If you’re a local business—especially one offering activities and classes for children—you want your advertising to reach people in your local area.
Meta ads (on Facebook and Instagram) can be an effective tool to help with that. They allow you to reach local parents and carers who are actively looking for things to do with their kids.
In this article we include some tips to help you run locally targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram more successfully.
How Meta ads can work for local businesses
Meta platforms give advertisers access to powerful data—interests, age ranges, locations, and even behaviour patterns.
This means you can tailor your ads to reach people who live nearby and are likely to be interested in what you offer.
It’s also a natural fit: parents often browse Facebook and Instagram during small pockets of downtime—between tasks, while waiting in the car, or during nap time.
Your ad becomes a well-timed suggestion, not an interruption.
How to set up a locally targeted Meta ad
1. Use Meta ads manager
Ads Manager gives you more control than simply boosting a post and is the best place to start for targeted campaigns.
2. Choose your objective
Depending on your goal, you might select “Traffic” (to a booking page), “Leads” (for sign-ups), or “Messages” (to encourage DMs for more info).
3. Set up your audience
You can target each of the following:
Location: In Ads Manager, under the “Audience” section, choose “People living in this location.” Then either:
- Type in your postcode, town or city, or
- Drop a pin on the map manually
You’ll then set a radius around that pin (typically 5-10km works well). This ensures your ad is shown only to people in that exact area—ideal for local classes or events.
Age: Target the parent or carer’s typical age range (e.g., 25–45).
Interests: Try terms like “parenting,” “family activities,” “kids classes,” “local events,” or even brand-based ones like “CBeebies.”
4. Budget
Start small. £3–5 per day can go far with the right targeting and a compelling message.
What makes a good Meta ad?
✅ Clear benefit
Focus on what the parent or carer gains from your activities: a happier child, quality time together, and the reassurance that their child is developing new skills.
Highlight how your activity nurtures a child’s social, emotional, physical, or cognitive development—because for most parents, their child’s wellbeing and growth are top priorities, making them key factors in the decision to try your class or activity.
Example phrases:
- “Build your toddler’s balance and coordination with fun, active play”
- “Nurtures creativity and confidence in every session”
- “Helps little ones make friends and feel more confident in groups”
✅ Emotional connection
Use real imagery—happy children, colourful spaces, families enjoying your activity. Authenticity connects.
✅ Local reference
Mention your location clearly. E.g., “Islington parents—new toddler dance class now open!”
✅ Strong call-to-action
Use direct language: “Book Now,” “Message Us,” or “Join the Waitlist.”
Need fresh angles for your ads? Take a look at our Instagram Hook Ideas guide for prompts that grab attention.
Five effective ad angles you could use
- “Boost your child’s confidence through storytelling and role play”
(Appeals to parents looking to nurture emotional growth and self-esteem) - “Help your toddler build balance, coordination—and big smiles“
(Highlights physical development benefits through movement or sport-based classes) - “Early musical exposure is proven to boost brain development—start here“
(Taps into cognitive benefits and positions your class as a smart parenting choice) - “Learning to share, take turns and make friends—all in one joyful session“
(Focuses on social development and school-readiness skills) - “Fun today, skills for life—support your child’s growth every week”
(Shows long-term developmental value in an emotionally resonant way)
Short on time? Try our Facebook ad creation service
If setting up Facebook or Instagram ads feels like a lot—or you just want to make sure it’s done right—we’re here to help.
We now offer a service that takes care of your Meta ads for you, from planning and targeting to creating the visuals and tracking performance.
It’s designed for all local businesses, especially those running children’s activities, classes, and events.
👉 Click here to learn more or register your interest for help with locally targeted Facebook ads.
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