Key Takeaways:
Find out answers to seven questions we often get about Meta Ads.
During our webinar on digital ads, attendees asked some of the smartest questions about Meta Ads—from audience targeting to creative testing. Below, we’re sharing seven FAQs that can help you plan smarter, spend wisely, and make your campaigns work harder for you.
“Meta Ads can be a cost-effective alternative when your Google Ads budget is limited. But success starts with knowing your audience.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
1. Can Facebook Ads be a helpful alternative when Google Ads aren’t in the budget?
Yes, Meta Ads can be a cost-effective alternative when your Google Ads budget is limited. But success starts with knowing your audience.
Meta’s targeting capabilities let you reach highly specific groups based on demographics, interests, and behaviors—which can stretch your dollars further. However, Google’s Performance Max campaigns have recently lowered ad costs, so it’s worth comparing both platforms before you decide.
Whether you’re running Meta or Google Ads, the same rule applies: be crystal clear about who you’re targeting and what action you want them to take.
2. Is Facebook the only platform that lets us target local audiences?
No, but Meta is one of the best at it. Facebook and Instagram both allow hyperlocal targeting, meaning you can focus your ads down to a specific zip code, radius, or neighborhood.
That’s especially useful for service-based retailers or stores with multiple locations. For example, a boutique in Westchester could show one ad featuring suburban home décor and another ad tailored to urban apartment living, even if those audiences are only a few blocks apart.
Another perk to Meta Ads is that, while platforms like Reddit and Pinterest also offer local targeting, Meta’s controls are far more precise.
3. What are the new rules for hashtags on Meta for both Instagram and Facebook?
Hashtag strategy has changed. A few years ago, using 10–12 hashtags was the norm. But now, less is more.
Instagram’s algorithm no longer relies heavily on hashtags for discovery, and Facebook has never prioritized them. Instead, focus on 2–3 high-quality, relevant hashtags that support your post rather than clutter it. Hashtags can still help with categorization and niche visibility, but your content and engagement matter far more to Meta’s recommendation system than keyword tags.
4. Do we need to have a privacy notice for customers when running Meta Ads?
Yes—and it’s required for all online advertising. If your ads link to a website, that site must have a Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. These documents outline how customer data is collected and used, which is crucial for compliance with Meta’s advertising policies.
Platforms like Shopify and Wix include built-in privacy policy templates you can customize for your business. Taking the time to set this up builds trust with your customers and keeps your ads in good standing.
“If your Meta Ads campaign is stuck in the learning phase, edit it rather than cloning or relaunching it. Restarting forces Meta to begin learning from scratch, which slows performance.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
5. What should I do if my Meta campaign never exits the “learning” phase?
Don’t panic—and don’t restart. If your campaign is stuck in the learning phase, edit it rather than cloning or relaunching it. Restarting forces Meta to begin learning from scratch, which slows performance.
Insufficient data is a common cause of limited learning. If possible, increase your budget to build more results sooner. If you’re unable to increase your spend or you’ve already increased your spend and learning is still limited, expand your targeting to give Meta’s algorithm a larger pool of people to test.
Still stuck? Export your current reports, note what’s working, and make one change at a time. Start with your images; they tend to have the biggest impact. Then, if performance still doesn’t improve, adjust your headlines or ad copy. Small, deliberate tweaks help Meta learn efficiently without losing the progress you’ve already made.
6. Are live ads on social media more effective than paid ads?
Not necessarily. They serve different purposes. Here at TTG, we’ve found that the best results come from using them together.
Live ads (like livestreams or real-time product demos) are great for building authenticity and connection. They help audiences see the people and personality behind your brand, which can boost engagement and trust. For retailers, that might mean hosting a short live video during a new collection launch or showing how a product looks in real life.
Paid ads, on the other hand, give you precision and scale. You can control who sees your message, when they see it, and what action they’re encouraged to take. Paid campaigns tend to deliver faster, measurable results – like clicks, traffic, or sales – because they’re backed by targeting and analytics.
The most effective strategy blends the two: use live content to create energy and connection, then follow up with paid ads that retarget those engaged viewers or promote the replay. That way, you’re combining the authenticity of live interaction with the reach and structure of paid advertising.
7. How can you tell whether your topic is better for Meta Ads or another platform?
It really depends on your goal, audience, and content type. If your audience scrolls social feeds, discovers new brands visually, or reacts to lifestyle imagery, Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram) are a strong fit. They’re designed for discovery and engagement, making them ideal for promoting products, events, and impulse-driven purchases. (Bonus Fact: Facebook is the second top discovery platform for consumers, according to the 2025 Sprout Social Index report.)
If your topic requires more education, storytelling, or demonstration, a platform like YouTube might perform better. YouTube excels at longer-form content where viewers actively seek out information – like tutorials, reviews, or “how it’s made” videos.
You also want to consider budget and format. Meta is generally more cost-effective and easier to test with smaller budgets or quick-turn creative, while YouTube and other video platforms often require more time and production investment.
The bottom line:
match your message to the mindset. Use Meta when you want to capture attention and inspire action. And explore other platforms when your topic benefits from deeper explanation or search intent.
Making Meta Ads Simpler
If you’re ready to rope in the pros for your Meta Ads, our team is here to help! Explore our Digital Ads Program to plan campaigns that drive real results for your retail business.
