Step-by-Step: How to Create a Facebook Ad Account

Let’s walk through the process from scratch.

Step 1: Log into Facebook

Visit facebook.com and log in with your personal account.

⚠️ You can’t run ads without a Facebook profile. But don’t worry—your ads won’t show your personal information.

Step 2: Go to Meta Ads Manager

Navigate to https://adsmanager.facebook.com

If this is your first time, Facebook may guide you through an initial setup wizard.

Step 3: Create a Business Manager (Optional but Recommended)

Go to https://business.facebook.com and click “Create Account”.

Why use Business Manager?

  • Separate personal and business activity
  • Manage multiple ad accounts and pages
  • Add team members and assign roles
  • Better for agencies, e-commerce, and scaling businesses

Step 4: Add a Facebook Page

You must link a Facebook Page to your ad account to run ads.

In Business Manager:

  • Click on “Business Settings”
  • Go to Accounts > Pages
  • Click Add Page or Create New Page

Step 5: Create Your Ad Account

Inside Business Manager:

  1. Go to Business Settings
  2. Click on Accounts > Ad Accounts
  3. Click Add → then choose:
    • Create a New Ad Account
  4. Fill in:
    • Name of your ad account
    • Time zone
    • Currency
  5. Assign your business and employees to the account (if applicable)

🔄 Note: You can create up to 5 ad accounts per business depending on your history and usage.

Setting Up Billing Information

Before running any ads, you must add a payment method.

Steps:

  1. In Ads Manager, click the gear icon (Settings)
  2. Go to Billing > Payment Settings
  3. Click Add Payment Method
  4. Choose your preferred payment option:
    • Credit/Debit Card
    • PayPal
    • Bank Account (available in some countries)
    • Facebook Ad Coupons (if you have one)

After setup, your account will be ready to run ads.

Business Manager vs. Personal Ad Account

FeaturePersonal Ad AccountBusiness Manager Account
Ad Account Limit1Up to 5+
User RolesOnly one userAdd multiple admins/managers
Best ForIndividual marketersAgencies, stores, teams
Access to Pixels, CatalogsLimitedFull access
Asset ManagementBasicAdvanced

If you’re running ads for a client or have multiple pages/products, we highly recommend using Business Manager.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. ❌ Creating multiple personal ad accounts: Can trigger Facebook’s security system and lead to account restrictions.
  2. ❌ Using a fake Facebook profile: Facebook may disable your account if it’s not verified.
  3. ❌ Ignoring business verification: This step is essential for unlocking all features and limits.
  4. ❌ Running ads without adding a payment method: Your ads won’t be delivered until billing is set up.
  5. ❌ Not setting the correct currency/time zone: These cannot be changed later.

Final Tips to Get Started with Ads

  • ✅ Install the Facebook Pixel: Track website visitors and conversions.
  • ✅ Use Two-Factor Authentication: To protect your account from hacks.
  • ✅ Learn Campaign Objectives: Choose the right goal (awareness, traffic, conversions).
  • ✅ Organize Assets in Business Manager: Pages, ad accounts, pixels, catalogs.
  • ✅ Start with a small budget: Test your ads before scaling.