If you’re running Facebook ads, you probably rely on remarketing to target website visitors and bring them back. But what if I told you there’s an even cheaper and more effective way to acquire new customers?
🔹 Brian Harris ran an experiment testing different types of Facebook ad audiences. The results?
✅ Email List Lookalike Audiences had the lowest cost per new subscriber
✅ Re-targeted website visitors came in second place
In short, lookalike audiences built from your email list outperform remarketing ads. 🚀
Why Email List Lookalike Audiences Work Better
📌 Pre-Qualified Leads – Facebook finds new users similar to your best customers, meaning they’re more likely to convert.
📌 Higher Intent – Unlike random website visitors, these users share key characteristics with those who already bought from you.
📌 Cheaper Acquisition Cost – Testing shows that lookalike audiences reduce cost per lead vs. standard remarketing.
How to Set Up an Email List Lookalike Audience in Facebook Ads
Follow these 5 simple steps to create a high-converting lookalike audience:
Step 1: Upload Your Email List
1️⃣ Open Facebook Ads Manager
2️⃣ Go to the Audiences tab
3️⃣ Click Create Audience → Custom Audience
4️⃣ Select Customer List and upload your email list (CSV format)
Step 2: Create a Lookalike Audience
1️⃣ Go back to the Audiences tab
2️⃣ Click Create Audience → Lookalike Audience
3️⃣ In the Source field, select the Custom Audience (your uploaded email list)
4️⃣ Choose the Audience Size (start with 1% for best results)
5️⃣ Click Create
🎯 That’s it! Now Facebook will find users who resemble your best customers.
The Takeaway: Smarter Facebook Ad Targeting
If you’re only running remarketing ads, you’re leaving leads and revenue on the table. Instead, try:
✅ Lookalike audiences built from your best customers
✅ Testing different lookalike sizes (1%, 2%, etc.)
✅ Layering interests or behaviors for even more precision
With this strategy, you lower your costs, increase conversions, and scale faster. 🚀