How Do I Block Inappropriate Comments on Paid Facebook Ads?
A Guide for Christian Advertisers
Running Facebook ads, especially Christian ones, often comes with its own set of challenges. You may have experienced unwanted or even vulgar comments, despite your best efforts in targeting the right audience. Even the most carefully crafted ads with perfectly targeted audiences can attract negativity. And while Facebook considers all comments as engagement—good or bad—too many negative remarks can overshadow the positive conversations you want to foster on your paid ads.
Take a look at some sample ad comments:
So, what do I do about nasty or rude comments?
It may seem tempting to delete offensive comments, but this approach can backfire. Users may realize their comments have been deleted when revisiting the page/ad, which can provoke retaliation and lead to even more negative remarks.
However, when a comment is hidden, the user will remain unaware. Only the user and their friends can see the comment, while it remains hidden to others. This discreet approach helps avoid unnecessary confrontation and keeps your page running smoothly.
How do I auto-hide unwanted comments?
To keep your page positive and your message clear, use Facebook’s tools to automatically hide inappropriate comments.
Here’s how:
Switch into your Page Profile
The tools and links may not work if you are using Facebook as an individual instead of your page. While logged in to Facebook, check in the top right corner that you see the profile image of your page and not yourself.
Use Moderation Assist
Make sure you’re using Facebook as the page where you want to control comments. Head to Moderation Assist via your professional dashboard. This is where you can set up and tweak the criteria that will auto-hide comments for you.
Set Up Criteria
When setting up your criteria, consider including the following:
Profanity: Filter out swear words and vulgar phrases.
Keywords: Block words that discredit or attack Christian beliefs, such as "scam," "hoax," "false," "indoctrinate," and "evil."
Hostile Emojis: Prevent the use of offensive or inappropriate emojis.
Suspicious Accounts: Hide comments from accounts without profile pictures, few friends, or followers, which are often fake or used for trolling.
Repeat Offenders: Exclude users whose comments have been reported, deleted, or hidden multiple times.
Review Public Content Settings
You can also edit your page settings via your your public content settings (make sure you are using Facebook as your page).
After you’ve set up your criteria, Facebook will auto-hide comments that match what you’ve specified. Check in regularly to add any additional keywords. You can adjust your settings to find a balance between keeping things positive and allowing open discussions.
Expand your reach with Parable’s audience
Parable Digital’s experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of social media, ensuring your ad connects and resonates with Christian communities. Reach an extensive network of pastors, church leaders, and Christian consumers or get help retargeting your existing audience—all while maintaining a positive and engaging online environment.
