic designers, web designers, and video editors. These websites include:
Just remember that most the time, you get what you pay for. This means if the fee is low, the quality of the work might be low, too.
Facebook ads are so powerful!
But it is important to have the right tools and resources to harness that power and make the most of it. We have talked about so many important resources above, such as images, the use of video, and ad management tools. But…
One of the best resources a marketer can have is the proper training.
That’s why we’re running our incredible Facebook Bootcamp. We want to help anyone who has the passion and drive get their business off the ground and start generating profits.
And who better to learn from than the experts that have already done it?
Our Facebook Bootcamp will cover every aspect of Facebook advertising. It is the ultimate training and it’s FREE.
So, sign up now. Anyone who is serious about their online business CANNOT miss this bootcamp!
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
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