# How to make static ads that convert

> One idea, a clear headline, a visible offer and the right size. Meta's image specs for Feed, Stories and Reels, a layout checklist and a worked A/B test.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-06
- **Category**: Creative
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/how-to-make-static-ads-that-convert

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A static ad converts when it carries one idea: a headline that names the buyer's benefit, a product or proof image that backs it, a visible offer and one clear call to action. Use 4:5 for Feed and 9:16 for Stories and Reels, then test one change at a time.

## Sizes to use

Checked 2026-10-20 in Meta's ads guide for [Facebook Feed](https://www.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/image/facebook-feed), [Instagram Feed](https://www.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/image/instagram-feed), [Instagram Stories](https://www.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/image/instagram-story) and [Instagram Reels](https://www.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/image/instagram-reels).

| Placement | Ratio | Resolution | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Feed | 4:5 | 1440 x 1800 pixels | JPG or PNG, up to 30 MB |
| Instagram Feed | 4:5 | 1440 x 1800 pixels | JPG or PNG, up to 30 MB |
| Stories and Reels | 9:16 | 1440 x 2560 pixels | JPG or PNG, up to 30 MB |

For text, Meta recommends 125 characters for primary text, 40 for the headline and 25 for the description on most placements, and notes that text can be cut off on some devices ([Meta](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/223409425500940), checked 2026-10-20). For 9:16, keep text and logos away from the edges. Meta suggests leaving roughly 14% of the top, 35% of the bottom and 6% of each side free of text and logos, because the profile icon and call to action can cover them.

## Layout checklist

1. **One idea.** One benefit for one buyer. Not five.
2. **A headline you can read in a second.** Large, high-contrast and short. See [ad headline examples](/templates/ad-headline-examples).
3. **A large product or proof image.** Show the product in use, or a result you can really back up.
4. **The offer, visible.** Price, discount or gift, and the end date.
5. **One call to action** that matches the button. See [call to action examples](/templates/call-to-action-examples-for-ads).
6. **Text inside the safe zone** on 9:16 ads.
7. **Three versions** that differ in one thing: headline, image or offer.

For those three versions, Marxx's production canvas fans one concept out into variants by hook or format. We make Marxx. See [the production canvas](/features/production-canvas).

## Common static formats

| Format | Use when |
|---|---|
| Offer | You have a discount or bundle with a deadline |
| Benefit | The product has one strong reason to buy |
| Comparison | Buyers weigh you against an alternative |
| Review | You hold real customer reviews you may quote |
| Problem and fix | The pain is easy to picture |

## A worked example

Say you test two headlines on one image. Each ad gets INR 5,000 and about 40,000 impressions.

| Ad | Headline | Link clicks | CTR | Cost per click |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Benefit: "Keeps your food fresh for days" | 440 | 1.1% | INR 11 |
| B | Offer: "Buy 2, get 1 free till Sunday" | 640 | 1.6% | INR 8 |

B gets 45% more clicks for the same spend. Now check what happens after the click. If B's visitors buy less often, A may still win on cost per sale. Keep B's headline and test a new image next.

## Mistakes to avoid

- Five messages in one image
- Tiny text that is unreadable on a phone
- A logo bigger than the product
- An offer with no end date
- Changing the image, headline and offer at once, so you learn nothing

Not sure whether a still image is the right format? Read [static ads vs video ads](/compare/static-ads-vs-video-ads). For stronger openings, see [how to write ad hooks](/guides/how-to-write-ad-hooks). For clicks, see [how to improve CTR on Facebook ads](/guides/how-to-improve-ctr-on-facebook-ads) and [what CTR is](/glossary/ctr).

## FAQ

### What size should a Facebook static ad be?

Meta's recommendation for Feed image ads is 4:5 at 1440 x 1800 pixels, as JPG or PNG. Use 9:16 at 1440 x 2560 pixels for Stories and Reels.

### Do static ads still work?

They can. They are cheap to make and easy to test, and they suit offers and comparisons. Test them against video for your own product.

### How many static ads should I test at once?

Three to five versions of one idea is enough for a first round. More versions split your budget too thin.

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