Before we get started, make sure that you have the basics to complete what we go over. This includes a Facebook page for your business as well as a Facebook business ads account associated with that page.

To learn more about custom audiences in Facebook, you can review Facebook’s help article. When you upload a list containing a customer’s email or phone number to an audience for your online ad, if that email or phone number matches up to your customer’s Facebook account, your ads will directly target those customers.

So, why would you want to use a custom audience? 

Typically, you would use a custom audience to have your ads appear directly to a customer that has previously shown interest in your product or service. This could be a customer who has already submitted their information to your business whether through a purchase, email op-tin, or something similar. It could also be a potential customer who has submitted their information online by other means, and has also shown interest in other products or services related to what you offer.

You can find these types of customers using online tools such as D7 Lead Finder.

D7 Lead Finder allows you to find potential leads online providing you with lists of leads based on your search. Using its search feature, you can enter in a keyword related to your business as well as your targeted location, and find people who may be interested in what you’re offering.

For example, if your business is a hair salon or real estate, you would search your industry name such as “hair salon” or “realtor”. The search feature will then fetch and compile a list including customers’ names, phone numbers, social media links, email addresses, etc. You can download these lists and upload them directly into your Facebook ads account.

To download your list for a Facebook custom audience, simply select the “F ads” button in the top panel above the featured list. This will download the list into a file specifically formatted for Facebook.

Once you’ve downloaded your list, head back over to your Facebook ads manager account. Make sure that you’re working under the right business account if you have multiple pages.

“Does Your List Include a Column for Customer Value?”

The following page will give you the option to include a column that displays the value of each customer. A customer’s value is configured from the frequency of how often they buy from you, as well as how much they typically spend. Since our list was generated using leads we haven’t interacted with, we won’t need to add a customer value.

Next, you will be given the option to finally upload your list. If you have a list of your own, you can download the list template and manage your list so that it matches that template.

Now, name your audience, and proceed to the next step.

On your Facebook ads manager account, navigate to the button in the top left corner, “Create Audience”, and select “Custom Audience” in the drop-down menu. On the following pop up page, notice the Customer List option. This feature is what will allow us to integrate our downloaded list for D7 Lead Finder. Select “Next” to proceed.

Once you’ve uploaded your list, Facebook will attempt to match all of the information accurately. If some information needs to be corrected, you will need to manually complete it. See the adjacent tab that reads “Actions needed”. To manually match the rest of your list information, simply click the tab and complete the necessary actions.

When you’re ready, select “Upload and Create.”

From here, you’re able to either create your ad or a custom lookalike audience. A lookalike audience copies the same attributes of the audience you just created, but will find similar, new leads.

To complete the custom lookalike audience setup, you need to fill out the needed information such as audience location and audience size.

If you chose to create a lookalike audience, you won’t see the option to create an ad on the same pop up box. For you to create an ad, you will need to select your original custom audience on your Facebook ads manager page. Then, select the “Action” button in the top right corner, and select “Create Ad” in the drop-down menu.

To integrate a brief video into your ad, you can film one using your phone or computer. A quick 15 second video is more than enough. In the video be sure to advertise your business and what you’re offering. You can also create a longer video if you prefer.

On the next page, add your video or image along with your ad text. Once completed, you’re free to publish your ad campaign.

What’s your marketing objective?

You are given three options, Awareness, Consideration, or Conversions. Under these three options, are more specific objectives such as brand awareness, traffic, and catalog sales. Select the objective that most fits your marketing goals.

If you’d like to customize your ads budget, you can select “Campaign Spending Limit”. On the following page, add your ad’s name, where you want the ad to take your leads to, the custom audience you created, and your targeted demographic.

If you want to learn more about How to Create Facebook Custom Audiences Using Email Lists or just Facebook Marketing in General then please schedule a call or demo with us. We also provide a free marketing audit and more!