How to Use Facebook Ads for Local Businesses in Bangladesh

Let me tell you something real. In 2017, I ran my first Facebook ad with just 500 taka. I didn’t know what I was doing, but that one ad brought in 5 customers to my small digital service agency. I made over 2700 taka in sales.

That’s when I realized something powerful — Facebook Ads can change the game for any local business in Bangladesh.

Now, after running ads for over 100+ physical and digital products, including 30+ digital agency services and spending over 50+ lakh taka on Facebook Ads, I can tell you one thing with full confidence:

“If you’re running a local business in Bangladesh and you’re not using Facebook Ads, you’re leaving money on the table.”

This article will walk you through exactly why and how to use Facebook Ads for your local business — from strategy to setup to copywriting that sells.

So let’s get started, the easy way.

Why Facebook Ads for Local Business in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, there are over 46 million active Facebook users (Statista, 2024). Most people in towns, cities — even villages — use Facebook to browse, shop and connect.

So instead of wasting money on flyers, banners or local TV ads that people ignore, Facebook lets you reach real, paying customers who actually want what you sell.

Here’s why Facebook Ads are perfect for local businesses:

• Super Cheap: You can start with just ৳100-500/day!
• Location Targeting: Show your ads only to people near your shop or service area.
• Age & Interest Targeting: Target people by age, gender, interest, behavior.
• Instant Results: Get calls, messages or visits within a couple of hours.
• Track Everything: Know exactly how many people saw, clicked and messaged.

Whether you run a salon, restaurant, clothing shop, coaching center or even a hardware store — Facebook Ads can bring more sales than you ever imagined.

If your customers are online, they’re on Facebook. And if you’re not running ads, you’re missing out on thousands of potential buyers.

A newspaper ad in Dhaka can cost ৳5000–৳50,000 for a single day. A billboard? ৳1 lakh+ per month. But Facebook Ads? You can start with just ৳500 per day and still get real customers within a couple of hours.

Unlike billboards or TV ads (which everyone sees, even if they don’t care), Facebook Ads let you target: People in your city (even your neighborhood), Specific ages, genders, and interests and People who recently searched for products like yours.

If you sell homemade cakes in Mirpur, you can show ads only to women aged 18–45 who live within 5 km of your shop and love desserts.

No wasted money. Only serious buyers.

The Basics of Facebook Ads

A Facebook Ad is a ‘paid post’ that shows up in people’s news feeds, stories, marketplace or videos.

You choose:

• What your ad will look like (image/video + text)
• Who will see the ad (your audience)
• Where it will appear (placement)
• How much you want to spend (budget)

And Facebook takes care of the rest.

Facebook Ad Terms You Should Know:

• Boost Post: Easiest method, but limited options.
• Meta Ads Manager: Full control. Best for serious businesses.
• Campaign: The overall goal (e.g., messages, calls, website visits).
• Ad Set: Audience, budget, schedule.
• Ad: The creative (image, video, text).

How to Run Facebook Ads for Your Local Business

Step 1: Create a Facebook Page

Don’t run ads from your personal account. Make a proper business page with:

• Profile & cover photo
• Your shop info (location, phone, hours)
• Reviews and posts

Step 2: Understand Your Audience

Ask yourself:

• Who buys from me the most?
• How old are they?
• Where do they live?
• What are their interests?

If you run a ladies boutique in Uttara, your audience may be women aged 18–35 living in Dhaka, interested in fashion.

Step 3: Prepare Your Ad Creative

This is where copywriting comes in.

Image or Video: Use real photos of your shop, products, or happy customers. Avoid stock photos.

Headline: Grab attention fast.

“50% OFF All Sarees – This Week Only!”

Primary Text: Tell them what’s in it for them.

“Looking for stylish sarees at a budget price? Visit us at Gulshan 2. This week only—Flat 50% Off! First 30 customers get a FREE gift.”

Call to Action (CTA): Use buttons like “Send Message,” “Call Now,” or “Visit Website.”

Step 4: Go to Meta Ads Manager

Don’t boost posts. Use Ads Manager for better targeting.

1. Go to https://adsmanager.facebook.com
2. Click “Create”
3. Choose campaign objective – for local business, “Messages” or “Calls” work great.
4. Set your budget – start with ৳200/day
5. Set your audience:
   • Location: Choose your city or even a specific area
   • Age: Depending on your product
   • Gender: Optional
   • Language: Bangla + English (both work)
6. Choose placement
7. Upload your image/video and text (copy)
8. Publish your ad

Boom. You’re live.

Ad Copywriting Tips That Sell (From a 5 Year Copy Pro)

Most local business ads fail because they’re boring.

Here’s how to write ads that make people stop scrolling:

1. Use Curiosity: “Dhaka’s Best-Kept Secret for Home-Cooked Meals – Now Delivering!”

2. Use Urgency: “Offer Ends in 48 Hours – Book Your Slot Now!”

3. Make It Personal: “Tired of waiting at salons? Get VIP service without leaving home.”

4. Add Proof: “Over 1,000 happy customers served in Mirpur!”

5. Always Include a CTA: “Call now to book” or “Message us for menu & prices.”

What Budget Should You Start With?

Start small. Test first.

• ৳100/day for 7 days = ৳700 test budget
• Track how many messages, calls or customers you get
• If you make profit, increase your budget slowly

Most local businesses in Dhaka can get 1 customer per ৳30–50 spent if your ad and offer are strong. Imagine spending ৳3,000/month and getting 20+ new customers worth ৳20,000+ in revenue. That’s the power of Facebook Ads.

Mistakes to Avoid When Running Facebook Local Business Ads

Mistake 1: Targeting Too Broad

• Bad: Targeting all of Bangladesh.
• Good: Only people in your city + interested in your product.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Mobile Users

• 95% of Facebook users in Bangladesh use mobile.
• Make sure your ad looks good on phones!

Mistake 3: No Offer or Discount

People love deals. Always include:

• “10% Off for First-Time Customers!”
• “Free Delivery This Week Only!”

Mistake 4: Not Tracking Results

Check Facebook Ads Manager every few days to see:

• How many people clicked?
• How many messaged or bought?
• Which ad worked best?

Mistake 5: Giving Up Too Soon

Most of the ads take at least 3 to 7 days to optimize. Don’t stop after 1 day!

How to Keep Getting Better Results

• Try different images and offers (A/B testing)
• Use WhatsApp or phone call ads for quicker responses
• Always respond to every comment/message
• Collect reviews and show them in future ads
• Retarget past visitors using Facebook Pixel (advanced but powerful)

Let’s be honest. Rent is high, customers are picky, and competition is everywhere. If you’re running a local business in Bangladesh and you’re not using digital tools like Facebook Ads, you’re making life harder for yourself.

Facebook is not just a social media site anymore. It’s your billboard, your sales team, your shop window — all in one place.

Here’s the truth: The playing field is leveled now.

A small shop in Sylhet can compete with a big brand in Dhaka — if they use Facebook Ads right.

You don’t need a huge budget. You don’t need to be a tech expert.

You just need:
✅ A clear offer.
✅ A well-targeted ad.
✅ The willingness to test and improve.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Run your first Facebook Ad this week. Start with ৳500. See what happens.

Because the biggest risk isn’t losing a little money on ads — it’s missing out on thousands of customers who could’ve been yours.