Facebook’s New AI Tools

Written By Alicia Vial

Facebook is rolling out new AI-powered tools designed to help businesses create posts, ads and even images faster and more effectively. But what does this mean for small businesses and everyday users? This week, we want to dive more into these new tools and how they can be used to increase your brand awareness.

Meta has started embedding AI right into Facebook’s ad platform. That means when a business owner sits down to create a post or ad, the platform can generate options for you – things like suggested headlines, ad copy, even variations of the same message so you can test to see what works best. On top of that, the tools can help design simple images or graphics – especially useful for businesses that don’t have an in-house designer. And finally, it doesn’t stop at creative. AI can also suggest audiences to target, based on who has engaged with similar content or who is likely to respond.  In short – it is like having a built-in copywriter, graphic designer and strategist working alongside you inside Facebook. 

For years, small businesses have been at a disadvantage. Larger companies have budgets to hire agencies, ad specialists and designers. A local boutique or coffee shop usually doesn’t.  These AI tools remove some of those barriers. Now, a small business owner who maybe has 20 minutes between customers can still generate a professional looking ad without starting from scratch. 

It’s important to remember, though, AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect. One risk is that the content it generates can sound generic or impersonal. AI doesn’t know your story or your personality. A restaurant’s charm might come from the owner’s voice or their connection to the community. AI can’t replace that kind of authenticity. Another risk is accuracy. AI doesn’t always get facts right – so if you’re advertising a specific price, event or location, you need to double-check everything. And importantly, even if AI generates the content, businesses and individuals are still responsible if bias, mistakes or inaccurate information are posted online. Think of AI as a starting point, but not the final product. It’s there to spark ideas, but you still need the human touch to make it resonate. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The tools are built into Facebook, so you don’t need special training — just try generating a few options and see what you like. Second, always edit. Use the AI draft, but make sure you’re adding your own voice, your own brand personality. That’s what people connect with. Third, test and learn. Facebook’s system allows you to run multiple versions of ads at once. Let the AI give you three variations and then see which one your customers actually click on. That’s the real advantage — using AI to test faster and smarter. And finally, remember that at the end of the day, social media is about connection. AI can help you polish your message, but it’s still up to you to share your story and engage authentically with your audience. 

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

Next

Short Form Video