Shifting from off-meta to on-meta sales funnels: Unlocking Facebook Advertising success

In the dynamic world of Facebook advertising, staying ahead of the game is crucial for achieving optimal results. Advertisers constantly need to adapt their strategies to keep pace with the platform’s ever-evolving landscape. One significant shift that has proven to be effective is the transition from off-meta to on-meta sales funnels. This strategic adjustment not only aligns with the platform’s objectives but also unlocks a host of benefits that can dramatically enhance your Facebook advertising success. In this article, we will explore the concept of off-meta and on-meta sales funnels, understand their differences, and delve into the advantages of embracing on-meta approaches.

Understanding Off-Meta Sales Funnels

Traditionally, off-meta sales funnels have been the preferred approach for many advertisers. This type of funnel involves running ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to drive traffic to external websites or landing pages. When users click on the ad, they are directed away from the platform to the advertiser’s website, where they can engage further, make inquiries, or become leads. While off-meta sales funnels have been widely used, recent changes in the Facebook advertising landscape have prompted advertisers to rethink their strategies and explore new possibilities.

Introducing On-Meta Sales Funnels

Enter on-meta sales funnels, a paradigm shift that leverages the power of Facebook and Instagram’s in-app features to keep users within the platform ecosystem. With on-meta sales funnels, advertisers utilise instant forms, messenger, WhatsApp, or other on-platform functionalities instead of redirecting users to external websites. When users click on the ad, they are presented with a form or interaction directly within the Facebook or Instagram app, enabling them to submit their information, become leads, or take desired actions—all while staying within the familiar and seamless experience of the platform.

Why Make the Shift?

There are several compelling reasons why advertisers are embracing on-meta sales funnels:

Alignment with Platform Objectives

Meta (formerly Facebook) actively encourages advertisers to use on-platform features and functionalities. By prioritising instant forms and in-app interactions, advertisers align with Meta’s goals of keeping users engaged within the platform. This alignment often leads to lower costs per impression (CPM) and cost per lead (CPL) compared to off-meta approaches.

Accurate Tracking and Insights

Since the iOS 14.5 update, tracking user behaviour and conversions outside the platform has become increasingly challenging. On-meta sales funnels provide a solution by allowing for 100% accurate tracking within the platform’s app ecosystem. This means you can rely on precise data regarding leads generated, conversion rates, and cost per lead, which ultimately enables more informed decision-making.

Enhanced User Experience

On-meta sales funnels simplify the user journey and reduce friction. By eliminating the need to navigate to external websites or landing pages, users can seamlessly submit their information or engage with ads within the platform. This streamlined experience aligns with users’ expectations for quick and easy actions, contributing to higher engagement rates and improved results.

Expanded Retargeting and Lookalike Audience Options

Embracing on-meta sources for retargeting and lookalike audiences opens up new possibilities for advertisers. Instead of relying solely on off-meta sources like website visitors or email lists, advertisers can tap into on-meta sources such as video viewers, Instagram followers, or engaged Facebook page users. These on-platform actions often have larger audience sizes and are easier for users to take, resulting in more significant retargeting and lookalike audience pools.

About the author

Picture of Joe Turner

Joe Turner

Growing up in a small Lincolnshire market town near the East coast, Joe decided that life as a farmer or fisherman sounded far too much like hard work so opted for a degree in Media & Journalism. When that opened the door to a dream job at Football Manager - launching their Bebo page no less - a career in marketing was born. With experience on both client and agency side, he’s used his skills to sell; the city of Birmingham, bathroom taps, football socks, tiles, car parts and a bit of everything in between. As co-founder of Proof3 in 2022, Joe now channels his penchant for good, honest customer experiences into working with ambitious businesses who share the same values. Also loves cloudy DDH beers, Grimsby Town FC and attempting to play golf.

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