If you’re running Facebook Ads without keeping an eye on what your competitors are doing, you could be leaving money on the table. Competitor research isn’t just about imitation—it’s about understanding what works, what doesn’t, and how to craft smarter campaigns that outperform the rest. Whether you’re new to Facebook advertising or looking to refine your strategy, learning from others in your space can spark new ideas, reveal industry trends, and highlight opportunities you might have missed.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why competitor research is essential, how to find and analyze your competitors’ ads, and how to turn those insights into inspiration for high-performing campaigns, without simply copying. Let’s dive in and uncover the tools and tactics that will help your brand stand out.
Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:
If you are looking for help with your Facebook ads, contact Relevantly today!
1. Why Competitor Research Matters in Facebook Advertising
Competitor research is one of the most overlooked yet powerful components of a successful Facebook Ads strategy. Understanding what similar brands are doing on the platform helps you uncover new trends, identify winning ad structures, and avoid common missteps. Instead of guessing what might work, you can observe real-world examples and base your strategy on proven approaches.
By analyzing your competitors' campaigns, you gain insight into what types of messaging, creative formats, and calls-to-action are resonating with their audiences. This allows you to benchmark your own performance, find gaps in the market, and identify opportunities where your brand can stand out. More importantly, it aligns your campaign development with a data-driven mindset, helping you make strategic choices backed by evidence rather than assumptions.
When used correctly, competitor research can be the difference between ads that get ignored and campaigns that deliver measurable ROI.
2. How to Identify Your Top Facebook Ads Competitors
Before you can analyze your competitors, you need to know who they are. Start by identifying businesses that offer similar products or services to your own. These are your direct competitors. Also, consider indirect competitors, which may target the same audience with a different solution. Both categories can provide valuable insight.
To find them on Facebook, use tools like the Meta Ad Library, which allows you to search by brand name or keyword and view all active ads. Platforms like SimilarWeb can reveal who’s getting traffic in your industry, and Facebook Audience Insights can help you understand the demographics your competitors are targeting.
Make a list of companies in your niche, both local and national. Even if a competitor isn’t in your exact region, their strategy may still be relevant or inspiring. Once you have your list, you’re ready to dive into ad analysis.
3. Tools and Tactics for Analyzing Competitor Facebook Ads
Now that you know who your competitors are, it’s time to analyze their ads. Several tools make this process easy and efficient. The Meta Ad Library remains the most direct and reliable source for viewing live Facebook ads. Other platforms like AdEspresso, BigSpy, and Swiped.co offer searchable libraries and performance data to help you dig deeper.
When reviewing ads, focus on key elements like the ad creative, headline, body copy, call-to-action, and engagement levels. Take note of what kinds of offers they are promoting, whether it’s discounts, free trials, or downloadable content. Pay attention to design choices, messaging tone, and how they speak to customer pain points or desires.
You can even build a simple competitor analysis template or checklist to document patterns. For example, note which formats they use most often, how frequently they update their creative, and what level of interaction each ad receives. Over time, you’ll start to see what’s working and what might be missing from your own campaigns.
4. Finding Ad Inspiration Without Copying
While it’s tempting to replicate a competitor’s ad that seems to be performing well, there’s much more value in drawing inspiration and making it your own. Ethical ad inspiration means using competitors as a springboard, not a shortcut.
Start by identifying which ad formats seem to drive engagement. Carousel ads, lead form ads, user-generated content, and testimonial-based videos are all high-performing options depending on the industry. Once you see what type of creative resonates, brainstorm how your brand can deliver a similar message with a unique voice, offer, or angle.
Use A/B testing to experiment with inspired ideas rather than blindly following a trend. Change the imagery, rewrite the copy, or introduce a new type of incentive. The goal is to understand the principles behind what works and apply them creatively to your own brand.
5. Turning Insights into High-Performing Facebook Ads
With all this research at your fingertips, the next step is to take action. Begin by applying your findings to the core elements of your ads. Use what you’ve learned to craft stronger visuals, sharper headlines, and more enticing offers. If you noticed competitors using clear value propositions or emotional storytelling, try incorporating that into your own creative strategy.
Refine your audience targeting based on observed patterns. If competitors are targeting specific regions, interests, or behaviours that align with your goals, you can test those variables in your own campaigns. Likewise, adopt ad formats and scheduling strategies that have shown consistent engagement.
If you want expert support, Relevantly Marketing specializes in competitor analysis and Facebook Ads management. We help businesses turn insights into high-performing campaigns that drive real results. Let us help you get ahead of the competition with smarter, research-backed strategies.
