So you’ve heard of a Facebook Pixel and know you need it, but what the heck is it? Well, you’ve landed in the right spot. We’re here to make understanding Facebook Pixels easy and as pain-free as possible. No techie jargon, we promise!
What exactly is a Facebook Pixel and why do I care?
Imagine you have a tiny, invisible helper on your website. This helper, called a Facebook Pixel, tracks what people do on your site after they see your Facebook ads. It’s like having a secret agent who reports back on what’s working and what’s not. Cool, right?
There are plenty of benefits to adding a Facebook Pixel to your website.
Firstly, it allows you to get a deeper insight to who your audience is, what their behaviour is, and where they are at on their client journey, allowing for you to create more specific, targeted ads based on this data.
Secondly, it allows for retargeting. Which is marketing speak for showing people more ads after they show interest in your business (like downloading your freebie, signing up for your mail list etc.) but are yet to buy from you.
How does the Facebook Pixel work?
Once you add the pixel code to your website, it starts collecting data and feeds it back to Facebook.
When someone visits your site and takes an action, the pixel tracks this info and reports back, helping you figure out what actions people are taking off the back of seeing your ads and ultimately, if your ads are working.
How Do I Set Up a Facebook Pixel?
Setting up a Facebook Pixel is actually pretty straightforward. Here’s a quick rundown on how to do it:
- Login to your Facebook Business Suite and head to Events Manager.
- Create a Pixel by clicking ‘Connect Data Sources’. Choose ‘Web’. Select ‘Facebook Pixel’ and hit ‘Connect’.
- Name your Pixel and enter your website URL. Click ‘Continue’.
- Add the Pixel code to your website (this step will vary depending on which website platform you are using). Here are the instructions for adding pixels on some common platforms.
Squarespace | WordPress | Square | Shopify | Wix
How Do I Know If It’s Working?
Once you’ve added the pixel, you’ll want to make sure it’s doing its job. There are two ways you can do this.
1. You can check Facebook Events Manager, for the real time data your pixel is pulling in or;
2. You can download a Chrome extension called Facebook Pixel Helper that checks if your pixel is up and running and flags any issues.
Our top tips to optimise your Facebook Pixel tracking
- Set Clear Goals
First things first, you need to know what you want to track. Are you looking for more purchases? Sign-ups for your newsletter? Maybe you want more people to watch your videos. Whatever it is, be crystal clear about your goals. This helps you set up your Facebook Pixel correctly and ensures you’re getting the right data. Think of it like setting a destination before starting a road trip – you need to know where you’re headed to get there efficiently!
- Use Custom Audiences for Retargeting
Now, here’s where things get exciting. Custom Audiences let you target people who have already interacted with your website. Maybe they checked out your products but didn’t buy, or they read your blog but didn’t sign up for your newsletter. With Custom Audiences, you can nudge these folks back into action. It’s like giving a friendly reminder to people who are already interested in what you’re offering.
- Create Lookalike Audiences
Ever wished you could find more customers just like your best ones? Well, you can! Lookalike Audiences help you reach people who are similar to your existing customers. The pixel takes data from your current audience and finds new people who have similar interests and behaviours. It’s like finding long-lost twins of your top customers!
- Refine Your Targeting
The beauty of the Facebook Pixel is that it collects a ton of data. Use this info to see which demographics are engaging with your site the most. Are your products more popular with a certain age group or in a specific location? Use these insights to fine-tune your targeting. This way, you’re not just casting a wide net – you’re focusing on the people who are most likely to be interested in your business.
- Optimise for Conversions
When running ads, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. That means focusing on ads that drive the most valuable actions, like sales or sign-ups. Use your pixel data to see which ads are converting the best and double down on those. You want to put your bets on the best players!
- Track Conversions
Speaking of conversions, it’s crucial to keep an eye on specific actions your audience is taking. Whether it’s making a purchase, filling out a form, or clicking on a specific link, tracking these actions helps you measure the success of your ads.
- Regularly Review Data
Last but definitely not least, make it a habit to regularly review your data. The digital world is always changing, and what worked last month might not work this month. Keep an eye on your analytics and be ready to tweak your ad strategies based on what the data tells you. Think of it as tending your ads garden. You need to regularly check in, water the plants, and pull out the weeds to keep everything growing beautifully.
And there you have it – a simple guide to understanding and using Facebook Pixel. Whether you’re new to digital marketing or just looking to up your Facebook ad game, the pixel is a powerful tool to track and optimise your campaigns.
So go ahead, set up your pixel, and watch your business grow!
