I’ve been in the Facebook ads game for a HOT minute now. (Hot years, really. A hot decade-plus.) And, as I’ve been here — tapping on my keyboard, managing millions of dollars in client ad spend, and raising babies — everything has changed.

And then it changed again. (And probably again, honestly.)

It’s led me to learn an insane amount of information about the Facebook ads world (and the TikTok and Pinterest ads worlds, too), and it’s taught me about a zillion and one lessons that I try to consistently apply daily to improve the business of my clients and of my own.

Now, while I might have been in the game for a hot minute at this point, a lot of people haven’t — and, lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about getting started in the Facebook ads world now. 

So, as a little Christmas present to ya, here are the things I would do now if I were just starting Facebook ads tomorrow:

5 things I’d do if I were starting Facebook ads tomorrow

1. I’d have a plan for content generation.

If you want to make Facebook ads easier, the best tool you have at your disposal is continual content generation. Wondering how? Utilize things like your IG posts and Reels as engagement ads! And, to make it even easier, remember that — especially when it comes to ads content — quantity is greater than perfectionism. Instead of working for hours and hours on one specific ad, create regular content that feels good… and use that.

2. I’d build out some freebies.

The best way to regularly engage your ads audience on Facebook is to make sure that you’re creating value more than you’re making sales — and the best way to do that is through building out some incredible freebies! Take the time to really dig into your audiences’ pain points and needs, and build out resources (everyone loves a template, a handbook, a guide, or an online webinar!) to run ads to.

3. I’d create an email sequence.

If you want to convert your audience, they need to get to know you — and one of the best ways to do this is by connecting an email sequence to your freebie that educates, connects, and eventually leads to a paid offer. Plus, connecting your ads to an email list is the most effective way to generate leads and grow your list.

Pro tip: not sure where to start? Once you set up a freebie, build a sequence that follows this pattern:

• Freebie delivery email
• Introduction to you + freebie check-in
• Value-packed email #1
• Value-packed email #2 + hint to paid offer
• Value-packed email #3 + paid offer

4. I’d set up my tracking.

When you start running ads, you’ll need to make sure that they’re being effectively tracked — which means that you have to do the legwork around said tracking. Go ahead and make sure your Facebook pixel is installed, and then ensure that you’ve taken these steps:

1. Install cAPI on your website software host (similar to the FB pixel)!
2. Toggle on advanced matching (you can find this in the Events Manager of your Business Manger and click on Settings, scroll down to Advanced Matching).

5. Remember that you have to spend to earn

Now, I’m not going to tell you that you need to immediately start dropping thousands of dollars on ads… nor would I recommend that. However, I do think it’s important to remember that ads are about testing — and that means that it tends to take time, effort, and money in order to see results. While you will see a return with the right approach, it’s key to keep in mind that it might take a minute (and a dollar).

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There you have it, pals — a few of the things I would do now if I were starting Facebook ads tomorrow. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it is a start… and I’m always here to share more. Any in particular you’d like to hear about? Comment them below!