To target audiences across Facebook, what are the first two steps a real-time CDP business practitioner should take?

To effectively target audiences across Facebook using a real-time customer data platform (CDP), the initial step involves connecting to the destination. This is crucial because establishing a connection between the CDP and Facebook is necessary to ensure that the data can flow seamlessly between the two platforms. Without this connection, targeting efforts would be hindered since the CDP wouldn’t have the ability to share or utilize audience insights on Facebook effectively.

Following the connection, the next logical step would typically involve segmenting the audience, which aligns with the goal of targeting specific groups. This would require creating a new segment based on defined criteria tailored to the business needs. Segment creation is pivotal as it allows practitioners to specify exactly which audiences they wish to target, thus maximizing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns on Facebook.

However, the critical first step remains the connection to the destination, without which subsequent actions like segment creation and audience targeting could not occur.