5 ways I research creative ideas for Facebook lead ads

Many people seem to be just using the Facebook ad library…

But I have some issues with this:

• It’s boring

• Hard to ‘beat’ by copying

• Sometimes hard to find enough references

So here are 5 different methods I’m using:

1/ Copy viral Tiktoks

Finding ideas from Tiktok:

• Search naturally for the topic

• Find viral winners

• Add a CTA on the end

This technique was also described by Gary Vee:

Gary suggests:

• Start with organic posts to see what works organically

• Post different formats to different audiences

• Then add CTAs onto winning organic post ideas, as ads

Not something I’ve tried, yet, though.

2/ Check Canva templates

This 6 block design may be interesting to try as some collage ad creatives do well.

Finding creative ideas from Canva:

• Pick a size format, e.g. IG square

• Then Design → Templates

• See interesting formats

• Usually very busy designs, so use as inspiration only

3/ Interesting Facebook group posts

Finding ideas from Facebook:

• Browse your feed normally

• See what group or page posts catch your eye

• Usually, they have ‘natural’ imagery I can test

• Also some cool copy ideas

4/ Screenshot ads on my phone

Finding creative ideas while using Instagram:

• Notice what catches your eye

• Also notice what ads repeat with different styling

• If it’s an ad, screenshot

• Upload to a Google folder to share with your designer

I have 150+ in my Google Drive so far.

5/ Watching people use social

Image credit: Robin Worral

Getting creative ideas from seeing others use social:

• Sounds creepy but not if you get permission

• Friends/family/significant others only

• Watch what they stop to read

• Ask to photograph the screen

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