How to Run Successful Facebook and Instagram Ads in 2025's Privacy-First World
Remember when Mark Zuckerberg said, “Move fast and break things”?
Well, the advertising world has certainly moved fast, and many things have changed!
If you're new to Facebook and Instagram ads, you might be hearing scary stories about privacy changes and tracking problems.
Don't worry – I'm here to help you understand what's happening and exactly what you need to do to run successful ads.
What's All This Privacy Talk About?
Back in 2021/2, Apple made a big change: they started asking iPhone users if they wanted to be tracked across the internet.
Unsurprisingly, most people said “no thanks!”
This created a challenge for advertisers because we couldn't see exactly what people did after clicking our ads.
Think of it like this: Before, if someone clicked your ad and bought something, Facebook could tell you “Hey, Jane clicked your ad and bought your course!” Now, it's more like “Someone bought your course, and we're pretty sure it was from your ad.“
But here's the good news: While tracking has changed, advertising on Facebook and Instagram still works great – we just need to set things up the right way.And here at The Launch Lounge, we kinda think of ourselves as your ‘setting-it-up-the-right-way-fairy-godmathers’.
You’re welcome!
Setting Up Your Ads The Right Way
First Things First: Domain Verification. Think of this like getting your driver's license for ads. You need to prove you own your website before running certain types of ads. The good news? You only need to do this once, and it's pretty simple:
- Go to Facebook Business Manager
- Find the Brand Safety and Suitability drop-down manu on the left
- Click on Domains
- Click on the blue Add button you see at the top of your screen
- Follow the steps to add your website domain
- Follow the verification steps
Next: Install Your Tracking Tools. You need two main tools to track your results:
- The Meta Pixel: Think of this as a basic tracking device for your website
- Conversions API (CAPI): This is like an upgraded tracking device that's more reliable
Don't panic! Most website platforms (like Shopify, WordPress, or Kajabi) make this pretty easy to set up.
Understanding Your Results
Here's What's Different Now:
- You might not see all your results right away (it can take up to 5 days)
- The numbers might not be exact, but they'll give you a good idea of what's working
- It's best to look at trends over time rather than exact numbers
Smart Strategies That Work Now
- Cast a wider net instead of trying to target super specific audiences, it often works better to:
- Target broader groups
- Let Meta's AI find the right people using Advantage+ Audience targeting (but this also comes with some caveats. Read more about how to get the best out of Advantage+ audience targeting by clicking here)
- Use your email list to help Meta find similar people
- Use multiple ways to track success don't just rely on Facebook's numbers:
- Check your website analytics and look at your email CRM form submissions daily
- Track your actual sales
- Monitor your overall business growth weekly
- Are you getting more traffic to your site?
- Is your email list growing?
- Are you making offers regularly?
Making Your Ads Work Better
Here are some pro tips:
- Keep your ads simple and clear
- Focus on the benefits of your offer
- Give Facebook enough time to learn (at least 3-4 days)
- Don't make changes too quickly
- Test different types of ads
- Test different placements
- Test different audiences
Common Questions Answered:
“Will I see every lead or sale in my ads manager?”
No, and that's okay! You'll see most sales, but some might not show up due to privacy settings.
“How do I know if my ads are working?”
Look at your overall business results. Are you getting more sales? More email signups? That's what really matters.
“Do I need to be a tech genius to set this up?”
Not at all! Most website platforms now have simple setup processes, and we'll guide you through it. You can also get the complete training on how to successfully set up your account when you sign up for our FREE ‘Get Your First List Building Ad Up Without Wasting Time Or Money’ 5-Day Video Training.
Staying Up to Date
The world of Facebook and Instagram ads keeps changing. Here's how to stay current:
- Follow The Launch Lounge Podcast for the most up-to-date training
- Join our free training to get your ads up faster
- Check Meta's business help center
The Bottom Line
Yes, privacy changes have made tracking more complex. But here's the truth: Facebook and Instagram ads still work great when you set them up properly. Focus on creating good ads, tracking your overall business results, and being patient as you learn what works for your business.
Want to Learn More? Join our free training where we'll show you exactly how to set everything up step by step: Click here to get started.
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