What is Facebook Ads and How to Get Started

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Social Media

Definition of Facebook Ads

Facebook Ads is Meta’s online advertising platform that allows businesses to promote products, services, and brands to highly targeted audiences across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network. With over 3 billion monthly active users on Facebook alone, it’s one of the most powerful digital marketing tools available.

If you’re wondering what is Facebook Ads, think of it as a way to reach the right people at the right time using detailed targeting options—such as demographics, interests, location, and online behavior. Whether you run a restaurant in Las Vegas or a local service business, Facebook Ads can help you increase awareness, generate leads, and boost sales.

For restaurants, especially, Facebook Ads for beginners can be a game changer. It gives you the ability to showcase menus, promote happy hours, share user-generated content, or drive reservations—all while tracking performance with precision.

How to Create an Account

To begin using Facebook Ads, you’ll need access to Meta Business Suite (formerly Facebook Business Manager). Here’s a quick overview of how to use Facebook Ads by setting up your account properly.

Initial Setup

  1. Create a Business Manager Account
    Visit business.facebook.com and create a Business Manager profile using your Facebook login. This will be your hub for managing ads, pages, and assets.
  2. Add Your Facebook Page & Instagram Account
    Once inside Business Manager, link your restaurant’s Facebook Page and Instagram account. This allows your ads to appear across both platforms.
  3. Set Up Ad Account
    • Go to “Business Settings”
    • Click “Accounts” > “Ad Accounts”
    • Add a new ad account or claim an existing one
    • Set your time zone, currency, and payment method
  4. Assign Roles
    Add team members or marketing partners like Strattz so they can manage or monitor your ad campaigns.

First Campaign

Now that your account is ready, here’s how to launch your first Facebook Ads campaign.

  1. Go to Ads Manager
    Navigate to Ads Manager, the central dashboard for creating and monitoring campaigns.
  2. Choose a Campaign Objective
    Facebook offers several objectives based on your goals:
    • Awareness: Reach and brand awareness
    • Consideration: Traffic, engagement, video views
    • Conversion: Sales, leads, bookings
  3. For restaurants starting out, “Engagement” or “Traffic” are good options.
  4. Define Your Audience
    Choose who will see your ads based on:
    • Age and gender
    • Location (e.g., Las Vegas)
    • Interests (e.g., foodies, local dining, brunch)
    • Behaviors (e.g., frequent diners)
  5. Set Budget and Schedule
    Start small with daily budgets ($5–$10/day) and run ads for 7–10 days to test performance.
  6. Design Your Ad
    Use eye-catching images or videos of your dishes, happy customers, or behind-the-scenes footage. Write engaging copy and include a strong CTA like “Book Now” or “Order Online.”
  7. Review and Publish
    Double-check your settings, preview the ad, and hit “Publish.”

Tips for Success

Getting started is just the beginning. To make the most of your investment in Facebook Ads, follow these expert tips:

1. Start with a Clear Goal

Whether it’s increasing reservations or promoting a seasonal special, having a clear objective helps guide your creative and targeting strategy.

2. Use Video Whenever Possible

Video content performs extremely well on Facebook and Instagram. Share short, high-quality clips of your restaurant’s ambiance, staff, or meals in action.

3. A/B Test Different Ads

Try multiple versions of headlines, visuals, and CTAs to see which performs best. Facebook makes it easy to test variations within the same campaign.

4. Install Meta Pixel

This small snippet of code tracks user behavior on your website. It’s essential for retargeting and conversion tracking.

5. Monitor Performance

Check metrics like reach, click-through rate (CTR), and cost per result regularly. Make data-driven decisions to optimize future campaigns.


Conclusion

Understanding what is Facebook Ads and learning how to set it up effectively is essential for restaurants and local businesses looking to thrive in today’s digital world. With the right strategy, even beginners can see impressive results from their campaigns.

Whether you’re just getting started with Facebook Ads for beginners or looking to refine your existing approach, Strattz can help you create compelling campaigns that drive real results. From content creation to advanced targeting, we handle it all—so you can focus on serving great food.

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