AI-generated Meta ads: Level up from template-based ads

AI-generated Meta ads: Level up from template-based ads

A headshot of blog author Will Park

Will Park

Dec 19, 2023

A graphic depicting a side by side comparison of a human generated ad and an AI generated ad

Picture this: Carvana, a trailblazer in the online car buying space, recently harnessed the power of AI to create over 1.3 million unique, tailored videos for their customers. This feat, once a distant dream, showcases the potential of AI in crafting targeted Meta ads that perform.

When it comes to ads performance, achieving a high Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) on an ad is the ultimate goal. Getting to that goal can be a timely and potentially expensive journey.

In this blog post, we explore best ways to use AI tools for Facebook and Instagram ads. Let's dive in!

To start, let's look at some typical workflows for creating digital ads. You can:

  • Do it yourself using stock photos and ad templates. (Canva is a good example)

  • Use an AI tool that helps you generate your ad creatives.

  • Hire an agency to do it all for you.

While templates are quick and easy, they tend to be more expensive in the long run. Lower ads quality, the inability to customize templates to your brand aesthetic, and the lack of ability to understand what's working (and not working) means you spend more per ad and waste money experimenting with new ad variants.

And, hiring an agency can be downright expensive.

This is where AI ads tools come into play. Let’s explore how AI can significantly boost your ROAS on ads, and the pitfalls to avoid.

The AI advantage in generating winning ads

Artificial intelligence comes in various flavors to help you quickly create ads that perform. You’ll want to look for these capabilities in your AI solution:

  1. Data-driven insights: Analyze ad campaigns to better understand what works, what doesn’t, and to create better ads in the future.

  2. Trained on your brand: Ads that convey your brand’s unique voice and aesthetic will perform better. Look for solutions that can learn from your website content and past ad campaigns.

  3. Avoid Templates: Many templates look similar, and can cause ad blindness (where your potential customers scroll right past your ad). Ensure your ads stand out from the crowd to stop the scroll.

AI tools available today

With the right AI tools, you’ll realize more efficient ad spend while saving time and ensuring the integrity of your brand. Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of some of the AI tools available today.

Stable diffusion-based image generators

Tools like Midjourney and Dall-E are great solutions for ad imagery. They can generate any art style, including photo-realistic.

However, they aren't trained on imagery specifically intended for ads, and lack the ability to gain insight into what visuals will return a positive ROAS. Iteration on the ads are difficult (and time consuming), or sometimes not even possible. They're also notoriously weak in generating accurate text.

Ads management platforms

Tools like AdCreative and Otis have impressive campaign management capabilities, including the ability to publish and manage ads directly.

But there's a catch. You need to have your own imagery already in hand. For all the workflow efficiencies delivered by these types of tools, they ultimately rely on template-style overlays on your existing creative assets.

Campaign insights and optimization

Some tools, such as DicerAI and AdsGency, Leverage AI systems to analyze your ad campaigns. They can uncover insights on what's working and what's not working with your ads, and offer optimization suggestions.

But, you'll need to already ads live and running. That includes the imagery, copy, and ad targeting parameters. This can be a challenge for solo marketers and small businesses struggling with the time and cost to produce and run ad campaigns.

Product photoshoots

RocketAI and FlairAI offer AI-driven product photography solutions. These tools offer high-quality, realistic product images, ideal for brands with extensive product catalogs. They deliver cost-effective and efficient alternatives to traditional photoshoots.

Unfortunately, these tools have their limitations. They may not fully capture a brand's unique aesthetic or the emotional essence of a product, and sometimes requires significant initial. They also lack the ability to apply insights about how the creative will perform when used in Meta ads.

Ads Generator AI

Not to brag, but we think Ads Generator AI is pretty great. It takes the best of AI-based image and copy generators, combines it with world-class ads insights (trained on ads from around the world, and your own previous ad campaigns), and offers performance predictions.

In the near future, Ads Generator AI will support campaign management and optimization.

Practical Tips for Maximizing ROAS with AI

The right tools will set you up for success. But, it’s up to you to make the most of your ad creation tools. Keep these tips in mind when setting up your next Meta Ads campaign:

  1. Set clear goals: Defining campaign objectives enables the AI to create more targeted, winning ads.

  2. Adapt based on AI Insights: Regularly review AI-generated performance data to continually iterate your ads.

  3. Embrace experimentation: Test different types of ads. Motion images may work better than static images. Video might be best for your audience. You won’t know until you try.

The Future of AI in AdTech

It’s an exciting time to explore the advertising technologies coming to market. Artificial intelligence is poised to supercharge budget efficiency for all advertisers. Here’s how we expect the AdTech space will play out:

  • Predictive analytics for winning strategies: AI will anticipate market trends, allowing for more strategic ad planning.

  • Hyper-Personalized Ads: No more templates. Ads tailored to individual preferences will drive higher engagement and ROAS.

  • Ethical AI development: A focus on creating privacy-compliant, ethical AI solutions that ensure brand safety will become more important.

Turns out, you can get ahead of your competitors and start generating better ads today. AI Ads Generator gives you competitive advantage by maximizing engagement and ROAS on your Meta Ads - all with just a few clicks.

Craft your winning ads