Blog

About

Careers

Contact

Solo's blog provides the resources that microbusinesses, solopreneurs, freelancers, and other super-small businesses need to start, operate, and grow.

Blog for starting, running, and growing your business | Solo.co

Blog - All Posts

In this article:\nWhy Yahoo is still important\nHow to claim and create your Yahoo business profile\nWhat next\nWhile Yahoo has less than 2% of the search engine market share worldwide, that is still hundreds of millions of users that are searching on this platform each day. \nAs the default search engine for FireFox and a nostalgic search engine for many others, Yahoo is still very much a relevant place to list your business. \nWhy Yahoo is still important\nIt is crucial to list your business across several online directories to improve your local search engine visibility. These listings, also known as citations, help the search engines to verify your business’s information across multiple trustworthy sources. \nYahoo is one of these places. It has been around for more than 25 years and as such, it has become a habitual search engine for many of its users. Even though market share has declined for this platform, millions of people still use Yahoo each day. This means that it can provide a valuable opportunity for your business to get found. \nIt can be a little complicated to claim your business listing on Yahoo, but we’ve put together a detailed guide to help you out. \nHow to create and claim your Yahoo business listing\nFollow these steps to add your business to Yahoo and get it verified. \nStep 1 (Option 1): Search for your business\nGo to \nYahoo.com\n and search for your business. Like many online directories, if you have an established business, it is likely that they’ve pulled your information from other sources and added a listing to their directory. \nSearch for your business in the main search bar on Yahoo. If a business listing doesn’t show up to the right of the screen, be sure to try a couple of different searches–one with your city name, with old names if applicable, etc. \nIf you can’t find your business on Yahoo, continue to Step 1 (Option 2) to add your business to Yahoo.\n(Image)\n\nThe business listing will look like this. And the next thing you need to do when you find it is click “Verify your listing.”\n(Image)\n\nYahoo will then redirect you to a platform called Yext. Yext is a platform that offers services to help you manage and update your online listings. These are paid services, but we’ll continue walking you through the free way to claim your Yahoo listing in Step 2. \nStep 1 (Option 2): Add your business to Yahoo\nIf your business is not on Yahoo, that’s okay. You can go directly to Yext to add it. Just go follow \nthis link to Yext\n and continue with Step 2. \nStep 2: Verify your Yahoo business listing\nWhen you get to Yext, fill in your business information on the form that appears and click “Scan my listings.” \n(Image)\n\nWhen you do this, you’ll be taken to a page that shows your business information across several different directories and whether or not it’s correct or missing. \nNote: Don’t get distracted by this now, but make a note to come back and see which online listings you need to update for your business. \nJust continue by clicking “Fix All Errors.”\n(Image)\n\nThen make sure that all of your business information is correct in the following form. Make sure to enter accurate contact information to complete the process of claiming your listing. Click “Continue.”\n(Image)\n\nNext, Yext will try to get you to buy into one of their premium plans. You’ll see a screen like this.\n(Image)\n\nScroll below these paid options until you see “Claim your Basic Listing only on Yahoo here.” This will allow you to claim your Yahoo listing for free. \n(Image)\n\nYou’ll be brought to a checkout page, where you can once again verify your business information and add a couple of additional items, including your website and a category for your business. \nComplete the form and check both of the boxes below it. Check the “I’m not a robot” reCaptcha, and then click “Place Order.”\n(Image)\n\nAfter this, you’ll be taken to a screen that informs you that Yext will be sending you an email shortly to confirm your account. \n(Image)\n\nLog in to the email you entered for your contact information. In the email you received from Yext, click “Confirm Email.” You’ll then be taken to a page to set up the password for your Yext account. Enter this and record it someplace where you’ll be able to access it. \n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\nOnce you set up your password, you’ll be taken into your Yext account where you can see your Yahoo listing information. \n(Image)\n\nTo tell if your business is verified, click “Edit.” On the following screen, look to the right and check your “Yahoo Listing Status.”  If it already says “Opted in” then you’re done! \nIf this says you are “Opted Out” you will need to opt in.\n(Image)\n\nClick “Opt In” and then “Opt in to this listing.”\n(Image)\n\nYext will then give you instructions to verify your Yahoo business listing. You can upgrade to a paid service for immediate verification or choose one of the two free options: a phone call verification (also immediate) or official documentation (which can take up to two weeks). \nSelect the best option for your business. If you can do a phone call, we recommend this option, as it will immediately update your Yahoo listing. \n(Image)\n\nOnce that’s done, your listing is claimed on Yahoo! It may take a day or two to reflect the changes publicly on Yahoo’s search engine, but rest assured knowing that you’ve done the work to get it there. \nSources:\n
\nhttps://gs.statcounter.com/search-engine-market-share\n


How to create and claim your free business listing on Yahoo

In this article:\nWhy consistency is important in online listings\nHow to use Yext to help your small business\nYext is a powerful online resource that all businesses should take advantage of, whether you choose to pay for their premium services or not. \nYext doesn’t have its own online directory, but it helps you to find your business across several other online directories and check the consistency of your online listings. \nConsistency across platforms is vital in online business listings\nGoogle and other search engines use online directory listings, also known as citations, to help verify your business’s information across multiple sources. The more of these listings you have filled out, the better information the search engines are able to provide their users (your customers). \nBecause of this, it’s very important that your information is consistent across all of these listings. At the very least, your business name, address, and phone number (or NAP) should be exactly the same across all of your citations. \nThe more online listings you have with correct and consistent information, the better opportunity you have to rank in Google’s map pack when users do a local search for your services or products. \nSo, how can Yext help you with all of this?\nHow to utilize Yext to enhance your online business listings\nYext has some powerful capabilities that can help you improve your online listings and create consistency among them. \nHow to use Yext’s free service\nThe first thing that all businesses should take advantage of is Yext’s free business scan. With this tool, any business can enter their information to check the consistency and accuracy across the main business directories you should be listed on. \nGo to \nyext.com\n to see how your business appears online. You don’t even need to sign in. \nJust scroll down to the section where you can add your business information. Add your country, business type, business name, and phone number. \nClick “Scan Now” and Yext will generate a list of directories and how your business appears on them. \n(Image)\n\nThe next page is your list of citations Yext has found across the web. These will include Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Bing, Yelp, Mapquest, and many more (assuming you have \nclaimed your listings\n).\nThe thing that you want to look for here are any listings that have incorrect information. In the far right column, Yext will show you if any information is inaccurate with a red warning sign. \nIf you aren’t currently subscribed to Yext, you’ll likely also see “Not verified on Yext” on your listings that are correct. If you aren’t interested in paying for Yext’s services at this time, just ignore this (more on premium Yext services below).\n(Image)\n\nMake a note of any listings that are incorrect. Each listing Yext shows has a link in the left column that says “View Listing.” That link will take you directly to your listing for that site, where you can then update it. \nIf you want to update these listings yourself without paying for Yext’s premium listing service, we have helpful tutorials to guide you through the process, step-by-step. \nGoogle\nYahoo\nFacebook\nBing\nYelp\nTripAdvisor\n\nYP.com\n\n\nLinkedIn\n\n\nFoursquare\n\n\nOpenTable\n\n\nCrunchbase\n\n\nBBB\n\nIf the process of updating all of your listings is beyond the time you have available, then you might want to consider Yext’s premium services. \nHow to use Yext’s premium listings management\nYext’s premium solutions allow you to sign up for a plan that has specific listings and features. Yext will then update all of the listings within your plan to make sure that your information is correct. You will need to pay an ongoing fee to keep these listings updated. \nIf you are interested in doing this, proceed from the business scan page and click “Fix All Errors.”\n(Image)\n\nYou’ll then be brought to a form to update your information and make sure everything is exactly how you want it to appear across all of your online listings. Click “Continue” to see the four different Yext plans for small businesses. \n(Image)\n\nThe four plans Yext offers for small businesses are as follows:\nEmerging: This plan is what they call their “Starter Package” and is billed at $199 annually. With this plan, you get your information updated across 40 lower level directories. \nEssential: This “Plus Package” is billed at $449 annually and includes listing your information across the main search engines and directory sites, like Google, Yahoo, Bing, Facebook, and 10 others. \nComplete: This “Standard Package” includes all of the listings from both the Emerging and Essential packages and is billed at $499 annually. \nPremium: This last option is Yext’s “Advanced Package” and is billed at $999 annually. This includes all of the listings from the previous packages as well as review monitoring and enhanced content for your website. \nSimply select the plan you wish to use, pay for it, and Yext will update your listings and provide you with a free training session on their software. \n(Image)\n\nThe one thing that you need to remember with Yext solutions is that once you stop paying for their services, you no longer have access to your listings that they’ve updated for you. 

How to use Yext to improve your online business listings

In this post:\nWhy customer loyalty matters to small, local businesses\nDo loyalty programs increase sales?\nThe characteristics of an effective loyalty program\n6 elements that are critical for loyalty program effectiveness\nDid you know the average American household belongs to 29 different loyalty rewards programs? It makes sense. These programs benefit consumers and businesses alike. In this post, we’ll show you how to start a loyalty program.\nBusiness owners know the key to a stable and thriving business requires a loyal customer base. \nRepeat customers\n alone can increase sales by 47%, and customers who belong to \nloyalty programs\n typically spend 12-18% more than non-members.\nHaving a loyal customer base who purchases from you on a regular basis increases sales, stabilizes your business during lean times, and helps you get the word out.\nThat said, of the 29 loyalty programs to which customers belong, they only participate in about 12 of them. So just having a loyalty program in place isn’t enough. \nYour loyalty program needs to be engaging, compelling, and mutually beneficial for the business and the customer.\nhappy cafe owner accepting credit card for loyalty program\nSo, if a loyalty program is a part of your customer retention strategy (which we would recommend), you’ll want to put one together that keeps customers coming back. After all, that is the reason to have one in the first place, right?

But where do you start, and how do you make your program stronger? We’ve put together the six key elements of a successful rewards program.\n1. A great loyalty plan is frictionless\nJoining and using a loyalty program should be easy. People don’t want to divulge all their personal information at sign up, especially if they are signing up at check out. Nor do most people have room for another card in their wallets. If your current idea or existing plan requires a card, consider ways to make keeping track of that card optional.

A note on enrolling members: While people may not love being asked to join at check out, it still is one of the most effective places to enroll customers. It doesn’t have to be a tedious process. Often a phone number is sufficient to keep on record. It also helps to make it clear what the sign-up process is like. Make sure customers know it’s easy and be sure to reveal the benefits of the program upfront.\n2. Make your loyalty rewards exclusive\nDon’t fear exclusivity. If something is available to everyone, it’s usually exclusive to no one. One of the biggest reasons people join loyalty programs is to get something special or unique. \nEven if the program is available to all your customers, (there is nothing wrong with that), find ways to make the membership feel like they are part of a club, not just a list of customers who shop at your store. The offers they receive shouldn’t be the same offers you use to attract new customers.\nA note on exclusivity: Two temptations often get in the way of building a successful program. \nOne is to build a program that has multiple levels and rewards the most loyal customers more than the rest of the members. This may work for your business, but keep in mind, the more levels there are, the more time it will take to build and manage. Don’t let the program get in the way of the purpose, which is to make customers feel appreciated and feel like they belong.\nThe other temptation is to get as many customers in the program as possible. It is not uncommon for businesses to offer loyalty cards or memberships to first-time customers. But is it really a loyalty club if first-time buyers are members? Food for thought. \nThere is no right or wrong level of exclusivity, so long as it feels exclusive and increases customer retention. That may mean inviting everyone who walks through the door or reserving the club to your biggest spenders. It’s your call.\n3. Make your loyalty campaign repeatable\nThe difference between an offer and a loyalty program lies in the ability of the customer to repeat the process. If customers only get the offer, discount, or deal after their second purchase, it’s not going to entice them back in for a third or fourth purchase.\nLikewise, if it requires dozens of purchase to get the first reward, it may seem a bit out of reach and decrease a customer’s likelihood to participate.\nWe see this a lot with credit card companies. In many cases, getting a reward requires lots of spending and lots of time to rack up points. It’s not an easily repeatable program. It takes years to get to that second reward, and that can discourage participation. \nThat said, they are playing the long game and enticing customers to be lifelong card holders. So this fits their model and mission. Tailor your customer loyalty program to support your strategy. \nPrograms with a repeatable process increase usage. There are many ways to make a program repeatable. It is not as much about the offer as it is about keeping members interested in the program. Keep in mind the timeframe in which you’d like customers to come back.\n4. A good loyalty program compels action from customers\nThe loyalty program should encourage members to take action. A compelling offer is something the customer wants and is willing to work for. It should require some work on the customer’s part, but not so much that they give up. You can’t afford to give an item away for free every other purchase, but it can’t require 15 purchases to redeem. \nPoint systems were one of the most prominent reward methods in the past. However, more and more, these programs are replacing points with other, more compelling rewards. Many companies have found that points don’t encourage usage nearly as much as tangible rewards that make your customer feel more connected to the business.\n\nCarol Roth\n – creator of the \nFuture File\n legacy planning system, former investment banker, small business advocate and host of \nThe Roth Effect\n – says:\n“Loyalty programs can be very effective, but in today’s day and age, your loyalty program should be more personalized and less points-per-dollar oriented. That is very transactional and loyalty is built on building relationships. Access to special perks, events, content, services, products, and more can be customized to your business and your customers’ wants.”\n5. A great customer loyalty program must be reciprocal\nBuilding a rewards program can take a bit of work, especially as you work out the initial kinks, but it can also be one of the best ways to increase customer retention. \nWhen outlining the program, be sure there is a high level of reciprocation, meaning your customer gets real value and so does your business—in other words, make it a win-win. \nWhether the value you’re trying to create for your business is increased sales, customer retention, or increasing word of mouth referrals, be sure the rewards program provides equal value in the eyes of your customer.\n6. Make sure your loyalty plan is “on brand”\nYour brand is your business. The relationships you have with your customers, the general atmosphere of the store, the products or services you offer, and the lifestyle you help them support all contribute to that brand. \nAs you consider the various rewards you can offer your members, be sure they mirror your business’s personality and reputation.\nFor example, if you run a high-end restaurant, giving away a free T-shirt may seem like a good idea because it gets your name out there, but it doesn’t fit the expectations of your customers. They’ll expect high-value rewards, not random swag with a logo on it.\nbeautiful young women buying high-end shoes for loyalty program\nOn the other hand, people who enjoy going to the salon to be pampered will likely enjoy a gift certificate to a high-end restaurant in town. Both are “on brand” in that they support the experience of pampering oneself. \nThink about \nwhy\n your customers come to you. That should be the core of the rewards you offer. \nPro tip: Think outside of the box when it comes to your rewards. Points, discounts, limited deals, and punch cards may be the perfect fit, but there is so much more you can offer. We talking about this in more detail in our post entitled \n5 simple strategies to keep customers coming back\n. If you need some help getting your creative juices flowing, check it out. And remember, the more on-brand your offer, the more compelling it will be for your loyalty members.\nLoyalty program effectiveness depends on your customer knowledge and management\nNone of these elements is more important than the other. In fact, each element depends heavily on one another; they’re intertwined. \nUltimately, you need to understand your customer base if you want to build a program that speaks to their needs and wants and meets the standard they’ve come to expect from your business. You deserve to know how much of your total customer base is made of repeat customers. It will help structure the best plan to improve the health and stability of your customer base. \nSmall businesses have flexibility beyond that of larger corporations. Big companies, like airlines or big-box retail and wholesale stores, have to accommodate millions of people and provide an experience that is universal across state lines. They have to play to their averages. \nSmall businesses don’t. They can be far more specific, engaged, and personal to win the neighborhood. But that starts with understanding your customer base.

The 6 elements of an effective customer loyalty program

In this article:\nHow to tell if a review is fake\nHow to respond to fake reviews\nHow to remove fake reviews\nGet more positive reviews\nGetting regular online reviews is an important part of keeping up with your online reputation. Often times these will come naturally, and sometimes you have to do a little more work to maintain a good supply of fresh reviews. But sometimes, people who weren’t ever your customers take it upon themselves to try to badmouth your company with fake Google reviews. \nFake reviews are frustrating. They sometimes come from a disgruntled former employee or a competitor and they are loaded with false claims. But occasionally people mistake your business for another and leave a negative review in the wrong place.\nAs part of your small business's review management strategy, you need to know how to handle a fake review if you ever receive one. \nWe’ll walk you through the best course of action in handling fake Google reviews. \nHow to tell if a negative Google review is fake\nFirst, you need to determine if the review is indeed fake. Sometimes this is guesswork, but more often than not you’ll be able to tell.\nWatch out for these top identifiers of fake reviews on Google:\nThe person who left the review doesn’t match up with anyone in your customer list or a current customer/patient that you have record of\nThe profile of the reviewer is anonymous\nThe timing of the review is suspicious (after an employee was let go or a new competitor enters the market)\nThe profile of the reviewer is suspicious (only leaves negative reviews for specific types of companies or uses repetition in their reviews across different companies)\nThe comments of the review are generic or full of keyword spam\nGo deeper: \nHow to spot fake online reviews\nPay attention to the review and do a little deeper dive to determine if the review is fake. When you have made that discovery, take the next steps to handle the fake review. \nHow to respond to a fake negative review on Google\nEven though you know the review is fake, that doesn’t mean that potential customers who read your reviews will catch on. That’s why it is important to respond in a professional manner to fake reviews (even though you may not want to give them the time of day). \nIt’s important to respond to \nall\n reviews that come across your Google Business listing, including those that are negative or fake. \nThe best way to respond to a fake review is to point out that it is fake in a subtle and professional way. This will help others who read the reviews to recognize the spammy review and discredit it. \nwoman with paper bag over her head with frowny face for fake reviews\n\nHere’s an example of a response you might use on an anonymous review or a review from someone you don’t recognize:\n“Hello, we are sorry you had a negative experience with our company. However, we are unable to identify you as a customer in our records. If we are mistaken, please reach out so we can improve this situation.”\nCheck out our complete guide: \nHow to respond to negative reviews\n\nReporting fake reviews on Google\nThe next step is to report the review. Google will only remove reviews if they are in clear violation of their review content policies:\nNo fake or spammy content \nNo off-topic content\nNo restricted content\nNo illegal or sexually explicit content\nNo offensive, dangerous, or derogatory content\nNo impersonating\nNo conflicts of interest (reviewing your own company or a competitor’s listing)\nIf you are certain the review is fake, then it goes against Google’s policies and has a high chance of being removed. \nThis doesn’t guarantee that Google will remove the review, though, because they do need to be convinced that the review is fake. So it’s good to provide as much insight as possible into the report of a fake review (or at least as much as Google will allow you to). \nTo report a Google review, you simply need to navigate to the review on the Google My Business listing, or within your Google My Business dashboard, and click the three-dot icon in the right corner of the review. Click “flag as inappropriate” and then follow the prompts to report the review to Google. \nRead our comprehensive guide: \nThe complete guide to removing fake reviews\nWork to get more positive reviews\nThe best course of action after dealing with a negative review on Google, especially a fake one that you can’t remove, is to consistently be working to get more positive reviews. \nDon’t let fake reviews ruin your online reputation. Instead, continue to improve it with a good review management strategy. \nHappy customers generally aren’t as motivated to leave reviews as unhappy customers (or, unfortunately, as ill-advised competitors). That’s why you need to have a strategy in place to encourage satisfied customers to leave your business online reviews. \nReminding happy customers that you appreciate their honest feedback can encourage them to leave reviews, and will help you drown out the noise of any fake and negative reviews you’ve acquired, and show potential customers the awesome things that your company is doing well. \nThe best way to invite a customer to leave a review is to make it as easy for them as possible. Simply reminding your customers that their feedback is important to you, or sending a text or email link to your Google My Business page, makes this process much easier. 

What to do when you get a fake Google review of your business

In this article:\nWhy add business to Apple Maps\nHow to add and claim your business on Apple Maps\nWhat to do next\nWhen it comes to navigation apps, Google Maps definitely takes the cake in terms of usage, with 72% of the market while Apple Maps only takes 11%.\nHowever, that 11% is still equal to more than 23 million monthly users, so Apple Maps is still an important platform to be thinking about when adding your business to various online directories. \nWhy add your business to Apple Maps\nAs you can see, many people are using Apple Maps to navigate from place to place. That means they are likely using it to find their way to new businesses that they want to try out too. (Hint: that’s you!)\nIn order to reach the most customers for your business, you should be adding your business to multiple online directories and map services. The more directories you are listed on, the better opportunity you have to reach more people. \nBeyond people finding your business on Apple Maps directly, adding your business to multiple online directories (Apple Maps included) can help your business rank better in local searches on Google, Bing, and other search engines. \nGo deeper: \n25 free business listing websites every small or local business should be on\nHow to list and verify your business with Apple Maps\nLet’s get started. \nStep 1: Log into Apple Maps Connect\nThe first thing you need to do to add your business to Apple Maps (or check to see if it is there) is sign into Apple Maps Connect. \nGo to \nmapsconnect.apple.com\n and sign in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple ID, create one. \n(Image)\n\n
If you need to create an Apple ID, you will be redirected to appleid.apple.com. Click “Create Your Apple ID” and follow the steps to set this up. \n(Image)\n\nStep 2: Choose your language and agree to terms\nOnce you’re signed into Apple Maps Connect, you’ll be prompted to select a language. Choose the most relevant language for your business, and click “Done.” \n(Image)\n\nThen you’ll be directed to a window to agree to Apple’s term before proceeding. Check “I have read and agree to these terms of use” and click “Agree.”\nStep 3: Find your business\nNext, search for your business to see if it already exists on Apple Maps. Type your business name and address into the fields provided and click “Search.”\n(Image)\n\nClick on your business if you see it. Once you click on your business, look to the bottom of your screen and click “Claim this place.” Proceed to Step 4.\n(Image)\n\nIf you don’t see your business listed when you search for it, click “Add new place” and then continue to Step 4 of this guide. \n(Image)\n\nStep 4: Add and/or claim your business on Apple Maps\nWhether you are clicking to claim your business or clicked “Add new place,” the next steps will be the same. \nYou’ll be provided with a few options to add or update your information: \nBusiness name (make sure this is accurate)\nPlace status (open or not)\nCategories\nPhone number\nWhether or not you accept Apple Pay\nComplete this form and click “Next.”\n(Image)\n\nTo finish claim your listing, you will be prompted to have Apple call your business to verify your phone number. Click “Call me now” and they will place an automated call to your business with a code. \n(Image)\n\nEnter the code you received and click “Done.”\n(Image)\n\nCongratulations, you have now claimed your business on Apple Maps!\nWhat to do next\nNow that your business is listed on Apple Maps, you’ve just increased your opportunities to gain more customers and improve your brand awareness. \nBut you shouldn’t stop there.\nWe have some guides that will help you further improve your online visibility:\n25 free business listing websites every small or local business should be on\nLocal SEO: 15 free tips for better search rankings\nIt’s important to add your business to multiple online directory sites and navigational apps to improve your opportunity to rank well in the search engines, as well as to show up on every channel that customers use to find new businesses. 


How to add your business to Apple Maps

In this article:\nWhy use Facebook advertising\nCreate a Facebook account for your business\nHow to set up Facebook Ads Manager for your small business\nHow to create your first ad campaign\nSocial media is a prominent source of entertainment and information in this digital age, and Facebook is king. It’s no wonder there is so much emphasis to get your business on Facebook and start advertising there. \nIn this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up Facebook Ads Manager for your small business, and even get you started with your first ad campaign! \nWhy use Facebook advertising for your small business\nFacebook advertising holds three main purposes or goals for the businesses that use it:\nBrand awareness \nIncreased consideration\nIncreased conversions\nWith enhanced targeting capabilities and low costs, advertising your business on Facebook can help you with each of these goals.\nImportant note: If you want to advertise your business on Instagram, you’ll need to have a Facebook Ads Manager because it is integrated with this platform. \nCreate a Facebook account for your business\nBefore you can start advertising your small business on Facebook, you’ll need to set up a Facebook business page. Whether you choose to advertise your business on Facebook or not, this is still an important step for any business’s marketing strategy. \nCheck out our guide: \nHow to create and claim your Facebook business page\nHow to set up Facebook Ads Manager for your small business\nLet’s get started. \nStep 1: Set up your Business Manager account\nFacebook Ads Manager is a feature of Facebook’s Business Manager, so you’ll first need to set up an account there. \nGo to \nbusiness.facebook.com\n and sign in to your Facebook account. Once you’re signed in, click “Create Business.” \n(Image)\n\nA modal will then pop up where you’ll need to enter your Business Name, Your Name, and Your Business Email. Click “Next.”\n\n\nNext, enter your business details:\nCountry\nStreet address\nCity\nState\nZip\nBusiness phone number\nWebsite\nBusiness use\nClick “Submit.”\n(Image)\n\nNow, confirm your email address and your Business Manager account will be set up. \n(Image)\n\nIt can sometimes take a little time to receive this email, so if you don’t have it right away, don’t worry. You can still continue setting up your account. \nStep 2: Add an ad account to your Business Manager\nNow that your Business Manager is set up, you can add an ad account. After you confirm your email or click “Done” on the pop-up, you’ll be brought to your Business Manager dashboard. Click “Add Ad Account.”\n(Image)\n\nYou’ll then be brought to a pop-up modal with three options: add an ad account you own, request access to an ad account, or create an ad account. \nWe’re going to show you how to create a new ad account, so select “Create Ad Account.”\n(Image)\n\nGive your ad account a name (your business name works best here), select your time zone, and select your currency. Click “Next.”\n(Image)\n\nNext, select who your ad account will be used for–your business or another business. This will likely be your business unless you are a marketing agency setting this up for a customer. Click “Create.”\n(Image)\n\nThe next window you are brought to will prompt you to add yourself to the ad account so you have full access to it. Click the circle by your name, click the toggle option next to “Manage Ad Account,” and click “Assign.”\n(Image)\n\nNice work! You’ll see the following message and your ad account is official.\n(Image)\n\nStep 3: Add a payment method to your ad account\nBefore you can start creating Facebook and Instagram ads, you’ll need to add a payment method to your Ads Manager account. \nYou can select “Payment Methods” in the window that pops up after you finish creating your ad account or follow the next steps. \nFrom your Business Manager dashboard, click “Ad Account Settings” on the left menu bar. If you don’t see this option yet, refresh your page. It may take a minute to appear since you just created your Ad Account. \n(Image)\n\nGo to “Payment Settings.”\n(Image)\n\nClick “Add Payment Method.”\n(Image)\n\nEnter the payment method of your choice. You have the option to add a credit or debit card, your Paypal information, your bank account, or a Facebook Ad coupon. Click “Continue.”\n(Image)\n\nThis last step of setting up your ad account is optional, but super handy if you have a max budget that you can spend on Facebook ads. You can set a spending limit for your Facebook ads, so as soon as your ads reach that limit, they will shut off. This is good if you forget to put an end date on your ads or if you have someone else managing them for you. \nYou can always update or remove this limit when you run another ad campaign as well. \nClick “Set Your Account Spending Limit.” Then type in the amount that you want to set it to and click “Set Limit.”\n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\nYour Ads Manager Account is officially set up!\nStep 4: Create an ad\nYour ad account isn’t complete without getting a new ad set up. There are tons of ways to configure your ads, so we won’t walk you through every option in this guide, but we’ll give you some of the basics to get started. \nGo to your Business Manager dashboard and click “Create Ad.”\n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\nFirst, select the goal for this new ad campaign. \n(Image)\n\nName your campaign and click “Continue.”\n(Image)\n\nThen you’ll be taken to create your “Ad Set.” This is your ad audience, placements, and budget. Here you’ll need to complete the following steps:\nName your Ad Set\nChoose where you want to drive traffic to (website, app, or Messenger)\nCreate your audience (click “Create New” to change your audience’s location, age, gender, and detailed targeting information) and save it\nChoose your placements (Automatic Placements is recommended)\nSet your daily budget and schedule\nClick “Continue.”\n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\n(Image)\n\nOkay, now your audience and budget are set, so it’s time to create your ad. \nName your ad and choose the Facebook page that it is associated with (this will be your business Facebook page). \n(Image)\n\nNext, you can create an ad by using media from your Facebook page, uploading new content, or using an existing post on your Facebook page. \n(Image)\n\nMake sure to add the following items to your ad:\nPrimary text (tell people what your ad is about)\nHeadline\nDescription (any additional details)\nLink to your website or a Facebook Event\nChoose your Call to Action\n(Image)\n\nClick “Confirm” and watch as your ad starts getting traffic and engagement!

137 articles found in “Growing your business”

How to create and claim your free business listing on Yahoo

How to use Yext to improve your online business listings

The 6 elements of an effective customer loyalty program

What to do when you get a fake Google review of your business

How to add your business to Apple Maps

How to set up Facebook Ads Manager for your small business

Recommended

How to spot fake online reviews

25 free business listing websites every small or local business should be on (Updated for 2022!)

How much does it cost to rent space for a small business?

The 6 elements of an effective customer loyalty program

Important market research questions to ask before starting a new business