metrocafe311

So I once used an analogy to describe Facebook to a client. I said ‘Facebook have this handy knack of moving the goalposts every now and again. This time they moved the pitch!” Once again this springs to mind. This time the pitch be moved was not in the form of a user evolution. This time the changes impact advertisers. If you run, create, manage Facebook advertising you need to make sure that you are fully aware of the new text overlay restrictions Facebook has put into effect.

What are the new restrictions?

Well Facebook were nice enough to ad this new rule to their advertising Guidelines but as one line with little or no depth in its explanation.

D. Images Ads and sponsored stories in News Feed may not include images comprised of more than 20% text.

So here’s the skinny:

• Page Post Ads (Photo, Link, Video)
• Offer Ads
• Page Like Ads
• Mobile App Install Ads

Things to be aware of:

• No expectations are being made for Logos and Slogans
• This includes images included from embedded links on sites.
• No calls to action are allowed
• No price points

Other than these changes that have taken place there are a few things you need to be aware of that you should make sure you are keeping an eye on. If you are someone this will greatly effect and you regularly assaulted users Newsfeeds with sponsored posts with huge calls to action and information prepare to see you CTR go way down. If you are part of this group then you should start to effectively change your strategy:

• Be more creative with how you get across your message e.g. wink wink people holding a sign in images is technically not an overlay it's worth a go! ;)
• If your image is engaging enough people will read the information you put in the text box above the content.
• Look to use other formats for what you are promoting
  • If it’s an event promote the post of an event
  • If it’s a video use an eye catching thumbnail
• Use real images if you can as they won’t stand out as much as stock
• In the Power Editor set your ads to only feature on desktop and not Newsfeed. It's less impressions but it will at least get approved.
• If you have ads live now don't touch them if you make any edits that need approval they might get taken down.

Play on Facebook’s new pitch or suffer the wrath of Zuckerberg!

If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask them!

@metrocafe311Dublin