A Beginners Guide to Run Social Media Ads Like a Pro

In today’s digital world, social media is more than just a place to connect with friends—it’s a powerful platform for businesses to grow and thrive. Social media ads have become a cornerstone of digital marketing. They offer brands the ability to target specific audiences with pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re a small business looking to gain traction or an established company aiming to expand your reach, understanding how to run effective social media ads on each social media platform can set you apart. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create and optimize ads on major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Why Social Media Ads Are a Game-Changer

Social media ads help businesses increase visibility, generate leads, and drive sales. With billions of daily users across platforms, social media ads ensure your content gets in front of the right people. Plus, the ability to target users based on demographics, interests, and behavior makes them a marketer’s best friend.

1. Facebook Ads

Why Facebook? 

Facebook is where it all began for social media advertising. With over 2.9 billion monthly active users, Facebook is perfect for reaching diverse audiences, from teenagers to seniors.

How to Set Up Facebook Ads: 

1. Set Up a Business Page: You’ll need one to access Ads Manager—Facebook’s ad hub. 

2. Hop Into Ads Manager: Go to Facebook Ads Manager. 

3. Pick Your Objective: Do you want people to visit your site, watch your video, or buy your product? Pick one! 

4. Dial in Your Audience: Narrow down who sees your ad—age, location, interests—you name it. 

5. Make Your Ad Look Good: Use eye-catching images or videos and keep your text short and snappy. 

6. Set a Budget: Choose how much you want to spend daily or in total, and decide how long your ad runs. 

7. Review and Hit Publish: Check for typos (nobody likes those) and launch! 

Pro Tips: 

• Use bold visuals to grab attention. Think colorful, clear, and scroll-stopping. 

• Test a couple of different ad types, like video or carousel ads, to see what works best. 

• Track how your ad’s doing in Ads Manager. If something isn’t working, tweak it! 

2. Instagram Ads 

Why Instagram? 

Instagram is all about aesthetics. If your business is visual—fashion, food, travel—this is your playground. Plus, the audience skews younger, so it’s perfect for brands targeting Gen Z and Millennials. 

How to Set Up Instagram Ads:

1. Connect Your Instagram to Facebook: Ads run through Facebook Ads Manager, so link your accounts. 

2. Choose Your Goal: Want to boost brand awareness or get people to shop? Pick the objective that matches. 

3. Create Stunning Content: Use sharp, high-quality photos or videos. 

4. Target Smartly: Instagram’s targeting options let you reach people based on interests, hobbies, and more. 

5. Set Your Budget and Go: Keep an eye on how it performs and make adjustments if needed. 

Pro Tips:

• Use Instagram Stories and Reels—they’re gold for engagement. 

• Keep your captions short and sweet with a clear call-to-action (CTA). 

• If you’re stuck, hop on trending hashtags to get more eyeballs on your ad. 

3. Twitter (X) Ads

Why Twitter (X)? 

Twitter is where conversations happen, so it’s great for promoting news, events, or special offers. It’s fast-paced and perfect if you’re looking for quick engagement. 

How to Set Up Twitter Ads: 

1. Go to Twitter Ads Manager: Head over to Twitter Ads Manager. 

2. Pick Your Campaign Goal: Options include engagement, video views, and website traffic. 

3. Craft a Snappy Tweet: Keep it short, add a strong visual, and include relevant hashtags. 

4. Set Your Audience & Budget: Focus on the people most likely to care about your message. 

5. Launch & Monitor: Keep tabs on your ad performance. 

Pro Tips: 

• Use images or videos to stand out in busy feeds. 

• Don’t overdo the hashtags—one or two is plenty. 

• Post during peak times when your audience is most active. 

4. LinkedIn Ads 

Why LinkedIn? 

LinkedIn is the professional’s playground. If you’re in the B2B space or targeting decision-makers, this is where you need to be. 

How to Set Up LinkedIn Ads: 

1. Sign Up for Campaign Manager: Go to LinkedIn Campaign Manager. 

2. Choose Your Goal: Need leads? More website clicks? Pick the goal that fits your plan. 

3. Target the Right Crowd: Focus on job titles, industries, or even specific companies. 

4. Choose an Ad Format: Try sponsored content, InMail ads, or videos. 

5. Set Budget & Launch: LinkedIn ads can be pricey, so start small and adjust. 

Pro Tips: 

• Offer value upfront—think free guides or webinars. 

• Keep your copy professional but not boring. 

• Test different formats to see what resonates. 

5. TikTok Ads

Why TikTok? 

TikTok is where creativity thrives. It’s perfect for short, engaging videos that feel organic, not salesy. 

How to Set Up TikTok Ads: 

1. Sign Up for TikTok Ads Manager: Visit TikTok Ads Manager. 

2. Pick Your Campaign Goal: Want clicks, installs, or conversions? Select your focus. 

3. Get Creative: Use trends, music, and effects to make your ad feel native to TikTok. 

4. Target & Launch: Focus on age, interests, and location. 

Pro Tips: 

• Keep it short and fun—think 15 seconds max. 

• Hop on viral trends or challenges. 

• Partner with TikTok creators for extra reach. 

6. Pinterest Ads 

Why Pinterest? 

Pinterest is where people go for inspiration—think recipes, DIY projects, and style ideas. If you’ve got a visually appealing product, you’ll shine here. 

How to Set Up Pinterest Ads: 

1. Create a Business Account: Sign up at Pinterest Ads Manager. 

2. Choose a Campaign Objective: Focus on traffic, conversions, or awareness. 

3. Design a Pin: Use bold, vertical images and a catchy description. 

4. Target Your Audience: Pinterest lets you target by interests and keywords. 

5. Set Budget & Launch: Keep tabs on your ad performance and tweak it as needed.

Pro Tips: 

• Vertical images work best—stick to the 2:3 ratio. 

• Use seasonal keywords to match what people are searching for. 

• Add CTAs like “Shop Now” or “Learn More” to your pins. 

And that’s it. Running social media ads isn’t just about spending money; it’s about creating meaningful connections with your audience. By understanding the strengths of each platform and tailoring your strategy, you can maximize your ROI and achieve your marketing goals. So, take the plunge, get creative, and let your brand shine on social media!