How to Add Datasets to Meta Ads

Maximize Your Meta Ads with Custom Audiences & Offline Conversion Tracking

Leveraging your dataset can significantly improve your campaign performance if you're running ads on Meta (Facebook and Instagram). You can use your dataset in two powerful ways:

1. For Audience Targeting – Upload customer data to create a Custom Audience and find high-intent customers.

2. For Offline Conversion Tracking – Attach an Offline Event Set to track real-world actions (like in-store visits or purchases) after someone sees or clicks your ad.

This guide will show you exactly how to do both.

For more details, check out Meta's official help guide here.

Option 1: Using a Dataset for Audience Targeting (Custom Audience)

If you have a dataset (such as customer email lists, CRM data, or purchase records), you can use it to create a Custom Audience for more precise targeting.

Step 1: Upload Your Dataset to Meta

1. Go to Business Manager – Visit Meta Business Manager and log in.

2. Open Events Manager – Click on the menu in the top left and select Events Manager.

3. Select Data Sources – In the left-hand menu, click Data Sets.

4. Upload Your Data:

   • Click Create Dataset if you don’t already have one.

   • Choose Customer List (if using email/phone data) or Offline Events (for purchase or visit data).

   • Upload your CSV file and ensure all fields (name, email, phone number, etc.) are mapped correctly.

   • Click Upload & Next to process your dataset.

Step 2: Create a Custom Audience from Your Dataset

1. Go to Ads Manager – Navigate to Meta Ads Manager.

2. Click Audiences – In the left-hand menu, go to Audiences.

3. Create a Custom Audience:

   • Click Create Audience > Custom Audience.

   • Select Customer List or Offline Events, depending on your dataset type.

   • Choose the dataset you uploaded.

4. Set Audience Parameters:

   • Define audience size and retention time (e.g., past 30/60/90 days).

   • Click Create Audience.

Step 3: Use Your Custom Audience in Ads

1. Create a New Campaign – Click + Create and select a campaign objective.

2. Go to Audience Section – Under Ad Set, find the Custom Audience option.

3. Select Your Dataset-Based Audience – Choose the Custom Audience you just created.

4. Refine Targeting (Optional) – Layer additional demographics, interests, or behaviors.

5. Complete the Campaign – Define budget, placements, and creative elements, then click Publish.

Your dataset is now being used for precise audience targeting!

Option 2: Attaching a Dataset to Track Offline Conversions

If you want to track offline sales, test drives, or service appointments after someone engages with your ad, you must attach an Offline Event Set to your ads.

Step 1: Ensure Your Dataset is Uploaded as an Offline Event Set

1. Go to Events Manager in Meta Business Manager.

2. Click on Data Sources – Select Offline Event Sets.

3. Upload Your Offline Data:

   • Click Create Offline Event Set.

   • Upload a CSV file with event data (e.g., in-store purchases, test drives).

   • Map customer identifiers (e.g., email, phone number) for accurate matching.

   • Click Upload & Next.

Step 2: Attach Your Dataset to Your Ads

1. Go to Ads Manager – Meta Ads Manager.

2. Select the Campaigns You Want to Track:

   • Check the checkbox to select all relevant campaigns.

3. Click the Ad Tab – Switch from Campaigns to the Ad Level.

4. Select All Ads – Check the box for all ads where you want to apply tracking.

5. Click "Edit" – This will open the ad settings panel.

6. Scroll to the Tracking Section:

   • Click Edit Tracked Offline Event Sets.

   • Select the dataset associated with your Meta Pixel (it will have a dataset ID).

7. Click "Publish" – Save the changes, and your ads will now track offline conversions.

✅ Now, your ads will track offline actions like store visits, calls, and purchases!

Best Practices for Using Datasets in Meta Ads

For Audience Targeting:

• Regularly update your dataset (e.g., every 30 days) for better audience match rates.

• Create Lookalike Audiences based on your dataset to find similar high-intent buyers.

• Segment your audience (e.g., VIP customers, recent buyers, lost leads) for tailored messaging.

For Offline Tracking:

• Ensure your dataset includes accurate timestamps of offline events.

• Use fields like email, phone number, or transaction ID for better matching.

• Compare cost per offline purchase vs. online conversion rates to optimize budgets.