Today I did responsible adulting. I cleaned house.
Yep, my mother would be proud. I even pulled out the couch and swept behind it.
While doing so I took full advantage of this time and caught up on a few podcast episodes. The one that really struck a chord with me was an episode of Breaking Through Walls with Amanda Bond. In Screw The 9 to 5 we affectionally refer to her as just Bond because she is that damn awesome.
Listen to the podcast episode
This is a must listen episode. While she is THE expert on Facebook Ads the episode is about much more than that. It is about failing and not giving up. It is about the power of finding your zone of genius.
But what I want to point out is a statement that she made about the Facebook Pixel. She said that even if you aren't running Facebook ads yet, you should go ahead an place the pixel on your website.
What is the Facebook pixel?
It is an image that is 1 pixel by 1 pixel wide that is placed on your website. It is a transparent image, which means that it can't be seen.
Why have a Facebook pixel on your website?
It allows Facebook to keep track of who has visited your website and then you can retarget them in the future. One example of this, is targeting people who visited your checkout page but didn't finish the checkout process. You could run ads to "retarget" them because you know that they are interested in your service or product.
The Facebook pixel provides other opportunities and you can read more here.
In the episode Bond pointed out that the sooner you add this pixel to your site, the sooner you can make your site start collecting anyone that visits your website and turn them into an audience that you can target later.
This is a big deal.
Instead of always chasing new people, you can retarget people who already have seen your site before.
How to place a Facebook pixel?
This isn't that difficult. Yes, there are a few steps involved but Facebook has made it as easy as possible.
You will need a Facebook ad account and for this tutorial, a WordPress site. You can add the pixel to other website platforms as well though.
First, get your pixel
Step 1: Log into Facebook and go to the ads manager
Step 2: Click on the hamburger symbol
Step 3: Click on All Tools
Step 4: Click on Pixels
Step 5: Click on "Create a Pixel"
Step 6: Type in a name for your pixel
Step 7: Click on "Create Pixel"
Step 8: Click on Actions
Step 9: Click on Email Pixel Code
Note: This is what I found to be the easiest method.
Step 10: Check email for pixel code from Facebook.
Note: The email actually went straight to my trash, so I had to hunt it down. If you don't see the email check your spam and your trash.
Step 11: Copy this Pixel code that looks like complete gibberish into your Evernote or a notepad. You will need it soon.
Step 12: Log into your WordPress Dashboard
At this point what happens next greatly depends on your WordPress theme. In this tutorial, I am going to provide you with a quick tutorial on a WordPress plugin that Bond recommended.
However, I am running a Thrive Theme on my site. Thrive has a special place for adding this type of code. It is under Theme Options / Scripts.
Step 13: Install This WordPress Plugin
A. Click on Plugins in WordPress Dashboard
B. Click on Add New
C. Type in "Insert headers and footers" in the search
D. Click on "Search"
E. Click on "Activate"
Step 14: Add your Facebook Pixel Code
A. Click on "Settings" in WordPress Dashboard
B. Click on "Insert Headers and Footers"
C. Paste your Pixel code in the "Scripts in Header" section
D. Click Save
Step 15: Add Facebook Pixel Helper to Chrome
Click here to install Facebook Pixel Helper
This free Google Chrome tool will help you know if your pixel is working or not.
After installing it, open up a page on your blog. If it turns blue then the pixel is working properly. If it is grey revisit your steps.
Conclusion
If you really want to learn about Facebook Ads then make sure that you request to join Amanda's Facebook Group.
She truly is the expert of experts and she loves what she does.
This is great! I have some clients that could really use this. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Sounds like an amazing way to keep track of people who are interested in your product. Your steps to creating a Facebook pixel are so easy to understand.
Renee,
Great article and definitely a winner my book because Pixels are not something that the average person knows. Thanks for the clarification.
Lori English
I know I know… I really need to do this… but haven’t. Cool plugin for the headers.. you wouldn’t recommend adding to the code… or just easier for others to do it this way? Can you deactivate and/or delete the plugin after?
This has been on my to do list for a while. Thanks for the reminder and such clear instructions! Very helpful!
Wow, what a great tutorial, Renee. Even I can do this–and you know how technically challenged I am!
Thanks for these instructions Karen. I’m going to send your post of my VA to see if we have it.
This is great Renee. I always look forward to your posts because I know that anything you recommend will come with clear instructions. Definitely, saves a lot of time hunting down the instructions myself.
Easy-peasy! Only 15 steps! :) I learned about FB pixels some time ago and never got around to doing anything with it. Guess I’m not focused and clear enough about the results I’m want to achieve. Right now, I’m treading water!
Jackie,
The main reason that I suggest everyone stop and add their Facebook pixel now is because it can add great value to your marketing even a year from now. You may not have a clear vision on your advertising right now but in a year you will thank yourself.
Blog on,
-Renee’
A very good and clear explanation…but I am not sure I would do it right anyway…;-)
Katrina,
Well, the sooner that you do it the sooner that you can benefit from that Facebook pixel. It is amazing how much value this adds to your marketing when the time comes.
Blog on,
-Renee’