Are you looking for ways to increase your reach on Facebook? Want to learn how to use the Facebook sponsored post feature?

 

Giraffe Social Media shares their Facebook advertising tips in this infographic.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Use video
• Include a call to action
• Share good content
• Understand Facebook’s policies
• Include UTM parameters

Check out the infographic for more details.

 

Facebook sponsored posts infographic

 

Facebook sponsored posts tips

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s not just a platform for connecting with friends and family anymore; it’s also a powerful marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. To harness the full potential of this platform, businesses often turn to sponsored posts.

Sponsored posts on Facebook allow businesses to reach a wider audience, increase brand visibility, and drive valuable actions such as website visits, app installs, and product purchases. However, creating effective sponsored posts requires more than just boosting a regular post. It involves a strategic approach that combines compelling content, engaging visuals, and adherence to Facebook’s policies.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create sponsored posts on Facebook that deliver results. Whether you’re new to Facebook advertising or looking to refine your strategy, these tips will help you get started on the right track.

 

Use Video

Video content has emerged as one of the most powerful forms of communication on social media. Facebook, in particular, has been emphasizing video content for a while now. According to a report by HubSpot, video posts on Facebook receive 59% more engagement than other post types.

Therefore, if you want to create sponsored posts that capture your audience’s attention, consider using video.

Why Use Video?

• High Engagement: Videos are inherently more engaging than static images or text. They can convey information more dynamically and emotionally, making it easier to connect with your audience.
• Increased Reach: Facebook’s algorithm tends to favor video content, so your sponsored video posts are more likely to reach a larger audience organically.
• Storytelling: Videos provide an excellent platform for storytelling. You can showcase your products or services in action, share customer testimonials, or tell your brand’s story more compellingly.

Tips for Effective Video-Sponsored Posts

• Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans on social media are limited, so aim for videos that are concise and get to the point quickly.
• Use subtitles: Many users watch videos with the sound off, so adding subtitles can help convey your message effectively.
• Include a clear call to action (CTA): Encourage viewers to take the desired action, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase.

 

Include a Call to Action

A call to action (CTA) is a critical element of any sponsored post on Facebook. It’s the part of your post that tells your audience what you want them to do next.

Whether your goal is to drive website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales, a well-crafted CTA can make all the difference.

Types of CTAs

• Learn More: Encourage users to discover more about your product or service by clicking a link that leads to your website.
• Shop Now: Drive immediate sales by directing users to a specific product or a shopping page.
• Sign Up: If you’re looking to build your email list or gather user information, this CTA prompts users to register or subscribe.
• Download: If you have a digital product or resource to offer, this CTA encourages users to download it.
• Contact Us: For businesses offering services, this CTA can lead users to your contact information, making it easy for them to get in touch.

Tips for Creating Effective CTAs

• Be clear and specific: Your CTA should leave no room for ambiguity. Users should know exactly what to expect when they click.
• Use action-oriented language: Action words like “Shop Now,” “Discover,” or “Get Started” can prompt immediate responses.
• Highlight the value: Explain why taking the action benefits the user. What problem does it solve, or what value does it offer?

 

Share Good Content

No matter how well you craft your sponsored post, it won’t yield the desired results if the content isn’t compelling.

The key to success on Facebook lies in creating content that resonates with your target audience.

What Constitutes Good Content?

• Relevance: Your content should align with your audience’s interests and needs. Understanding your target demographic is crucial here.
• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and videos that grab attention and maintain visual consistency with your brand.
• Value: Offer something of value to your audience, whether it’s information, entertainment, or a special offer.
• Authenticity: Authenticity builds trust. Be genuine in your communication, and avoid gimmicky or misleading content.

Content Ideas for Sponsored Posts

• Product showcases: Highlight the features and benefits of your products or services.
• Customer testimonials: Share stories of satisfied customers and their experiences with your brand.
• How-to guides and tutorials: Provide useful information or demonstrate how to use your products.
• Behind-the-scenes: Give a sneak peek into your company’s culture or the process of creating your products.

 

Understand Facebook’s Policies

Before diving into sponsored posts, it’s crucial to understand Facebook’s advertising policies. Facebook has strict guidelines to ensure a safe and positive user experience.

Failing to comply with these policies can result in your ads being disapproved or your account being restricted.

Common Policy Areas to Be Aware of

• Prohibited Content: Facebook prohibits ads promoting illegal products or services, misleading claims, and content that violates community standards.
• Targeting Restrictions: Some forms of audience targeting, such as age-restricted content, require special consideration.
• Data Use Restrictions: Advertisers must adhere to Facebook’s data usage policies, especially when handling user data.
• Ad Placement: Familiarize yourself with where your ads may appear on Facebook and the Audience Network.
• Prohibited Practices: Avoid clickbait, engagement bait, and other practices that could negatively impact the user experience.

Always check Facebook’s ad policies for the latest updates and ensure your sponsored posts comply with them to avoid any issues.

 

Include UTM Parameters

UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters are essential for tracking the performance of your sponsored posts. By adding UTM parameters to your URLs, you can gather valuable data about user interactions, traffic sources, and conversion rates.

This data helps you analyze the effectiveness of your Facebook ads and make informed decisions about your advertising strategy.

How to Use UTM Parameters

• Create a UTM Builder: Use tools like Google’s Campaign URL Builder to generate UTM parameters for each ad campaign.
• Include UTM Parameters in Your URLs: Append the generated UTM parameters to the destination URL of your sponsored post.
• Analyze Data: Use Google Analytics or other analytics platforms to track user behavior and conversion metrics associated with your UTM-tagged URLs.
• Refine Your Strategy: With data-driven insights, you can optimize your ad campaigns, allocate budgets more effectively, and make necessary adjustments to improve ROI.

 

Conclusion

Creating sponsored posts on Facebook can be a game-changer for your business’s online presence and growth.

However, to make the most of this powerful advertising platform, you need to follow a strategic approach that includes using video, including effective CTAs, sharing compelling content, adhering to Facebook’s policies, and implementing UTM parameters for tracking.

By following these guidelines, you can develop sponsored posts that resonate with your target audience and drive the desired actions, ultimately helping your business thrive in the digital landscape.

Remember that the world of social media is dynamic, so staying updated on the latest trends and techniques is essential for long-term success in Facebook advertising.