What "Off-Facebook" Data Really Means

You're panicked about off-Facebook data. Let me myth bust some things your Grandpa posted.

The Podcast heard it first! Click the icon to listen! Or search The Sleepy Pig Social Media Management on all major streaming services.

Myth 1: Facebook is tracking your data on every website you visit because they want to sell your information.

Ehhhhh, kinda, kinda not. This data is only collected on websites that have a Facebook Pixel installed. What is a pixel, and why would it be on a website? Well, the Facebook pixel is a piece of code that businesses install onto their website that tracks actions people are taking on their website (ex. adding to cart, submitting a form, etc.). The pixel then allows them to come into Facebook ads manager and retarget those people. You've probably left something in your cart and then seen an ad on Facebook that says, "HEY YOU FORGOT SOMETHING." So, just to be super clear, Facebook is only "tracking" you on websites where businesses have installed the code.

Myth 2: Facebook exposes your banking information.

The Facebook pixel (so the data collected on websites off Facebook) does not collect your banking information. It's literally impossible. If you don't believe, ask your web developer to look at the code. However, if you have used Facebook shops and bought something off Facebook, then...yeah...Facebook has your banking information.

Myth 3: You will stop seeing Facebook Ads if you turn off "off-website" tracking"

Girlllll, you really think Facebook is going to miss the opportunity to put ads in front of you. Hell to the no. Don't believe me? Check out Facebook's article on this it explicitly states, "No, you will not see fewer ads." So what does this mean? It means the ads you will see will be less relevant, no more coupon codes for products left in your cart for you!

"Kerstin, what do I care, I am in the one running the ads?" Ok, ok. I gotchu too, don't worry. So I don't think we'll take much of a hit unless a bajillion people turn this off, but if your audience is very conservative and stressed, you might see a drop in lookalike accuracy and maybe not have enough people to run an add to cart ad.

Still want to turn it off? Here's how:

Have questions? Please message me at thesleepypigsmm@gmail.com or join me on Clubhouse at 11 am EST every Friday! Just search Silk Pajama Club.

Until next time,