FFacebook Ads

Facebook To Allow More Ads In Search Results

Tim Burd author profile image
Ads in Search Results
Ads in Search Results

At the end of last year, Facebook announced the testing of ads in search results. This pilot was being conducted in certain regions of the United States and Canada. The businesses involved in the study were from e-commerce, automobile, and retail industries. Here is what you need to know about the expansion of ads in Facebook's search results.

Ads in Search Results
Don't worry, we have your back when it comes to FB news.

 

Ads in Search Results

So, what are these ads we speak of? Up to this point, the ads are displayed as repurposed news feed ads in either an image or carousel format, not including video. They feature a headline, copy text, image, and an external link. The ads have been clearly labeled “Sponsored” and will include transparency for users with the “Why Am I Seeing This?” button. This change has potentially tapped into a channel that will be non-disruptive to users and benefit advertisers with new exposure.

Ads in Search Results
Example of a search ad.

 

The Expansion

Now, Facebook has announced that they are expanding this test to more industries and regions. This is potentially a great change for advertisers. Newsfeeds can, unfortunately, become oversaturated with ads. This change opens up an entirely new channel for advertisers to place their ads. It would add more inventory beyond the core feed products.

It appears that at this point, advertisers are still unable to tag their ads with specific search terms or keywords. The ads will show up for search terms related to the company's niche. A way to get around the keyword issue would be to include popular search terms from your niche throughout your Page and posts. This way, Facebook's technologies will connect your ad to relevant keywords.

The Cost

Search ads may provide a low-cost alternative to sometimes costly News Feed ads. Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, said, "There's a real benefit right now to being an early adopter; the pricing is very attractive.".  Meaning, you may see a lower cost per impression if you hop on the wagon early.

Is that a Threat?

Are Google and Amazon threatened by this new feature? We don't think so. At this point, searching on Facebook is so vastly different than Google or Amazon. For example, a Facebook user may search a product name for a recommendation from a family member or friend. Whereas on Amazon, someone is probably searching to make the purchase. However, if FB continues to grow on the commerce side of things, this very well could change. Without keyword or phrase targeting, Google advertisers are likely to stay with Google and not make the switch here.

Ads in Search Results
That's all! Have a great day.

 

In Conclusion

More advertisers will now have the option to place their ads in search results on Facebook. These ads may come at a lower cost in a less saturated channel. Do you have the option to place your ads in search results? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Hunting!

About Tim Burd

Tim Burd is a public speaker, consultant, and serial entrepreneur who’s been called the “Godfather of Facebook Advertising” for his many years of supporting and empowering digital marketers.

Tim’s Facebook Ad Buyers Group is the largest community of online advertisers in the world. He is the co-founder of AdLeaks, an exclusive subscription-based community, and resource for digital marketing and business growth.

In addition to hosting Mastermind workshops and events, Tim has been featured on publications and platforms ranging from Forbes and Bloomberg to Buzzfeed and Bravo.

Tim Burd lives in Newport Beach, California, and works with clients worldwide as a high-end advertising consultant and business development expert.

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