Social media and Facebook are virtually synonymous terms these days. And while Likes, comments and shares are all well and good, if you really want to make your posts pop sometimes Facebook advertising is the best option.

With 1.15 billion users and a swathes of demographic data, Facebook advertising is easy to use, highly targeted and completely measurable.

As an added bonus it's easy to use and you only pay what you want to. Here are three quick ways to get started. 

1. Target

All that information you share when signing up to Facebook isn't just so your friends know your birthday and that you like Coldplay. It's a goldmine of data designed to help marketers and brands target appropriate users.

The breakdown Facebook offers is pretty incredible, for example you can target users aged 24 – 35 that are college educated, live within 50km of Melbourne and like white chocolate on Tuesdays at 4pm.

OK that might be an exaggeration, but you get the point. You can also target users who mention specific keywords in their profile and posts. 

Have a think about what your key audience and let Facebook do the rest.

2. Get creative

Don't treat Facebook like a traditional ad platform. It's a social network and users quickly turn off from ad-speak. 

Try using images and photos, use catchy headlines and small amounts of copy. Ask a question, start a conversation. Have fun!

3. Test, trial and tweak

Despite all the demographic information, Facebook advertising remains equal parts art and science. Does your campaign resound more with female users? Are you getting more bang for your buck by paying per click or view?

Keep testing out different ads formats and user groups, see what works and adjust as you go.

To find out more visit facebook.com/advertising.

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