Some people believe that advertising, whether on Facebook or through another medium is as “simple” as spending lots of money, having lovely photos and bam – empty shelves or a lead book full to bursting. If only it were that easy……everyone would be doing it!
Think of Facebook ads as one part of the marketing jigsaw puzzle. It’s not going to work if you don’t have the other parts of the jigsaw in place.
Here are a few things to think about when prepping for running ads. In all honesty, these are things you should be looking at whether or not you are planning on running an ad campaign.
Have you got a website?
Whether you are a lead-based business or sell via e-commerce, every business owner should have their own website, their own piece of land to tell their business story.
Selling through social media alone or using third party sites is all well and good whilst they work. However, what happens if you lose access to your page or your shop is shut down? You’ll be left with nothing. So set up a website that offers what you need it to, for now, and into the future.
If you are planning to advertise – either now or in the future, you’ll want to add a Facebook Pixel to your page. Read more about this here.
How is your customer service?
I can help you to spend hundreds or thousands of pounds on your Facebook ads. Depending on what your objectives are these ads will bring people to buy your stock or become a lead. But what happens when the transaction is made or the details are submitted? If you don’t have a plan in place for how to deal with your prospects and customers, disgruntled clickers will start to leave unkind comments on your ads and social pages for all to see.
So whether you’ve been in business for 3 months or 30 years think about how you plan to look after your prospects and customers in a timely and friendly manner.
Do you have organic sales/leads?
Wait a sec you think, why is Marie talking about organic sales and leads when I’m talking about paid advertising? Well, there is a strong link between the two, so bear with me.
If your product is not selling organically – it is highly unlikely to sell with paid advertising.
But how will people buy if they don’t know about me? Fair comment and I can set up a campaign to help people to get to know you.
The other reason I ask about organic sales is to check that real-life customers have followed your process and that it works. If you are selling something and you are receiving site visitors but no sales, maybe a random pop-up box is preventing people from checking out. Are you finding a lot of abandoned carts? Maybe you need to let people understand your shipping rates before they get that far.
It’s all about walking the walk of your prospect with clear eyes, checking your processes work. Then when your ideal client comes along, there are no barriers for them to spend or submit their details with you.
Don’t rush the process
Paid advertising is not a quick fix. It’s a methodical process where I set up campaigns to attract your ideal client to you. This can take time and have good days and not so good days.
If you are looking for a quick fix then Facebook and Instagram ads are probably not right for you. The more time we have to hone the offer and attract your clients the better.
