Are you planning to promote your business on Meta (Facebook & Instagram) but don’t know where to start?
Many beginners make the mistake of jumping straight into running ads without setting up their business properly. This often leads to poor results and wasted money.
Before you launch any ads, it’s important to complete a few essential steps.
A proper setup will help you manage your ads effectively, build trust with your audience, and improve your results.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the must-do setup before running Meta Ads.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone struggling with Meta Ads, follow these steps to set up your business the right way and get the best results.
First Time Running Meta Ads? Here’s What You Need to Set Up First
Many beginners make the mistake of either not having a Facebook personal profile or creating multiple accounts (4-5 personal profiles). But to start with Meta Ads, you must have only ONE personal profile that follows Meta’s policies.
This personal profile is mandatory to create and manage your Meta Business Manager, Business Suite, and Ad Account. Without this, you cannot move forward with further setup.
So, the checklist starts with setting up your Facebook personal profile.
1.Facebook Personal Profile (Mandatory)
- A Facebook Personal Profile is required to access and manage Meta Business Manager & Ad Accounts.
- Use a real, active profile to avoid restrictions.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication for security.
2.Facebook Page Setup & Optimization
- Create a Facebook Business Page (A personal profile is required)
- Add Profile Picture (Business Logo) & Cover Image (High Quality)
- Fill in Business Details (About, Website, Contact Info, Business Hours)
- Add a Call-to-Action (CTA) Button (WhatsApp, Contact Us, Shop Now, etc.)
- Enable Messaging & Auto Replies (Inbox → Automated Responses)
- Customize Username (Facebook Handle) (For easy searchability)
- Add a Pinned Post (Introduction, Best Offer, or Important Info)
- Publish at least 5-10 high-quality posts before running ads
- Set up Reviews & Testimonials (Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews)
- Create Basic Facebook Story Highlights
3.Instagram Business Account Setup & Optimization
- Create an Instagram Business Account (or convert personal to business)
- Add Profile Picture (Same as Facebook for brand consistency)
- Write an engaging Bio (Who you are, what you do, and CTA)
- Add a Website Link (Or use Linktree for multiple links)
- Connect Instagram to Facebook Page
- Post at least 9-12 high-quality posts before running ads
- Create & highlight Instagram Story Highlights (Offers, Testimonials, FAQs)
- Use Reels & Stories to boost organic reach
- Gain at least 100+ organic followers (For credibility before running ads)
4.WhatsApp Business Setup (Optional but Recommended)
- Install & Set Up WhatsApp Business App
- Add Business Name, Logo, and Description
- Set Business Hours & Auto Replies
- Add a WhatsApp Link to your Instagram & Facebook pages
- Create WhatsApp Catalog (If selling products)
5.Meta Business Suite Setup (For Managing Pages, Messages & Insights)
- Access Meta Business Suite (business.facebook.com)
- Connect Facebook Page & Instagram
- Set Up Inbox for Messaging (Manage Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp messages in one place)
- Schedule & Manage Posts & Stories
- Analyze Insights & Audience Data
6.Meta Business Manager Setup (For Ad Account & Advanced Business Controls)
- Access Meta Business Manager (business.facebook.com)
- Create & Verify a Business Manager Account
- Add & Connect Facebook Page, Instagram, and WhatsApp
- Assign Page Roles & Permissions (For Team Members)
- Verify Business on Meta Business Manager (For Ad Account Security)
7. Ad Account & Payment Setup
- Create a Facebook Ad Account
- Set Up Billing & Payment Method (Credit Card, UPI, PayPal, etc.)
- Check Currency & Time Zone Settings (Cannot Be Changed Later)
8. Meta Pixel & Domain Verification (For Website Tracking & Conversions)
- Create & Install Meta Pixel on Your Website
- Verify Your Domain in Business Manager
- Set Up Conversion API (CAPI) for Better Tracking
9. Audience & Engagement Boosting (Before Running Ads)
- Organically invite friends & followers to like your Facebook page
- Engage with comments & messages to build trust
- Post consistently (3-5 posts per week) to create engagement
- Get at least 100-500 organic followers before launching ads
10. Final Checks Before Running Ads
- Confirm Admin Access & Permissions Are Correct
- Review Business Info & Contact Details
- Ensure Pixel & Tracking Are Working Properly
- Make sure your Pages & Instagram account look active & professional
Setting up your Meta business properly before running ads is the key to success.
Many beginners skip this step and struggle with poor results.
Follow this checklist, get your setup right, and then start your ads for better performance and growth.