Want to know what your competitors are up to in the world of online advertising? Check out these two free tools – Facebook Ads Library and Google Ads Transparency Center. 

These platforms offer a peek behind the curtain, letting you see the ads your competitors are running and gain valuable insights for your own ad campaigns.

Facebook Ads Library

Facebook Ads Library is a public resource that enables you to view active and inactive ads running across Meta products. It’s a goldmine of information if you know how to use it.

One of the first things to look at is the date an ad started running. Generally, ads that have been running for a longer period are performing well. If an ad has been live for months, it’s likely hitting its target audience and driving results. This can give you a clue about successful strategies.

Next, pay attention to the type of creative assets being used. Are your competitors relying on static images, engaging videos, eye-catching slideshow carousels, or dynamic product ads? This can give you ideas for the types of visuals that resonate within your industry.

Don’t forget to analyse the ad copy. Is it short and punchy, or does it tell a more detailed story? Are they using emojis as bullet points to break up the text and add visual interest? What call to action buttons are they employing (e.g., “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Sign Up”)? These elements can reveal effective messaging and calls to action.

Google Ads Transparency Center

Google Ads Transparency Center is another invaluable resource, allowing you to find active ads published through Google’s advertising platforms. You can search by advertiser name or website name, providing a focused view of a specific competitor’s activity.

The results display the most recent ads and can be filtered by format, including images, text, and video ads. This allows you to see the variety of ad types they’re running. Pay close attention to the headlines and descriptions they’re using, as well as the images and videos. You can scroll through different ad variations to understand their testing strategies.

Remember, the goal isn’t to copy your competitors’ ads. Instead, use this information for inspiration, not imitation. Identify trends, understand what visuals and messaging seem to be working, and adapt those ideas to your own brand and unique selling proposition.

Turning Insights into Action

By using both the Facebook Ads Library and the Google Ads Transparency Center, you can gain a significant competitive advantage. You’ll have a better understanding of what’s working in your industry, allowing you to create more effective and engaging ads. 

Remember to analyse the data, take inspiration, and always stay true to your brand.

Happy spying (ethically, of course).