How to Spy on Competitor Ads on Facebook & Instagram Without Extra Tools

Knowing what your competitors are doing on Facebook and Instagram can give you a powerful and unfair advantage in crafting your own marketing strategy. If you’re a solopreneur or business owner looking to keep an eye on competitor ads without paying for extra tools, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that. All you need is the Facebook app on your smartphone!

Why Checking Out Competitor Ads Matters

Facebook and Instagram’s Ad Library offers a window into your competitors’ strategies, allowing you to see the types of ads they’re running, their creative approach, and any seasonal promotions or messaging they’re using. This is invaluable for businesses starting out or refining their advertising approach without paying for overpriced tools.

Benefits of Checking Competitor Ads:

• Discover Trends: Get insights into the latest trends your competitors are leveraging.
• Find Inspiration: See what types of visuals, headlines, and calls-to-action they use.
• Benchmark Your Ads: Identify strengths and gaps in your own ad strategy by comparing it to theirs.

Step-by-Step Guide: Viewing Competitor Ads on Facebook and Instagram

1. Open the Facebook App
   Start by launching the Facebook app on your smartphone. You’ll be using the app to find and access the ads of any business with a public Facebook page.
2. Search for Your Competitor’s Facebook Page
   In the search bar at the top, type the name of the competitor whose ads you’d like to see. Navigate to their official page from the search results.
3. Go to the Page’s About Section
   Once you’re on their Facebook page, locate and click the “About” section. This is where you’ll find important business information about the company, including the next steps to see their ads.
4. Locate the Page Transparency Section
   Scroll down within the About section until you find “Page Transparency.” This section offers background information on the page, including its history, primary location, and any recent activity.
5. Click on the “See All” Button
   In the top right corner of the Page Transparency box, you’ll see a “See All” button. Clicking this expands the information about the page and gives you access to more details.
6. Scroll to the Bottom and Click “Go to Ad Library”
   Once the additional transparency information is displayed, scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll see an option labelled “Go to Ad Library.” Clicking this takes you directly to Facebook’s Ad Library, displaying all active ads from that page.
7. Browse All Active Ads
   On the Ad Library page, you can view all of the competitor’s active running ads on both Facebook and Instagram. Browse through the different ads to get a sense of their visuals, messaging, and targeting approach.

Tips for Using Competitor Ads Effectively

Simply viewing competitor ads is insightful, but here are a few tips to help you make the most of this information:

• Take Notes on Key Elements: Pay attention to their ad copy, visuals, and any offers or incentives they’re promoting.
• Identify Patterns: Look for recurring themes or calls-to-action. Are they using urgency in their language? Are they targeting specific holidays or events?
• Consider Their Audience: Based on the ad design and messaging, who does it seem they’re targeting? This can give you ideas on how to refine your own audience targeting.

Actionable Next Steps for Your Own Ads

Once you have a better understanding of what’s working for your competitors, it’s time to apply that knowledge to your own ads. Here’s how:

• Create Ads with a Similar Tone or Offer: If you see a competitor’s discount ad performing well, consider offering a similar promotion.
• Experiment with Visuals and Copy: Use what you’ve learned to craft eye-catching images and converting ad texts that resonates with your audience.
• Track Your Results: Set up a basic tracking system to see how your ads perform and adjust your strategy as needed.

Final Thoughts

Regularly checking in on competitor ads can be a simple yet powerful way to refine your own Facebook and Instagram advertising strategy. As a business owner or marketer, the Facebook Ad Library provides you with free, direct insights into competitor strategies, empowering you to stay competitive without investing in extra tools.

Are you a business owner or a consultant looking to drive the exposure and profits of your business to the roof through digital marketing? We are open to help you and your team make this a reality. REACH OUT TO US THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE