Step-By-Step Guide: How to Add Agency to Facebook Ad Account

Introduction: Why Adding an Agency to Your Facebook Ad Account Matters

Bringing an agency into your Facebook Ad Account isn't just about outsourcing tasks; it's about leveraging expertise that can transform your campaigns. Agencies often have access to advanced tools, insider strategies, and a wealth of experience that can give your ads a competitive edge. By adding them to your account, you’re not just delegating work—you’re partnering with professionals who can amplify your results.

Moreover, this collaboration allows you to focus on the bigger picture while they handle the nitty-gritty details, from optimizing ad placements to crafting compelling creatives. It’s a strategic move that can save you time, reduce stress, and ultimately boost your ROI. And let’s face it, navigating Facebook’s ever-evolving ad ecosystem can be overwhelming—why not let the experts take the wheel?

Understanding the Facebook Business Manager Structure

To effectively add an agency to your Facebook Ad Account, it’s crucial to grasp the structure of the Facebook Business Manager. Think of it as the control center for all your business assets on Facebook, from ad accounts to pages and pixels. It’s designed to centralize management, making it easier to assign roles, monitor activities, and safeguard your digital assets.

Within the Business Manager, everything revolves around assets. These include your ad accounts, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, and even product catalogs. Each asset can have specific permissions assigned to individuals or partners, ensuring that everyone has access only to what they need. This layered permission system is what makes it so secure and flexible.

Agencies are added as partners within the Business Manager. This means they don’t take over your account but instead get access to the assets you choose to share. By understanding this structure, you can confidently grant access without compromising control over your business’s digital presence.

Pros and Cons of Adding an Agency to Your Facebook Ad Account

Prerequisites for Adding an Agency to Your Ad Account

Before you can add an agency to your Facebook Ad Account, there are a few key prerequisites to check off your list. These steps ensure a smooth process and help avoid unnecessary delays or errors during setup.

• Admin Access: You must have admin-level permissions in your Facebook Business Manager. Without this, you won’t be able to grant access to an agency or manage their permissions.
• Partner Business ID: Obtain the Partner Business ID from the agency you’re working with. This unique identifier is essential for connecting their account to your Business Manager.
• Active Ad Account: Ensure that the ad account you want to share is active and linked to your Business Manager. Suspended or inactive accounts cannot be shared with partners.
• Clear Role Assignments: Decide in advance what level of access the agency will need. For example, will they manage campaigns, view reports, or handle billing? This clarity will streamline the setup process.

By preparing these elements beforehand, you’ll avoid unnecessary back-and-forth and ensure the agency can start working on your campaigns right away. Remember, preparation is half the battle!

Step 1: Accessing Your Facebook Business Manager Account

The first step in adding an agency to your Facebook Ad Account is accessing your Facebook Business Manager. This is where all the magic happens, so make sure you’re logged into the correct account with admin privileges.

1. Go to the Facebook Business Manager homepage.
2. Log in using your Facebook credentials. If you’re already logged in, you’ll be redirected to your Business Manager dashboard.
3. Double-check that you’re in the right Business Manager account, especially if you manage multiple businesses. You can switch accounts by clicking the dropdown menu in the top-left corner.

Once you’re in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the dashboard if you haven’t already. It’s the central hub for managing your assets, and knowing your way around will make the entire process much smoother. Ready? Let’s move on to the next step!

Step 2: Navigating to the Partner Center

Once you’re inside your Facebook Business Manager, the next step is to navigate to the Partner Center. This is where you’ll manage all external collaborations, including adding agencies to your account. It’s a straightforward process, but let’s break it down to avoid any confusion.

1. From the dashboard, click on the “Business Settings” option, usually located in the menu on the left-hand side.
2. In the Business Settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Partners” section. Click on it to open the Partner Center.
3. Here, you’ll see a list of any existing partners you’ve added. If this is your first time adding an agency, the list will likely be empty.

The Partner Center is essentially your control panel for managing external access. From here, you’ll be able to add the agency, assign permissions, and monitor their activities. It’s a critical area, so take your time to explore its features if you’re unfamiliar with it.

Step 3: Obtaining Your Agency's Partner Business ID

Before you can officially add an agency to your Facebook Business Manager, you’ll need one crucial piece of information: their Partner Business ID. This unique identifier links their Business Manager account to yours, allowing you to grant them access to specific assets.

Here’s how to obtain it:

1. Contact your agency directly and request their Partner Business ID. Most agencies are familiar with this process and can provide it quickly.
2. If the agency is unsure where to find their ID, they can locate it by logging into their own Business Manager, navigating to Business Info, and copying the ID listed there.

Once you have the Partner Business ID, double-check it for accuracy. A single incorrect digit can result in failed access or delays, so it’s worth confirming with the agency if needed. With this ID in hand, you’re ready to move forward to the next step!

Step 4: Adding an Agency to Your Ad Account

Now that you have the agency’s Partner Business ID, it’s time to officially add them to your Facebook Ad Account. This step connects their Business Manager to yours and grants them the access they need to start working on your campaigns.

1. In your Facebook Business Manager, go to Business Settings.
2. Navigate to the Partners section, where you previously accessed the Partner Center.
3. Click on the Add button, typically located at the top right of the Partners page.
4. Choose the option to Add a Partner by entering their Partner Business ID.
5. Paste the agency’s Business ID into the provided field and click Next.
6. Select the specific assets you want to share with the agency. These might include your ad account, Facebook page, or pixel.
7. Assign the appropriate permissions for each asset. For example, you can allow the agency to manage campaigns, view performance, or handle billing.
8. Once you’ve reviewed your selections, click Save Changes to finalize the process.

After completing these steps, the agency will receive a notification in their Business Manager, confirming that they’ve been added as a partner. From here, they can begin accessing the assets you’ve shared and start contributing to your advertising efforts.

Step 5: Assigning Appropriate Permissions to the Agency

Assigning the right permissions to the agency is a critical step in ensuring a smooth collaboration. You want to give them enough access to perform their tasks effectively, but not so much that it compromises the security of your assets. Facebook Business Manager allows you to customize permissions for each asset, so take advantage of this flexibility.

Here’s how to assign permissions effectively:

1. After selecting the assets you want to share (e.g., ad accounts, pages, or pixels), you’ll see a list of permission options for each asset.
2. Decide on the level of access based on the agency’s role. For example:
   • Manage Campaigns: Allows the agency to create, edit, and optimize ads.
   • View Performance: Grants access to analytics and reporting without editing rights.
   • Manage Billing: Lets the agency handle payment settings, if necessary.
3. Assign permissions carefully. If you’re unsure, start with limited access and expand it later as needed.
4. Review your selections before saving. Double-check that the permissions align with the agency’s responsibilities.

Remember, you can always adjust permissions later if the agency’s role changes or if you need to restrict access to certain assets. Regularly reviewing permissions is a good practice to maintain control over your account.

Managing and Adjusting Permissions After Adding an Agency

Once the agency has been added to your Facebook Business Manager, managing and adjusting their permissions becomes an ongoing task. Circumstances change—campaigns evolve, new assets are added, or the agency’s role may shift. Thankfully, Facebook makes it easy to modify permissions at any time.

Here’s how you can manage and adjust permissions effectively:

1. Go to Business Settings in your Facebook Business Manager.
2. Navigate to the Partners section and select the agency you’ve added.
3. Click on the specific asset (e.g., ad account, page, or pixel) you want to update permissions for.
4. Adjust the permissions by toggling options such as Manage Campaigns, View Performance, or Manage Billing. You can increase or restrict access as needed.
5. Save your changes to apply the updated permissions immediately.

It’s a good idea to periodically review the agency’s access to ensure it aligns with their current responsibilities. If the partnership ends or their role diminishes, you can revoke access entirely by removing them as a partner from the relevant assets.

Pro Tip: Keeping a log of permission changes can help you track adjustments over time and ensure accountability for all parties involved.

Tips for Collaborating Effectively with an Agency

Collaborating with an agency goes beyond simply granting access to your Facebook Ad Account. To ensure a productive partnership, clear communication and mutual understanding are key. Here are some practical tips to help you work effectively with your agency:

• Set Clear Goals: Before diving into campaigns, outline your objectives. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or boosting engagement, make sure the agency understands your priorities.
• Establish Regular Check-Ins: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to review campaign performance, discuss strategies, and address any concerns. Consistent communication keeps everyone aligned.
• Share Brand Guidelines: Provide the agency with your brand’s tone, style, and visual identity guidelines. This ensures that the ads they create align with your brand image.
• Monitor Performance: While the agency handles day-to-day operations, keep an eye on the metrics that matter to you. Use Facebook’s reporting tools to stay informed about campaign results.
• Be Open to Feedback: Agencies bring expertise to the table, so be receptive to their suggestions. A collaborative approach often leads to better outcomes.
• Define Roles Clearly: Avoid confusion by outlining who is responsible for what. For example, decide whether the agency will handle creative assets or if your in-house team will provide them.

By fostering a transparent and cooperative relationship, you can maximize the value the agency brings to your advertising efforts. Remember, a strong partnership is built on trust and shared success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding an Agency

Adding an agency to your Facebook Ad Account can be a seamless process, but there are some common pitfalls that can cause unnecessary headaches. Avoiding these mistakes will save you time, protect your assets, and ensure a smooth collaboration.

• Granting Excessive Permissions: One of the biggest mistakes is giving the agency more access than they actually need. Always assign permissions based on their specific role to maintain control over your assets.
• Skipping a Permission Review: Failing to periodically review the agency’s access can lead to outdated permissions or security risks, especially if their responsibilities change over time.
• Not Verifying the Agency’s Business ID: Entering an incorrect Partner Business ID can delay the process or even grant access to the wrong entity. Double-check the ID with the agency before proceeding.
• Ignoring Communication: Lack of clear communication about expectations and goals can lead to misaligned strategies. Always discuss your objectives before granting access.
• Overlooking Security Measures: Neglecting to monitor activity logs or failing to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) can leave your account vulnerable to unauthorized actions.
• Adding an Agency Without a Contract: Formalize your agreement with the agency in writing, detailing their responsibilities and access levels. This provides clarity and legal protection for both parties.

By staying vigilant and addressing these common mistakes, you can avoid unnecessary complications and build a strong, productive partnership with your agency.

Final Checklist to Ensure a Smooth Integration

Before wrapping up the process of adding an agency to your Facebook Ad Account, it’s essential to go through a final checklist. This ensures that everything is set up correctly and minimizes the chances of running into issues later. Here’s what to double-check:

1. Admin Access Confirmed: Verify that you have admin-level permissions in your Facebook Business Manager to manage partners and assets.
2. Correct Partner Business ID: Ensure the agency’s Partner Business ID has been entered accurately to avoid delays or errors.
3. Permissions Assigned: Review the permissions granted to the agency for each asset. Make sure they align with the agency’s responsibilities and nothing unnecessary has been shared.
4. Assets Shared: Confirm that all relevant assets (ad accounts, pages, pixels, etc.) have been shared with the agency and are accessible to them.
5. Communication Established: Set up a clear communication plan with the agency, including regular check-ins and reporting schedules.
6. Security Measures in Place: Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Business Manager account and monitor activity logs for any unusual behavior.
7. Documentation Completed: Ensure there’s a written agreement or contract in place outlining the agency’s role, responsibilities, and access levels.

By ticking off each item on this checklist, you can confidently move forward, knowing that your integration with the agency is secure, efficient, and ready for success.

Conclusion: Enhancing Your Ad Account Management with Agency Expertise

Integrating an agency into your Facebook Ad Account is more than just a technical step—it’s a strategic move to elevate your advertising efforts. By leveraging their expertise, you gain access to advanced strategies, data-driven insights, and the ability to scale your campaigns effectively. This partnership allows you to focus on your broader business goals while the agency fine-tunes the details that drive results.

However, the key to success lies in how you manage this collaboration. From setting up permissions thoughtfully to maintaining clear communication, every step plays a role in ensuring a productive relationship. Remember, it’s not just about handing over access—it’s about building a partnership that aligns with your vision and objectives.

“A well-managed agency partnership doesn’t just amplify your campaigns—it transforms your approach to digital marketing.”

With the right setup and ongoing management, you can unlock the full potential of your Facebook Ad Account, achieving outcomes that go beyond what’s possible on your own. So, take the time to integrate your agency properly, and watch your advertising efforts soar to new heights.

Top FAQs on Adding an Agency to Your Facebook Ad Account