By L. Mad Hildebrandt

Hello, fellow adventurers in the world of writing! As storytellers, we’re masters of creating captivating tales, but when it comes to marketing those tales, it can feel like we’re lost in an uncharted jungle. Facebook Ads, in particular, might seem like a dense thicket of options and jargon—but don’t worry, you’ve got your machete (and me!) to help clear the path.

Let’s talk about three quick tips to help you get started with Facebook Ads, especially if you’ve been hesitant to dive in.

Define Your Treasure (AKA Your Goal)
Before you start creating ads, know what you’re trying to achieve. Are you looking to build your email list? Promote a new release? Gain reviews? Each goal requires a different approach.

For instance:

Building an email list? Create an ad that offers a freebie (like a novella or exclusive short story) in exchange for signing up.

Launching a new book? Use a carousel ad to showcase your cover, tagline, and a killer call to action.

Having a clear goal ensures that you’re spending your ad dollars wisely.

Speak to Your Readers
Not everyone on Facebook is your audience—and that’s okay! Facebook Ads let you zero in on the readers who are most likely to love your work. Think about who your ideal reader is. Are they fans of paranormal romance with snarky heroines? Do they devour time-traveling Viking adventures?

Use Facebook’s targeting options to get specific. Target by:

• • Interests (e.g., favorite genres or authors)
  • Behaviors (e.g., Kindle users or frequent online shoppers)
  • Demographics (e.g., age or location)

The more you hone your audience, the better your ad will perform.

Test, Tweak, and Test Again
Even the most seasoned authors don’t get their ads perfect on the first try—and that’s okay! Start with small budgets (think $5–$10 a day) and test different elements. Experiment with:

• • Ad copy (short vs. long descriptions)
  • Images (bright colors vs. darker tones)
  • Headlines (playful vs. straightforward)

Facebook’s ad manager provides insights into what’s working and what’s not, so you can refine as you go.

Now, if you’re feeling like this is just the tip of the iceberg—because it is—you’re absolutely right! There’s so much to learn about how to use Facebook Ads effectively, and if you’d like to explore the topic in depth, I’ll be teaching a workshop Feb 3 – 14 called Facebook AD Basics for Beginners with Aged to Perfection Romance Writers.

I’m so thrilled to see how many of our Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers members are writing, publishing, and stepping out to teach workshops or lead discussions. This community is a treasure trove of inspiration, and it’s amazing to see everyone taking bold steps in their careers. If you decide to join me for the workshop, I’d love to see you there! Either way, here’s to reaching new readers and sharing your stories with the world.

Now, go forth, my writerly friends, and may your next adventure lead to new readers discovering your work! ✨

L. Mad Hildebrandt, president of FFPRWA, writes romantic suspense, paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and cozy mysteries, blending intrigue, humor, and heart into every story. Based in Abilene, Texas, she’s currently crafting the second novel in her SEAL Team 6, Off Duty series—a thrilling mix of Navy SEALs, ghosts, and romance. When not writing, she enjoys life with her husband, Rich, and their dog, Lucille, always plotting her next twisty tale.

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