Facebook Rolls Out Marketing Tools for Small Businesses
Coinciding with National Small Business Week, Facebook is announcing tools making it easier for entrepreneurs to manage and promote their businesses across its platforms, such as Automated Ads, appointments and new video editing tools.
Ads that drive results
Small businesses don’t always have the time or resources to gain marketing expertise, but Automated Ads help take the guesswork out of creating effective ads that can run on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Audience Network. With Automated Ads, users answer a few simple questions about their business and goals, and then Facebook develops a customized marketing plan.
Some of the most helpful features of Automated Ads include:
- Multiple versions of your ad: Users can create up to six different versions of an ad automatically. Facebook will suggest call-to-action buttons, text and other creative details based on information from the business’ Page, and once an ad is active, the best-performing version will display.
- Tailored audience suggestions: Facebook will provide audience options or recommendations based on information from a Page.
- Recommended budget that generates results: Facebook will recommend a budget most likely to get results based on stated goals. Businesses can also provide their own budget and Facebook will share the estimated results that can be expected.
- Timely notifications about ads: Businesses will receive notifications to help them understand how their ads are performing and how they can improve them. These can include suggested changes like refreshing an image or notifications when your ad starts generating results like a lead or sale.
Manage appointments on Facebook
Facebook is also expanding its free tools for businesses, allowing businesses to book and manage appointments on Facebook and Instagram. They can use appointments to enable new and existing customers to book services with their business. Businesses can accept appointments online and send reminders to customers through Messenger or text message. They can also customize their business’ menu of services, display availability and accept and manage all appointments directly from their business Page. Appointments on Facebook are free for all businesses on Facebook and Instagram, including SMS and Messenger reminders to customers to prevent no-shows.
Compelling video content and new editing tools
Facebook is introducing new ways to easily edit existing video with three new video editing tools: automatic cropping, video trimming and image and text overlays. These tools, available in Ads Manager, can help reduce the resources needed to create compelling video content for business. The Ads Help Center has more information about automatic cropping and video trimming.
To learn more, check out Facebook’s new small business resource hub to find out about the free tools, resources and advertising options.