If you logged into Ads Manager, clicked on analytics for your Facebook ads, and found that — alas! — all of your data somehow disappeared, don’t panic too much. The data will return within a matter of hours, and in fact, one of AdvertiseMint’s account managers experienced the same problem. Whether you are an advertising agency, Facebook marketing company, or otherwise, now is the time to choose calm over panic.
Here is what our account manager found upon logging in to his account:
Kenny Khu / AdvertiseMint
The data for delivery, reach, frequency, and impressions has completely — poof! — disappeared. If you’re wondering why this glitch is happening, our team at AdvertiseMint has one suspicion: The changes Facebook is making in response to iOS14 is causing problems.
The same day the glitch occurred (last week) was the same day Facebook’s changes rolled out. In fact, our team at AdvertiseMint caught the changes that were created for iOS14.
Doug Sirkoch / AdvertiseMint
If you’re unaware, Facebook announced last week that the social media company is making changes to its attribution window, in response to the upcoming Apple iOS14 update that will make it harder for Facebook to track users’ online behavior. This change has already rolled out to some accounts (including AdvertiseMint’s) and will likely continue to roll out till the end of January. We suspect this roll out will come with glitches, as well as other future roll outs for iOS14. So, keep a look out for anything strange happening to your accounts.
If you noticed your data for Facebook ads disappeared out of nowhere, don’t panic too much, as it will return within two hours at the earliest. Keep an eye out, and if changes persist for too long, contact your Facebook marketing partner.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons for the Data to Disappear
1. Account settings
One reason why your analytics data might disappear is because of your account settings. Make sure that your account settings are correct and that you have access to the data you need.
To check your account settings, go to Settings > Business Settings > Data Settings. Under Data access and sharing, make sure that the Access to my ads data setting is set to All.
2. Data retention
Facebook has a policy of retaining data for a certain period of time. If your data is older than the retention period, it may have been deleted. The default data retention period for Facebook ads is two years.
However, you can change your data retention settings to retain data for a longer period of time. To change your data retention settings, go to Settings > Business Settings > Data Settings. Under Data Retention, select the Keep my data for option that you want.
3. Ad set or campaign paused or deleted
If you pause or delete an ad set or campaign, the data for that ad set or campaign will no longer be available. To check your ad sets and campaigns, go to Ads Manager > Campaigns. If an ad set or campaign is paused or deleted, it will have a Status of Paused or Deleted.
4. Filter
If you apply a filter to your data, the data that is filtered out may no longer be visible. To remove any filters, go to Filters and click on the X next to the filter you want to remove.
5. Technical issue
There may be a technical issue with Facebook Ads Manager that is causing the data to disappear. If you’ve tried all of the above and are still having problems, contact Facebook support for help.
How to fix the problem?
If your analytics data for Facebook ads has disappeared, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem:
- Check your account settings: Make sure your account settings are correct, and you have access to the data you need.
- Change your data retention settings: If your data is older than the retention period, you can change your data retention settings to retain data for longer.
- Check your ad sets and campaigns: Ensure no paused or deleted ad sets or campaigns exist.
- Remove any filters: If you applied a filter to your data, remove the filter to see all of your data.
- Contact Facebook support: If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having problems, you can contact Facebook support for help.
Importance of analytics data for Facebook ads
Analytics data serves as the compass that guides marketers through the complexities of advertising campaigns, offering invaluable insights that shape strategies, optimize performance, and drive tangible results.
1. Informed Decision-Making
Analytics data provides a factual foundation for decision-making. It allows marketers to base their choices on real-time, quantifiable insights rather than assumptions or guesswork.
Whether it’s adjusting targeting, refining ad creatives, or allocating budgets, data-driven decisions lead to more effective and efficient campaigns.
2. Performance Evaluation
Analytics data offers a comprehensive view of campaign performance. Marketers can assess key metrics like click-through rates, return on investment (ROI), engagement rates, and conversions.
This evaluation unveils which strategies are working and which need improvement, enabling continuous optimization.
3. Audience Understanding
Data analytics provides deep insights into audience behavior, preferences, and demographics.
Marketers can analyze user interactions, track user journeys, and identify patterns, enabling them to tailor campaigns to specific segments and deliver content that resonates.
4. Budget Allocation
Analytics data empowers marketers to allocate budgets strategically. By analyzing which campaigns or ad sets generate the best results, marketers can redistribute funds to maximize impact.
Final Thoughts
Analytics data for Facebook ads is essential for businesses of all sizes. If your analytics data for Facebook ads has disappeared, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
By following the recommendations, you can ensure that your analytics data is always available and that you can use it to improve the performance of your Facebook ads campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did My Facebook Ads Analytics Data Suddenly Disappear?
Data disappearance can occur due to various reasons, including technical glitches, data processing delays, changes in API integrations, and more.
How Can Technical Glitches Impact My Analytics Data?
Technical glitches, such as server issues or connectivity problems, can disrupt the data flow between Facebook and your analytics platform. These temporary hiccups can lead to gaps in your reporting and cause data to vanish temporarily.
What Role Does Pixel Installation and Configuration Play in Data Disappearance?
Incorrect tracking pixel installation or misconfigured pixel settings can prevent accurate data transmission. This can result in missing data points or incomplete insights, affecting the overall visibility of your Facebook Ads performance.
Can Changes to Ad Accounts or Campaigns Cause Data to Disappear?
Yes, modifications to ad accounts, campaigns, or ad sets can impact data reporting. Renaming campaigns, altering objectives, or pausing ads can lead to disruptions in data flow, resulting in temporary data disappearance.
How Can I Prevent Data Disappearance and Ensure Reliable Analytics?
To prevent data disappearance, it’s essential to ensure proper tracking pixel installation, maintain accurate configuration settings, and regularly check for updates or changes in your ad accounts. Staying vigilant and seeking support from Facebook’s help center or analytics tool providers can help maintain a reliable data flow.
