How to Set Up Your Facebook Ads Manager Account

Setting up your Facebook Ads Manager (now part of Meta Business Suite) correctly from the start is the difference between a high-performing campaign and a restricted account. For Australian small business owners, this platform is the gateway to reaching thousands of local customers across Facebook and Instagram with precision.

Why This Matters

Many business owners make the mistake of simply clicking "Boost Post." While easy, this limits your targeting options and data tracking. By setting up a formal Ads Manager account, you gain access to advanced audience targeting, detailed analytics, and the ability to run multiple ad variations to see what actually drives sales in the Brisbane market and beyond.

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Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, ensure you have the following ready:

• A Personal Facebook Profile: You cannot create a business account without a personal one to act as the administrator.
• A Facebook Business Page: If you haven’t created one for your business yet, do that first.
• Business Details: Your legal business name, Australian address, and phone number.
• Payment Method: A credit/debit card or PayPal account (linked to an Australian bank is best for currency consistency).
• ABN (Australian Business Number): Essential for tax purposes and account verification in Australia.

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Step 1: Create a Meta Business Account

Go to business.facebook.com/overview. This is the “Business Manager” level which sits above your Ads Manager. It keeps your business assets separate from your personal profile.

• What you’ll see: A large landing page with a "Create account" button in the top right.
• Click Create Account.
• Enter your business name, your name, and your work email address.
• Tip: Use an email you check regularly, as you’ll need to verify it immediately.

Step 2: Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification email from Meta. If you don't verify your email, you will be restricted from running ads or adding other team members later.

Step 3: Add Your Facebook Business Page

Now you need to link your existing page to this new Business Account.

• Go to Business Settings (the cog icon in the bottom left sidebar).
• Under the Accounts tab on the left, click Pages.
• Click the blue Add button and select Add a Page.
• Type your Page name or URL and select it. Since you are the admin, it should be approved instantly.

Step 4: Create Your Ad Account

This is the specific engine that will run your ads. Within one Business Account, you can have multiple Ad Accounts, but most small businesses only need one.

• In Business Settings, click on Ad Accounts (under the Accounts tab).
• Click the blue Add dropdown and select Create a new ad account.
• Crucial Step: Name your account (e.g., "[Business Name] Ads").
• Timezone & Currency: Select (GMT+10:00) Australia/Brisbane (or your local state) and AUD - Australian Dollar.

Step 5: Assign Permissions

Once the account is created, a popup will ask who should have access.

• Select your own name.
• Toggle on Full Control (Manage Ad Account).
• Click Assign.

Step 6: Set Up Your Payment Method

Meta will not let your ads go live without a valid payment method.

• In Business Settings, scroll down the left menu to Payment Methods (or go to Billing & Payments).
• Click Add Payment Method.
• Ensure the location is set to Australia and currency to AUD.
• Enter your card details.
• Pro Tip: Add your ABN here under the Business Info section. This ensures you are handled correctly for GST purposes on your invoices.

Step 7: Configure Your Business Info

Scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar in Business Settings and click Business Info.

• What you’ll see: A list of fields for legal details.
• Fill in your legal business name, address, and phone number exactly as they appear on your Australian business registration. This helps prevent account flags for "suspicious activity."
• Turn on Two-Factor Authentication for "Everyone." This is a mandatory security step for most Australian advertisers now.

Step 8: Create a Meta Pixel (Optional but Recommended)

The Pixel is a piece of code for your website that tracks who visits and what they buy.

• Go to Data Sources > Datasets (previously Pixels).
• Click Add and name your Dataset.
• You will receive a code to install on your website or a plugin integration for Shopify/WordPress. This allows you to "Retarget" people who visited your site but didn't buy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a Fake Personal Profile: Meta’s security systems are highly advanced. If you create a fake profile like "Bobs Bakery Admin" to manage your ads, they will likely disable it, and you may lose access to your business page permanently. Use your real profile and manage permissions through Business Settings.
• Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you don't enable 2FA, Meta may restrict your ability to edit ads until you do. It’s the #1 reason accounts get locked.
• Wrong Currency: As mentioned, choosing USD by accident will cost you roughly 3% extra on every transaction due to bank conversion fees.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• "Account Disabled" immediately after setup: This often happens if your payment method address doesn't match your business address, or if you are using a VPN. Ensure your VPN is off and your details are consistent.
• Can't find Business Settings: Look for the gear/cog icon in the very bottom-left corner of the Meta Business Suite dashboard. It can be hard to spot!
• Page already owned by another business: If you previously hired an agency, they might "own" your page in their Business Manager. You will need to ask them to release ownership or add you as an admin.

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Next Steps

Now that your Ads Manager is set up, you are ready to start building your first campaign!

• Define your objective: Are you looking for website traffic, leads, or store visits?
• Build your audience: Use the "Audiences" tool to target people specifically in Brisbane or within a 10km radius of your shop.
• Creative Assets: Prepare high-quality images or videos of your products/services.

If you find the technical setup overwhelming or want a professional team to manage your Australian ad spend for maximum ROI, we’re here to help. Contact the Local Marketing Group team today to discuss your strategy.