Meta ads: the complete guide for Indian businesses
“Meta ads” is the new name for Facebook ads. One ad, created once, can run across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger and send customers straight to your WhatsApp. This guide explains how Meta advertising works, what it costs in India and how to get started, in plain language.
What are Meta ads?
Meta is the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. Meta ads are the paid ads you run across these apps from one place. People still say "Facebook ads", "FB ads" or "Instagram ads", but they're all made in the same system and paid for from the same ad account.
Where Meta ads appear
| App | Placements | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Feed, Stories, Reels, Marketplace, video | Reaching a broad local audience, including older customers | |
| Feed, Stories, Reels, Explore | Visual products: fashion, food, beauty, décor, fitness | |
| Messenger | Inbox and chats | Conversations with people who know you |
| Click-to-WhatsApp button on Facebook and Instagram ads | Turning an ad tap into a customer chat |
By default, Meta can place your ad wherever it's likely to get results most cheaply. Meta calls this Advantage+ placements.
How Meta ads work, in four steps
- Pick a goal. Meta calls this an objective: more messages, calls, website visits, leads or sales.
- Choose who sees it: the area around your shop, an age range and a few interests.
- Set a daily budget, for example ₹200 a day. Meta runs an auction each time someone scrolls, and shows your ad to the people most likely to respond.
- Create the ad: a photo or video, short text, a headline and a button such as "Send WhatsApp message".
Every ad is reviewed by Meta, usually within 24 hours, before it starts running.
What you need
- A Facebook Page for your business (and, ideally, an Instagram professional account connected to it).
- A Meta ad account with a card or UPI for ad charges.
- A clear offer and a real photo or short video.
How much do Meta ads cost in India?
There's no fixed price. You choose a daily budget and can stop at any time. Many local businesses start with ₹200–₹500 a day for 5–7 days. Meta adds GST to ad charges billed in India. See our Facebook ads cost guide, our Instagram ads cost guide and the budget calculator.
Three ways to run Meta ads
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| "Boost" button | Very quick | Few options; often optimised for likes, not customers (compare) |
| Meta Ads Manager | Every setting available | Complex for a busy shop owner (guide) |
| An agency | Done for you | Monthly fees on top of ad spend (compare) |
The fourth way: GigaEasy
GigaEasy runs Meta ads for Indian small businesses without Ads Manager. You fill in a short form about your shop. Our AI writes the ad, a real person on our team reviews it, and it goes live on Facebook and Instagram with a WhatsApp, call or website button. You see Meta's own reach estimate before you spend. Your first 3 campaigns are free; after that, plans start at ₹49/month. Your ad budget goes straight to Meta.
Learn more
- How to run Facebook ads, step by step
- How to run Instagram ads, step by step
- Instagram Reels ads
- Meta Business Suite explained
- Facebook ads tips for beginners
- Meta ads terms explained (CPM, CTR, ROAS…)
- Meta ads क्या है? (हिंदी)
Run your first ad in about 10 minutes
Your first 3 campaigns on GigaEasy are free — no plan needed. Ad budget from ₹100/day, paid directly to Meta.
Start freeFrequently asked questions
Are Meta ads and Facebook ads the same?
Yes. Meta is the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, and 'Meta ads' is the current name for ads you run across its apps. They're all created and paid for from the same Meta ad account.
Can one Meta ad run on both Facebook and Instagram?
Yes. When you create an ad, it can run on both apps. Meta shows it wherever it gets results at the lowest cost.
What is the minimum budget for Meta ads in India?
Meta allows small daily budgets. On GigaEasy you can start from ₹100 a day; most local businesses do well with ₹200–₹500 a day for the first week.
Can Meta ads send customers to WhatsApp?
Yes. Click-to-WhatsApp ads open a chat with your business number when someone taps the ad.