What Are Facebook Ads, Exactly?

In simple terms, Facebook Ads (now managed through the Meta Ads Manager) are paid advertisements you can show to users on Meta’s platforms. Unlike search ads (which target keywords), Facebook Ads primarily target people based on:

• Demographics: Age, gender, location, language, education, job title, etc.
• Interests: Hobbies, pages they like, topics they engage with (like “Bollywood movies,” “WordPress development,” “organic food”).
• Behaviors: Past purchases, device usage, travel habits, etc.
• Custom Audiences: People who have already interacted with your website (using the Meta Pixel!), your Facebook page, or your email list.
• Lookalike Audiences: People who are similar to your existing customers or website visitors.

You set a budget (you can start small!), define your audience, create your ad (using images, videos, text), and tell Facebook what you want to achieve. Your ads then enter an auction system to determine when and where they’re shown.