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How to Upload and Use Customer Lists or CRM Lists in Meta Ads

Writer's picture: Sotirios SeridisSotirios Seridis

The most valuable asset you can have as a marketer is, of course, data! If you've been building up your customer or CRM lists, then you've got a treasure trove of customer data; and there's no better way to use it than in your Meta Ads campaigns. In Meta Ads, you can create a Custom Audience out of your customer list, either prospecting or existing, and use it to engage with people who have already expressed an interest in your company or product. This easy, step-by-step guide will show you how to upload and use Customer Lists or CRM Lists in Meta Ads!







How to Upload Customer Lists or CRM Lists to Meta Ads


  1. Access your Meta Business Manager (Meta Business Suite)

  2. Navigate to Audiences (under "All Tools" menu)

  3. Create a Custom Audience

  4. Select "Customer List" and click "Next"

  5. There are two options to add to the customer list:

    1. Upload them via the Excel file template, you can simply include email, phone numbers, and country code.

    2. Paste comma-separated values


  6. We recommend choosing "Paste comma-separated values"

  7. Copy-paste your email addresses and click "Next"

  8. Name your Audience and click "Next"

  9. Click "Import and Create"


The system will scan and map your data for import. The system will also go through a process called hashing, which will encrypt your data and upload it to the Meta Ads database.


It will then match your email database with real users on Facebook and Instagram. The uploaded customer list will appear in your audience list.





How to Use Customer Lists or CRM Lists in Meta Ads Campaigns


  1. Navigate to your Meta Ads Manager

  2. When creating an Ad-Set, navigate under "Custom Audiences" select the Customer List Audience you want to use as your ad set's targeting





Frequently Asked Questions on Customer Lists or CRM Lists in Meta Ads



What is a Customer List in Meta Ads?


A Customer List is a powerful tool in Meta Ads that lets you connect with people who already know your business. Think of it as bringing your existing customer database into Meta's advertising platform. You can upload information like:


  • Email addresses

  • Phone numbers

  • Other customer identifiers


Meta then matches this information with its users, helping you reach your existing customers through targeted ads.



Are there any size requirements for Customer Lists in Meta Ads?


To make your Customer List work effectively:


  • You need at least 100 users in your list

  • The exact minimum might vary depending on:

    • Your region

    • The type of data you're using

    • Local advertising regulations



What are the privacy requirements for using Customer Lists in Meta Ads?


Must-Have Privacy Measures

  • Get clear permission from customers to use their data for ads

  • Only collect data you actually need

  • Keep customer information secure at all times

  • Follow important privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA


Best Practices for Data Management

  • Regularly review how long you keep customer data

  • Create a process for deleting old or unnecessary data

  • Make it easy for customers to request data removal

  • Stay up-to-date with Meta's data policies




How can I ensure my Customer List is formatted correctly?


To ensure proper formatting for Customer Lists:

  • Use a template provided by Meta.

  • Save your Customer List as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file

  • Include appropriate column headers that correspond to the data types you are uploading

  • Make sure that each column corresponds correctly to the data types (e.g., emails, names) required by Meta

  • Ensure that the data in each column is in a consistent format



Can I update or refresh my Customer List?


Yes, you can update your Customer List by uploading a new file or modifying the existing one. Meta will process the updated list and adjust your audience accordingly. If you set specific rules for your Custom Audience, Meta can automatically include new users based on their interactions with your brand, such as website visits or purchases.



Can I create lookalike audiences from my Customer List?


Yes, you can create lookalike audiences based on your Customer List. This feature allows you to reach new users who share similar characteristics with your existing customers, enhancing your targeting strategy.




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