What's the best way to use Facebook Business Manager for multiple clients?
Answer
Managing multiple clients through Facebook Business Manager (now Meta Business Manager) requires a structured approach to maintain security, efficiency, and clear boundaries between accounts. The platform is designed to centralize control over Facebook and Instagram assets, allowing agencies and marketers to handle ad campaigns, pages, and permissions from a single dashboard. The most effective strategy involves setting up proper access levels, organizing client assets systematically, and leveraging automation tools to streamline workflows. Key findings from the sources include the importance of using Partner permissions to avoid billing risks, assigning custom roles to team members, and maintaining client ownership of ad accounts to prevent complications during transitions.
- Access management is critical: Clients should grant agencies access via their Business Manager or approve direct requests for Facebook Pages/Instagram accounts [3][7].
- Automation and third-party tools (e.g., Adzooma, NapoleonCat, Shift) can reduce manual workload and improve campaign performance [6][9][5].
- Clear naming conventions and centralized monitoring (e.g., using tools like B茂rch) help organize multiple client accounts efficiently [7].
- Security measures, such as two-factor authentication and role-based permissions, are non-negotiable for protecting client data [8][10].
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Clients in Facebook Business Manager
Setting Up Client Access and Permissions
The foundation of managing multiple clients in Facebook Business Manager lies in correctly configuring access and permissions. Agencies must ensure clients retain ownership of their assets while granting the necessary levels of access to team members. The process varies slightly depending on whether the client uses Business Manager or not, but the core principle remains: never assume full ownership of a client鈥檚 ad account or page to avoid legal and operational complications [7].
For clients using Business Manager, the agency should:
- Request the client鈥檚 Meta Business ID and ask them to navigate to the "Partners" tab in their Business Manager to add the agency鈥檚 ID [3].
- Ensure the client grants full access permissions to the agency鈥檚 Business Manager, which allows management of Pages, ad accounts, and other assets [3].
- Assign specific roles (e.g., Admin, Advertiser, Analyst) to team members based on their responsibilities, avoiding blanket "full control" unless absolutely necessary [8].
For clients not using Business Manager, the agency can:
- Send an access request directly through Business Manager by entering the client鈥檚 Facebook Page URL, which the client must approve [3].
- Guide the client to create a Business Manager account if they handle sensitive assets, as this provides better security and collaboration features [4].
Critical considerations for permissions include:
- Avoid sharing login credentials: Always use Business Manager鈥檚 built-in access requests to maintain security [7].
- Client-owned ad accounts: Agencies should never create ad accounts under their own Business Manager for clients, as this can lead to billing disputes or loss of access if the relationship ends [7].
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all team members to prevent unauthorized access [8][10].
- Regular audits: Review access levels quarterly to remove former employees or adjust permissions as client needs evolve [10].
Organizing and Streamlining Workflows
Efficiently managing multiple clients requires more than just access鈥攊t demands systematic organization and workflow automation. Without a structured approach, agencies risk mixing up client assets, missing deadlines, or losing track of performance metrics. The sources emphasize three key strategies: consistent naming conventions, centralized monitoring tools, and automation for repetitive tasks [5][7][9].
Naming Conventions and Asset Organization
- Use a standardized naming format for all client assets (e.g., "ClientNameCampaignTypeDate"). This prevents confusion when switching between accounts [7].
- Group related assets (e.g., ad accounts, Pages, Pixels) under Business Portfolios in Meta Business Suite for easier navigation [8].
- Separate personal and business assets to avoid accidental posts or ad spend from the wrong account [5].
Centralized Monitoring and Tools
- Shift desktop app: Allows agencies to log into multiple Business Manager accounts simultaneously without constantly switching browsers [5].
- B茂rch or similar dashboards: Provide a unified view of all client campaigns, performance metrics, and alerts in one place [7].
- Adzooma and NapoleonCat: Automate ad optimizations, scheduling, and reporting, reducing manual errors [6][9].
Automation and Reporting
- Set up automated rules in Meta Ads Manager to pause underperforming ads or adjust bids based on predefined KPIs [7].
- Use templates for reports to ensure consistency across clients, saving time on manual data compilation [7].
- Schedule regular performance reviews with clients using shared dashboards (e.g., Google Data Studio linked to Meta Ads) to maintain transparency [10].
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overlapping permissions: Ensure team members only have access to the clients they manage to prevent accidental changes [8].
- Ignoring client onboarding: Clearly document the setup process and expectations (e.g., billing, reporting frequency) before starting work [7].
- Relying on personal accounts: Always use Business Manager for client work to maintain professional boundaries and audit trails [5].
Sources & References
blog.hootsuite.com
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