How to Set Up Local Facebook Ads in 10 Steps

How-to-Set-Up-Local-Facebook-Ads-in-10-Steps

Local Facebook ads are one of the easiest ways to get more leads in your area. You open the app, scroll a little, and there’s an ad from a local roofer or landscaper offering a deal. If you run a service business, this is your chance to do the same. No big budget is needed. It’s just the right setup.

You don’t need to hire an expert or learn complicated tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up local Facebook ads in 10 simple steps.

Run Local Facebook Ads That Bring You Landscaping Leads

Local Facebook ads let you show up right where your customers are on their phones while they scroll. It’s one of the cheapest ways to get noticed by real homeowners in your area.

Here’s how to set them up the right way:

1. Set Your Ads to “People Living in This Location”

Inside Meta Ads Manager, you’ll see a location setting. Choose “People living in this location.” Don’t pick “Everyone in this location.” That includes tourists and passersby.

How-to-Set-Up-Local-Facebook-Ads-in-10-Steps

For landscaping, stick to ZIP codes or set a radius around your service zone; 10–15 miles usually works best. The tighter your area, the better your results.

2. Narrow Down Who Sees Your Ad

Think about who usually hires you. Are they 30+ homeowners? People into gardening? Retired couples?

In the detailed targeting section, use filters like:

  • Age (30+ is a good baseline)
  • Interests (Home improvement, lawn care, outdoor living)
  • Homeownership (available through partner categories)

3. Choose the Right Ad Objective

Don’t click randomly when setting up the campaign. Match your goal to what Facebook asks:

  • Want calls or form fills? Pick Leads
  • Want clicks to your site? Pick Traffic
  • Want quote requests tracked on your site? Pick Conversions (you’ll need the Pixel)

4. Use Real Photos of Your Work

Skip stock photos. Facebook users scroll fast. Real, local images stop the scroll.

Upload photos from your actual jobs. A backyard makeover or fresh sod install works great.

How-to-Set-Up-Local-Facebook-Ads-in-10-Steps

Make sure:

  • The photo is bright and clear
  • Your crew or logo is visible
  • It shows a real result someone would want

5. Write Ad Copy As You Talk

Keep your words short and real. Don’t overthink it.

Say what you do, where you work, and what to do next.

Example:

“Need spring cleanup in Warwick? We’ve got a few spots left this week. Tap below for a free quote.”

Use the “Learn More” or “Get Quote” button. Don’t leave it to chance.

6. Start With $10–20 Per Day

No need to go big on day one. A small daily budget lets you test what works.

Set your ad to run continuously. After a few days, check the results. If it’s working, slowly increase the budget.

7. Install the Meta Pixel (It’s Easy)

The Pixel helps track what happens after someone clicks. You’ll see what ads lead to calls or quote requests.

It also helps you retarget warm leads later.

Set up your Meta Pixel here

Once installed, let it run quietly in the background.

8. Run Two Versions of Every Ad

Don’t just run one ad. Change up the photo or the headline slightly. Facebook will show the better one more often.

You don’t have to be fancy; swap the main image or rewrite the first sentence.

Over time, this brings down your cost per lead.

9. Check Results Every Few Days

Inside Ads Manager, look at:

  • Cost per result
  • Link clicks
  • Leads
How-to-Set-Up-Local-Facebook-Ads-in-10-Steps

Pause ads that are costing too much, scale ones that are working, and change your image if results drop. Ads get stale fast.

10. Respond to Messages Fast

When someone fills out a form or sends a message, reply right away. Most people contact 2–3 companies, and a fast response wins the job.

Set up a quick reply on Facebook if you can’t get to it right away.

Bonus: Retarget Visitors Who Didn’t Call

If someone clicked but didn’t fill out your form, show them a follow-up ad next week. Use the Custom Audience feature in Ads Manager.

Say something simple like:

“Still thinking about lawn care? Here’s $25 off your first visit.”

Retargeting works. And it’s cheaper than running ads to cold leads again.

Final Thoughts

Local Facebook ads only work if you stay focused, target tight areas, talk to the right people, keep photos real, and respond fast.

Once set up, Facebook ads become a quiet lead machine, working while you mow, trim, and rake.

Want help running Facebook ads that bring in calls? Contact Ready Business Systems. We run ads weekly, update content, and help local landscapers grow on autopilot.

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