Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among young audiences. With over 250 million daily active users, Snapchat offers a huge opportunity for businesses looking to advertise. However, starting a Snapchat ad account can be confusing if you’re new to the platform.
Requirements for Creating a Snapchat Ad Account
Here are the basic requirements you need in order to create a Snapchat ad account:
- A business Snapchat account – This is different from a personal Snapchat account. You’ll need to convert your personal account or create a new business account.
- A Facebook Ad Account – Your Snapchat ad account needs to be linked to a Facebook ad account in order to start advertising.
- A Facebook Business Manager Account – This oversees and manages all your Facebook ad accounts.
Don’t worry if you don’t have these accounts set up yet. We’ll cover how to create each one below.
Step 1: Convert Your Snapchat Account to a Business Account
If you already have a personal Snapchat account you want to use for advertising, you’ll first need to convert it to a Snapchat business account. Here’s how:
- Open your Snapchat app and tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
- Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap “Create a Business Account.”
- Enter your business name, category, phone number, and website.
- Agree to Snapchat’s Terms of Service.
Converting your account gives you access to Snapchat’s business tools, like ads manager and analytics. If you don’t already have a Snapchat account, you can download the app and sign up for a new business account right away.
Step 2: Create a Facebook Ad Account
Your Snapchat ad account needs to be connected to a Facebook ad account in order to start running ads. Here are the steps to create one:
- Go to Facebook Ads Manager and click “Create Account” in the top right.
- Select the Facebook Page you want to associate with the ad account.
- Enter your ad account name, contact info, and payment method.
- Agree to Facebook’s Terms and click “Create Account.”
Make note of the new Facebook ad account ID, as you’ll need it to connect to Snapchat later. The ad account ID is a series of numbers you can find in Ads Manager.
Step 3: Set Up a Facebook Business Manager Account
A Facebook Business Manager account allows you to manage all your Facebook ad accounts from one place. Here’s how to set one up:
- Go back to Facebook Business Manager and click “Create Account.”
- Enter your business information and agree to the terms.
- Click the Accounts tab and then “Add New Ad Account.”
- Enter the ad account ID you created in the previous step.
Your new Facebook ad account should now show under your Business Manager account. Later, when you go to link your Snapchat ad account, you’ll need your Business Manager ID number.
Step 4: Connect Your Snapchat Account in Ads Manager
Now it’s time to connect your Snapchat business account to your Facebook ad account. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Snapchat Ads Manager from your Snapchat business profile.
- In the left menu, click the settings gear icon.
- Under “Account Settings” select “Connect an Ad Account.”
- Enter your Facebook Business Manager ID number.
- Select the Facebook ad account you want to link to.
Once your accounts are connected, you’ll be able to start creating Snapchat ad campaigns right from Ads Manager. Your ad account will now appear linked under Business Settings.
Step 5: Set Up Ad Campaign Settings
Before running your first ad, you’ll want to set up your campaign settings like billing information and ad formats. Here are some things you can set up:
- Billing – Add a credit card or other payment method for your advertising spend.
- Campaigns – Choose between always-on campaigns or scheduled campaigns.
- Ad formats – Select the types of ads you want to run like Snap ads or story ads.
- Audiences – Build custom audiences to target your ads.
Take time to get familiar with all the options available to create the right campaign setup for your business goals. Refer to Snapchat’s ad products and best practices for more guidance.
Step 6: Create Your First Ad
You’re now ready to create your first Snapchat ad. The basic steps are:
- Click “Create” in Ads Manager.
- Select your ad objective (e.g. traffic or conversions).
- Name your ad campaign and set the dates.
- Set up your ad targeting.
- Design your ad creative and add your website URL.
- Place your bid and daily budget.
- Submit your ad for review.
Snapchat will review your ad to make sure it complies with their advertising policies. You’ll receive a notification when your ad is approved. Then it will start delivering once your campaign begins running. Be sure to monitor and optimize your campaigns based on performance.
Getting Started with Snapchat Ads
Here are some tips when you’re just starting out with Snapchat ads:
- Take advantage of Snapchat’s video and story ad formats.
- Test different objectives like traffic or conversions.
- Target based on detailed interests and behaviors.
- Start with smaller daily budgets.
- Use Snap Pixel to track conversions.
- Measure ROI and optimize for results.
It may take some trial and error to get the hang of Snapchat advertising. Don’t get discouraged if your first few campaigns don’t perform as well. Take the time to understand your audience and refine your campaign strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about starting a Snapchat ad account:
Do I need a business Snapchat account?
Yes, you need a converted Snapchat business profile or business account to run ads. Personal Snapchat accounts can’t advertise.
What do I need before I can create a Snapchat ad account?
You need an existing Snapchat business account, Facebook ad account, and Facebook Business Manager account. These all must be connected before creating your Snapchat ad account.
Does a Snapchat ad account cost money?
Creating a Snapchat ad account is free. You will need a payment method on file to run ads and be charged based on your advertising spend.
Can I run Snapchat ads without a website?
Your Snapchat ads do need to link out to a website or app. If you don’t have one yet, you can link your ads to your Facebook Page or Snapchat profile.
How much do Snapchat ads cost?
Snapchat ads are auction-based. You set the bid and budget when creating your ad campaign. Cost per result depends on your targeting, bid, ad performance, and more.
Conclusion
Creating a Snapchat ad account may involve a few steps like setting up new accounts and making connections, but the process is straightforward. The most important requirements are having a Snapchat business account, Facebook ad account, and connecting the two.
Once your accounts are linked, you can start creating ad campaigns and exploring all that Snapchat advertising has to offer. Be sure to follow Snapchat’s best practices as you create your first ads. With some trial and error, you’ll be on your way to effectively advertising on Snapchat.