Facebook Pixel: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Install It

Social Media,Strategy
Facebook Pixel: Why UK Businesses Should Be Using It

If you’re running Facebook ads or plan to, understanding the Facebook Pixel is essential to get the best results from your campaigns. This small piece of code helps track user behaviour, measure ad performance, and optimise campaigns for conversions. In this guide, we break down exactly what the Facebook Pixel is, why it’s so valuable, and how to install it — without technical overwhelm.

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What Is the Facebook Pixel?

The Facebook Pixel is a piece of code you install on your website that connects your site activity to your Facebook Ads account. It tracks events (such as purchases, form submissions, or page views) so you can:

  • Measure conversions from Facebook and Instagram ads

  • Optimise ads based on user behaviour

  • Build retargeting audiences

  • Improve ad targeting and return on ad spend (ROAS)


Why Facebook Pixel Is a Must for Advertisers

If you’re running any kind of paid campaign on Facebook or Instagram, the Pixel gives you valuable insights and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

Benefits of Using the Facebook Pixel:

  • 🔁 Retargeting: Show ads to users who have already interacted with your site.

  • 🎯 Conversion Optimisation: Optimise your campaigns for real business goals, like sales or leads.

  • 📈 Lookalike Audiences: Use data to reach new users similar to your best existing customers.

  • 💡 Insightful Analytics: Track what actions users take after clicking your ads.

In case you’re still clueless, see our blog “Why You Need a Meta Ads Account Manager for Your Business”


How to Install the Facebook Pixel on Your Website

Installing the Pixel is easier than most business owners think — and you don’t need to be a developer to do it.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

✅ Step 1: Create the Pixel in Meta Business Manager

  1. Go to Meta Events Manager

  2. Click “Connect Data Sources” → choose “Web” → then click “Facebook Pixel”

  3. Give your Pixel a name (e.g. “My Business Pixel”)

  4. Enter your website URL

  5. Click “Create Pixel”

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✅ Step 2: Install the Pixel on Your Website

You have two main options:

🔧 Option A: Use a Partner Integration (Recommended for Non-Tech Users)

Meta supports direct integrations with platforms like:

  • Shopify

  • WordPress (via Meta Pixel plugin)

  • Wix

  • Squarespace

  • WooCommerce

Just select your platform during setup, and Meta will walk you through connecting it.

💻 Option B: Manually Add the Code to Your Website

  1. Copy the base Pixel code Meta gives you

  2. Paste the code in the section of your website pages

  3. Optional: Add Standard Events (like Purchase, Lead, Add to Cart) using additional code snippets on specific pages

Still clueless? We did another blog on this same topic, explained with other words, “Meta Pixel: The Complete Guide for Tracking, Targeting & Optimising Ads


Testing If the Pixel Is Working

To check if your Pixel is firing correctly:

  • Install the Meta Pixel Helper Chrome extension

  • Visit your website and see if it detects active pixels and events

If everything’s green, you’re good to go!


Common Facebook Pixel Use Cases for UK Businesses

Here are some examples of how UK-based businesses can use the Pixel effectively:

🛍️ E-commerce Shops

  • Retarget visitors who didn’t purchase

  • Optimise ads for completed checkouts

  • Run dynamic product ads using catalogue data

🧑‍💼 Local Service Providers

  • Track leads or quote requests

  • Retarget site visitors with follow-up offers

  • Use events like “Contact” or “Submit Form”

🎟️ Event Businesses

  • Track ticket purchases or RSVPs

  • Retarget those who visited the event page but didn’t book

Let’s talk about it!


What Happens After Installation?

Once the Facebook Pixel is installed, Meta begins collecting data. You can:

  • View events in Events Manager

  • Create custom audiences based on actions

  • Set up conversion tracking

  • Optimise campaigns for specific goals (sales, leads, engagement)

📌 Tip: Allow the Pixel to collect data for a few days before launching advanced retargeting or lookalike campaigns.

Conclusion

The Facebook Pixel is one of the most powerful tools you can add to your marketing stack. It empowers your campaigns with real data, unlocks smarter targeting, and can significantly improve your ad ROI.

Whether you’re running a Shopify store or a local consultancy, installing the Facebook Pixel now will set you up for better campaign performance later.

📈 Want expert help tracking the right events and scaling your ads? Let’s talk


Facebook Pixel: Why UK Businesses Should Be Using It


FAQs About the Facebook Pixel


  • What is the Facebook Pixel used for?

    It tracks user behaviour on your website, helping you improve targeting, retargeting, and optimisation of Facebook and Instagram ads.

  • Is it hard to install the Pixel?

    Not at all. With partner integrations, many businesses can install it in under 10 minutes. Manual installation is also straightforward with access to your site code.

  • What are "events" in the Facebook Pixel?

    Events are actions people take on your site — like viewing a page, adding to cart, or submitting a form. These are tracked to help optimise your campaigns.

  • Can I use the Pixel without running ads?

    Yes — you can install the Pixel and let it collect data even before launching your first campaign.