Small Business Guide to Meta Ads

Here in Cody, Wyoming, word of mouth is still the most prominent method of marketing your business. So, you’re probably wondering why your business would need to venture into the world of Meta Ads.

Why Your Business Needs Meta Ads

Well, let’s be real – word of mouth marketing is shifting into the digital space as more and more consumers rely on the internet to learn, shop, and discover. And with tourism season approaching and more visitors planning their Yellowstone adventures online, having a strong digital presence is absolutely necessary!

Getting Started With Meta Ads

Don’t let the technical aspects scare you. If you can order a pizza online, you can set up a Meta Ads account.

Setting Up Your Account

Obviously, you’ll need a Facebook account and some basic business information. Meta (formerly Facebook) has made the process pretty straightforward, especially for small businesses. Read the full How-To blog here

You’ll need:

– Your business license information
– A credit card or PayPal account
– Some good photos of your business
– Basic information about your target audience

Understanding Your Local Market

Meta Ads makes it super easy for Cody businesses to target its audience strategically. You can create different ads for:

– Local residents within a 50-mile radius of Cody
– Tourists planning their Yellowstone trips
– Seasonal visitors from specific states (hello, Minnesota snowbirds!)
– Adventure seekers interested in outdoor activities
– History buffs looking for Western experiences

Creating Ads That Work for Cody

Here are some practical ideas for you to use when brainstorming your first (or next) ad:

For Local Customers

Focus on:
– Weekly specials and events
– Off-season promotions
– Local loyalty programs
– Community events and partnerships
– Weather-related offers

For Tourists

Highlight:
– Proximity to Yellowstone
– Western experience offerings
– Historical significance
– Unique local attractions
– Seasonal activities and events

Budgeting

You don’t need a Cali-CEO budget to see results. I’ve seen many Cody businesses find success starting with just $5-10 per day during peak season. Many local businesses have found success starting with modest budgets of around $150 a month, with visitors often mentioning they discovered the business through social media ads.

Warning For Paid Ads

While paid ads can expand your reach and attract new leads, it’s important to have a strong organic brand presence online as well. This means ensuring that when people click on your ad or explore your page, they don’t see cobwebs or posts from a year ago. Stay relevant, active, and engaging organically to prove that you are a real business with real humans running it – as opposed to looking as if a bunch of robots running your business.

Need Help?

At MB Creative, my priority is providing education and empowering small businesses to take ownership of their marketing. I offer Marketing and Brand coaching and consultations that will help you get out of the ruts of business growth and gain a clear roadmap to marketing success.

I will help you create a strong marketing ad campaign and connect you with trustworthy services that will implement, optimize, and monitor your paid ads based on your marketing roadmap.

Want more helpful tips, encouragement, and how-to’s? Join my email list to receive my Marketing Shots Newsletter – packed full of helpful information, education, and empowerment!
Want more details? Read the expanded version of this article on my blog.

This article is proudly sponsored by Cody Calendar advertisers