Are you ready to take your business to the next level? One powerful way to do that is by growing your email and SMS lists through paid advertising. Paid media allows you to promote your products or services to a specific group of people, increasing your chances of getting high-quality new contacts.
In 2026, Constant Contact makes this easier than ever by bringing your social and search ads directly into your marketing dashboard.
Which kinds of paid media should I use?
To get started, click the Create button in the top left and select Ads, or navigate to Social & Ads in the left-hand menu. Use this list to help you decide which platform is right for you.
Facebook & Instagram Ads
With billions of users across the Meta ecosystem, these platforms are a goldmine. You can create highly targeted ads based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
The Secret Sauce: Use a Facebook Lookalike Audience to target people who "look" like your current best customers.
Google Ads (via Kliken)
These are search-based ads that appear at the top of Google results when someone is looking for your specific services. Constant Contact partners with Kliken to streamline this, so you don't have to be a Google expert to win.
Advantage: You reach people precisely at the moment they are searching for what you offer. Learn how to set up Google Ads with Kliken here.
Facebook & Instagram Lead Ads
Lead ads are specifically designed to grow your list. When a user clicks your ad, an instant form pops upāpre-filled with their social contact infoāso they can join your list in two taps.
SMS Growth: You can now collect mobile numbers for SMS marketing.
ā ļø 2026 Compliance Note: To collect SMS leads, you must have a valid SMS Registration and link to your website's Privacy Policy and Mobile T&C within the lead form.
How do I get people to notice my ads?
Before you put down your hard-earned money, make sure your ad is optimized for clicks:
Use the AI Assistant: Not sure what to write? Click the AI Assistant icon in the top-right of your screen. It can now draft headlines, body text, and even suggest hashtags based on your business category.
Stunning Visuals with Canva: Use the newly enhanced 2026 Canva integration. You can now open Canva directly inside your ad builder, design your graphic, and click "Publish" to sync it instantly. No more downloading and uploading files!
Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Whether it's "Subscribe," "Sign Up," or "Get the Discount," make it unmistakable. Lead Ads perform best when the benefit is clear immediately.
Whichever platform you choose, incorporating paid media into your strategy helps you reach a wider audience and find new customers from the vast sea of social media and search users.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the latest Constant Contact features.
