How to Create a New Facebook Ad Account: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to dive into the thrilling (and sometimes bewildering) world of Facebook advertising. Excellent choice! Mastering this platform can unlock significant potential for your business. But before you launch your first campaign, you need a Facebook Ad Account. Let’s cut through the jargon and get you set up, ensuring you’re ready to craft winning ads.

Creating a new Facebook Ad Account is a straightforward process, but understanding the nuances will save you headaches down the line. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Access Facebook Business Manager (Meta Business Suite): First and foremost, you need a Facebook Business Manager account (now known as Meta Business Suite). If you don’t have one, create one at business.facebook.com. This is the central hub for managing your business assets on Facebook.

2. Navigate to Ad Accounts: Once you’re in Meta Business Suite, locate the “All Tools” menu in the left-hand navigation. Click it, and then select “Ad Accounts” under the “Advertise” section.

3. Add a New Ad Account: You should now be on the Ad Accounts page. Click the blue “Add” button. You’ll be presented with three options:

   • Add an Ad Account: Use this if you already have an Ad Account and want to add it to your Business Manager.
   • Request Access to an Ad Account: This is for requesting access to an Ad Account that belongs to another business.
   • Create a New Ad Account: This is the option you want! Select it.

4. Ad Account Details: A new window will pop up, prompting you to enter the following information:

   • Ad Account Name: Choose a descriptive name for your Ad Account. We suggest something that clearly identifies your business or project (e.g., “MyCompany – Website Ads”).
   • Time Zone: Select the correct time zone for your business. This is crucial for scheduling ads and reporting. Double-check this setting! Changing it later can be a pain.
   • Currency: Choose your preferred currency for billing. This setting is permanent, so choose wisely. If you’re targeting multiple countries, select the currency most relevant to your primary market.

5. Who Will Use This Ad Account?: You’ll be asked if this ad account is for your business or another business. Choose “My Business“.

6. Assign People and Permissions: Now, you need to assign yourself (or other team members) to the Ad Account and grant the appropriate permissions. You’ll see a list of people associated with your Business Manager. Select your name (or the names of your colleagues) and then choose a permission level:

   • Admin Access: Gives complete control over the Ad Account, including the ability to manage campaigns, payment methods, and user roles.
   • Advertiser Access: Allows users to create and manage campaigns but does not grant access to billing or user management.
   • Analyst Access: Allows users to view campaign performance reports but does not permit them to make changes.

   For yourself, you’ll probably want Admin Access at least initially.

7. Payment Information: Finally, you’ll be prompted to add your payment information. This includes your credit card details, billing address, and VAT ID (if applicable). Make sure the information is accurate to avoid any issues with your ads running.

8. Congratulations!: You’ve successfully created a new Facebook Ad Account. You’re now ready to start creating campaigns and reaching your target audience!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Before you jump in, here are a few common mistakes people make when setting up their Ad Account:

• Incorrect Time Zone: As mentioned before, this is a common and frustrating error.
• Choosing the Wrong Currency: This can lead to unexpected currency conversion fees.
• Insufficient Permissions: Granting the wrong permissions to users can hinder their ability to effectively manage campaigns.
• Not Linking a Facebook Page: Your Ad Account needs to be linked to a Facebook Page to run ads.

Mastering Your Ad Account: Next Steps

Now that you have your Ad Account set up, the real work begins! Familiarize yourself with the Facebook Ads Manager interface, explore different campaign objectives, and start experimenting with ad targeting. Remember to track your results, analyze your data, and continuously optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI.

Facebook Ad Account FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Facebook Ad Accounts, answered with the clarity and expertise you deserve:

1. Can I have multiple Facebook Ad Accounts?

Yes, you can have multiple Facebook Ad Accounts, especially if you’re managing ads for different businesses or projects. However, Facebook may limit the number of Ad Accounts you can create initially. If you need more, you can request an increase through the Business Manager settings. Keeping them separated is good practice and helps with organization.

2. How much does it cost to create a Facebook Ad Account?

Creating a Facebook Ad Account is free. You only pay when you run ad campaigns.

3. What payment methods are accepted by Facebook?

Facebook typically accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, and PayPal. The availability of payment methods may vary depending on your location.

4. What is a Facebook Pixel, and why do I need it?

The Facebook Pixel is a small snippet of code that you place on your website. It allows you to track website visitors and their actions (e.g., purchases, form submissions, page views) so that you can measure the effectiveness of your advertising, create custom audiences, and optimize your campaigns for conversions. Installing the Facebook Pixel is crucial for any serious advertiser.

5. Can I delete a Facebook Ad Account?

Yes, you can close a Facebook Ad Account. However, before doing so, ensure you’ve downloaded any important reports and data, as you won’t be able to access them once the account is closed. Also, be aware that you might not be able to reactivate the account later.

6. What is the Facebook Ad Account ID, and where can I find it?

The Facebook Ad Account ID is a unique identifier for your Ad Account. You can find it in the Ads Manager URL (after act=) or in the Ad Account settings within Business Manager. This ID is often needed when integrating your Ad Account with other marketing platforms or tools.

7. What is the difference between Facebook Business Manager and Ads Manager?

Facebook Business Manager (Meta Business Suite) is the central hub for managing all your Facebook business assets, including Pages, Ad Accounts, and Instagram accounts. Ads Manager is the tool within Business Manager specifically used for creating and managing ad campaigns.

8. What happens if my Facebook Ad Account is disabled?

If your Facebook Ad Account is disabled, it means Facebook has detected a violation of its advertising policies. The most common reasons include violating ad content guidelines, suspicious payment activity, or running ads that promote prohibited products or services. Review the Facebook Advertising Policies carefully to avoid account suspension. You can appeal the decision, but it’s best to prevent it from happening in the first place.

9. How do I add someone to my Facebook Ad Account?

In Meta Business Suite, navigate to “Settings” then “Ad Accounts“. Select the ad account you would like to add someone to, then select “People“. Click “Add People” and search for the individual by name or email. Assign the desired access level (Admin, Advertiser, or Analyst). They will receive an invitation to join the Ad Account.

10. How do I change the currency or time zone in my Facebook Ad Account?

Unfortunately, you cannot change the currency or time zone once the Ad Account is created. If you made a mistake, you’ll need to create a new Ad Account with the correct settings. This is why it’s crucial to double-check these details during the initial setup.

11. How do I link my Facebook Page to my Ad Account?

In Meta Business Suite, go to “Settings” and select “Business Assets“. Select the Ad Account, then click “Add Assets” then choose “Facebook Page“. Claim the desired Facebook Page. The Facebook Page is now connected to the ad account.

12. Can I run ads without a Facebook Page?

No, you cannot run ads without a linked Facebook Page. Your ads need a Page to represent your business and provide users with more information. It serves as the “face” of your advertising efforts.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of Facebook Ad Accounts, you’ll be well-equipped to launch successful advertising campaigns and drive meaningful results for your business. Good luck, and happy advertising!