TITLE:  Step by Step Guide to Advertising on Facebook

This guest post is provided by Liz Cutten.  Liz helps run FindBizCards, a <a href=”http://www.findbizcards.com/blog”>small business blog</a> where you can get tips, tricks, and more.  You can find more of her work there.

Facebook has become one of the biggest websites on the web today.  Just about everyone that you talk to is going to tell you that they have a Facebook account.  In today’s world, it seems as if it has taken over phone numbers!

Now, if you have a business, it would be silly for you not to consider advertising on Facebook.  It’s a lot easier than you think.  I wanted to give you a very simple guide that you can use, in order to get started on Facebook.

#1 Get a Facebook account: If you don’t already have one, you will most likely want to get a Facebook account.  I’m sure you do, but if you don’t, create one!  If you want to create separate one for your business, that’s fine as well.  This account is where you’re going to be creating your ads.

#2 Start up your ads: Log into your account and on the left hand side, you’re going to see the page that says “ads and pages.”  You’re going to want to click on this page.  This is where you’re going to start your campaigns.

#3 Create an ad: Once you’re on that page, you’re going to want to click the “Create an Ad” button near the top right hand corner.  It’s a green colored button.

#4 Start thinking of an ad: This is where the fun starts.  You’re going to want to think of a catchy Title, as well as a catchy body text.  I also strongly advise that you place an image on the ad as well, as this is going to catch the reader’s attention.

#5 Target the audience: The thing I like most about Facebook is that I can find the exact person that I need.  For example, if I need a 42 year old that loves to paint and watch birds, I can find that person.  It’s an amazing way to target those that might want your product.  On the right hand side, you’re also going to notice how many you’re going to potentially reach.

#6 Set your budget: Now, everyone has a budget.  Whether you want to spend $1 a day or $1000 a day, it’s going to be up to you.  You’re going to be able to either schedule your ads, or if you wish, you can run them until your money runs out.  Be careful with your budget as you can go through money fairly fast.

#7 CPC Vs. CPM: The last thing that you’re going to want to adjust is whether you want to pay every time someone clicks on your ad, or every time they are viewed.  Each one is going to have its upside, as well as downside.

After you have set up your ads, you’re going to want to watch it for the next couple days.  Keep your eyes peeled on the CTR, as well as how many impressions you’re getting.  If you’re not happy with the traffic and clicks, you can always tweak your ads and demographics.  It’s going to take some time to get used to it, but once you master it, you should find yourself getting new customers!