Types of Facebook Ads: How to Select the Best One for Your Brand

With over 2.9 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. It’s also great for businesses to reach out to their target audience and promote their products or services. One way for businesses to do this is through Facebook advertising. This article will examine the various types of Facebook ads available to businesses and their distinct features, benefits, and limitations.

This will assist businesses in making educated decisions about which type of advertisement will be most effective for their marketing strategy. This article will provide valuable insights into the various types of Facebook ads and how to use them to reach your target audience, whether you’re a small business owner, a digital marketer, or an entrepreneur.

Facebook Ad expert in Lagos

How to Select the Best Facebook Ad Type for Your Business

The success of your Facebook advertising campaign may be directly correlated to the type of Facebook ad you employ for your campaigns. When deciding what kind of advertisement is best for your company, there are several aspects to consider, such as your company’s objectives, the demographics of your target market, your available funds, and the resources at your disposal.

1. Think about your brand objectives

Do you want to raise people’s knowledge of your brand, accelerate sales, or publicize a certain event or product? Then, it is crucial to understand which sort of Facebook advertisement is most aligned with your aims because different types of ads on Facebook are better suited to achieving different goals.

2. Consider your target audience

Who is it that you hope to attract with your advertisements? Knowing the demographics, interests, and behaviours of your target audience will assist you in selecting the style of advertisement that will be most effective in reaching that group. For instance, if you are interested in reaching users of a younger demographic, think about utilizing Story advertising, which is more well-liked by users of a younger demographic.

3. Think about the budget

It may cost more to create some kinds of Facebook ads, such as video ads or Instant Experience ads, than it does to produce other types of Facebook ads. Ensure your advertisement is within your price range and will provide you with the best return on investment (ROI).

4. Take stock of your available resources

Do you possess the knowledge and tools required to produce photographs or films of a high quality that you can use in an advertising campaign? Consider using a more straightforward ad, such as an image or a slideshow.

6 Key Types of Facebook Ads for Businesses

Image and Video Ads

Image and video ads are among the most popular ads businesses use on Facebook. These advertisements enable businesses to showcase their products or services through images or videos. They have a high visual, consider their goals, target audience, budget, and launch.

Image ad - types of Facebook Ads

A clothing retailer, for example, might use an image ad to announce a new clothing collection. In contrast, a restaurant might use a video ad to promote its mouth-watering dishes. A travel company could use a video advertisement can use video ads to showcase their beautiful destinations.

Video Ads on Facebook

Pros of image and video advertising

  • Highly engaging and capable of capturing potential customers’ attention.
  • Allow companies to display their products or services in a visually appealing manner.
  • It can increase a customer’s likelihood of making a purchase.

Cons of image and video ads

  • Producing high-quality videos or images is expensive, especially if a company needs more resources or expertise.
  • It costs more per click than other types of ads.
  • Producing a video or image ad that aligns with your business goals and target audience can be time-consuming.

Carousel Ads

Carousel ads are a type of Facebook ad that allows businesses to display multiple images or videos in a single ad. Users can swipe through these ads, viewing various products or services in a single ad.

Carousel Ads on Facebook

A car dealership, for example, might use a carousel ad to showcase multiple vehicles for sale. Also, a home decor company might use a carousel ad to showcase different furniture options. Finally, a retail store could use a carousel ad to showcase various products from its most recent collection.

Pros of carousel ads

  • Allow businesses to promote multiple products or services in a single ad.
  • Users’ engagement can be increased because they can swipe through the various images or videos.
  • Provides a complete picture of a company’s offerings.
  • Highlights various aspects of a product or service.

Cons of carousel ads

  • Creating multiple images or videos can be time-consuming.
  • If the pictures or videos are of poor quality, they may be less effective.
  • Compared to other types of Facebook ads, the cost per click may be higher.
  • Only effective if targeted adequately at the right audience.

Slideshows Ads

Slideshow ads are a type of Facebook ad that allows businesses to display a series of images or videos in a looping sequence. These advertisements are a lightweight and cost-effective way to create video-like advertisements without the need for costly video production.

A fitness company, for example, might use a slideshow ad to showcase different exercises, whereas a restaurant might use a slideshow ad to showcase its menu items. Likewise, a non-profit organization could use slideshow ads to highlight various projects and campaigns they are currently running.

Pros of slideshow ads

  • A low-cost alternative to expensive video production for creating video-like advertisements
  • Highlights various aspects of a company’s products or services.
  • You can use it to tell a story or create movement.
  • Simple to create using existing images and videos.

Cons of Slideshow Ads

  • They may not be as engaging as video advertisements.
  • Products or services that require demonstration or detailed explanation may be less effective.
  • It may only be as effective if targeted at the right audience.
  • Because it loads slower, it may be less effective at reaching people with slower internet connections.

Read Also: Facebook Ad Library: How to Get the Best Ideas for Your Ads

Collections Ads

Collection ads are a type of Facebook ad that allows businesses to display multiple products or services in a visually appealing, mobile-optimized format. These advertisements feature a primary image or video and a grid of four smaller images beneath it. Users can click each of these smaller images to learn more about the product or service.

A collection ad, for example, could be used by an e-commerce store to showcase multiple products from a specific category, such as clothing, shoes, or electronics. A beauty salon could use a collection ad to highlight its various services, such as haircuts, colour, and styling. A hotel could use a collection ad to showcase the different types of rooms that are available.

Pros of collection ads

  • Allows businesses to display various products or services in a visually appealing, mobile-friendly format.
  • Allows users to view and interact with a variety of products and services.
  • Increases a user’s likelihood of making a purchase.
  • You can use it to generate urgency and drive sales.

Cons of collection ads

  • Creating multiple images or videos can be time-consuming.
  • It may only be as effective if adequately targeted at the right audience.
  • Compared to other types of ads, the cost per click may be higher.

Instant Experience Ads

Instant Experience ads (previously known as Canvas ads) are a type of Facebook ad that allows businesses to create a full-screen, interactive experience for users. These advertisements may include images, videos, text, and call-to-action buttons. They are intended to load quickly and seamlessly transition from the user’s news feed to the ad experience.

A fashion brand, for example, could use an Instant Experience ad to create an interactive lookbook of its latest collection. In contrast, a real estate company could use an Instant Experience ad to showcase virtual tours of properties for sale. Finally, a music festival could use an Instant Experience ad to highlight the various performers, schedules, and ticket options.

Pros of Instant experience Ads

  • Allows businesses to provide users with a full-screen, interactive experience. Images, videos, text, and call-to-action buttons are elements that you can include.
  • Designed to load quickly and smoothly transition from the user’s news feed to the ad experience.
  • It can boost user engagement and create a more immersive experience.

Cons of Instant Experience ads

  • Ad creation and design can be time-consuming.
  • It may require technical or design expertise.

Story Ads

Story ads on Facebook are a type of advertisement that allows businesses to provide users with a full-screen, vertical video experience. These ads are intended to be viewed in full-screen mode and placed in the Facebook app’s Stories section, a feature that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.

Story Ads on Instagram

A fashion brand, for example, might use a story ad to show a behind-the-scenes look at a photo shoot, whereas a restaurant might use a story ad to show the preparation of a dish. Likewise, a car company could use a story ad to demonstrate the features and capabilities of a new car in action.

Pros of story ads

  • Allows businesses to provide users with a full-screen, vertical video experience.
  • They are designed to be viewed in full-screen mode, which can increase user engagement.
  • Placed in the Facebook app’s Stories section, which has high visibility and reach.

Cons of Story Ads

  • It only shows on mobile devices
  • Compared to other types of advertisements, this may necessitate more production and editing effort.

Hire a Facebook advertising specialist in Nigeria

Numerous types of Facebook ads are available, each with features and benefits. Image and video ads, carousel ads, slideshow ads, collection ads, instant experience ads, and story ads are available to businesses. Businesses can make informed decisions about which type of ad will be most effective for their marketing strategy.

Working with a Facebook ad expert can be beneficial if you are a small business in Nigeria looking to set up Facebook ads. An expert can assist you in understanding the various types of advertisements available and selecting the best one for your company. They can also help you create and target your ads to reach the right audience and achieve your business objectives.

So, if you want to take your business to the next level with Facebook advertising, don’t hesitate to contact a Nigerian Facebook ad expert today!