How to Create Custom Audiences in Ads!
Custom audiences allow businesses to target specific groups of people based on customer data. This guide covers where to find the option to create a custom audience, how to set up a customer list custom audience, and key benefits of using this feature.
Where to Find the Option to Create Custom Audiences
Custom audiences can be created in two locations within Ad Manager:
During Campaign Creation
In the campaign setup process, the second step, "Budget and Audience", includes an "Intended Audience" section.
Under the Retargeting tab, click on the dropdown menu "Create new or select retargeting audience", and select "Create a Custom Audience" from the list.
From the Audiences Tab in Ad Manager
Custom audiences can also be created and stored in advance within Ad Manager Settings > Audiences.
What is a Customer List Custom Audience?
A Customer List Custom Audience allows businesses to upload their own customer data, such as emails or phone numbers, to match with user profiles and create a targeted audience for ad campaigns.
Key Features
Upload customer data (email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) from your website, CRM, or sign-ups.
Facebook matches the data with its user database to find active profiles.
Targeted ad delivery to reconnect with existing customers.
Privacy & compliance: Data is securely handled per regulations.
Audience segmentation: Group users based on behavior (e.g., repeat buyers, inactive customers).
Lookalike Audiences: Expand reach by finding users similar to your existing customers.
Supported format: CSV file with correctly formatted customer data.
Benefits
More precise targeting of existing customers.
Increased conversion rates from familiar audiences.
Re-engagement with past customers.
How to Create a Customer List Custom Audience
Creating a Customer List Custom Audience involves two steps:
Step 1: Select a Custom Audience Source
Click "Create a Custom Audience" in Ad Manager.
Choose "Customer List" as the data source.
Click "Next" to proceed to the setup page.
Step 2: Upload Customer Data
There are two ways to upload customer data:
Option 1: CSV Upload
Upload a CSV file containing customer details.
Ensure the file follows the required formatting guidelines.
Download the sample file for reference.
If the format is incorrect, the upload will fail with an error message.
Option 2: Use Smart Lists
Select "Smart List" and choose from pre-created lists in the contacts section.
The total number of contacts in the selected list will be displayed.
Only contacts that exist in the Smart List at the time of audience creation will be included.
Finalizing the Audience
Add an audience name and description.
Click "Create Audience" to complete the process.
The audience will appear in the Retargeting Audience dropdown and Audiences tab when it's ready for use.
Important Notes
Meta’s Terms of Service for customer list custom audiences must be accepted before creating an audience.
Once an audience is created, it can be used immediately in ad campaigns if its status is "Ready."
Custom audiences provide a powerful way to retarget customers and improve ad campaign performance. By leveraging customer data effectively, businesses can increase conversions and drive engagement with the right audience.
