Can I Run Facebook, Google or LinkedIn Ads for My 506(c) Offering?

The law allows it: Rule 506(c) permits general solicitation, including paid ads, as long as every purchaser is a verified accredited investor and the ads are accurate and not misleading. Whether a given ad runs is up to each platform, and their financial-services rules are stricter than the securities law. Meta requires ads for financial products and investment opportunities to run in a special category that removes targeting by age, gender, ZIP code and income, and it rejects ads that promise returns. Google requires certification for some financial advertisers and restricts some unregistered securities. Expect reviews and rejections, and plan ads that lead to an educational landing page rather than ones that pitch the offering in the ad itself.

By Joel Arberman, founder of Prepared to Raise · 17 companies taken public, 30+ private placements prepared · Reviewed October 21, 2026

What the law allows

Since 2013, Rule 506(c) has let companies use general solicitation: any form of public communication about the offering, including paid digital ads, as long as:

  • every purchaser is an accredited investor;
  • you take reasonable steps to verify it; and
  • nothing you say is false or misleading, including by leaving out material facts.

There is no required SEC legend for 506(c) ads, and no pre-approval. But an ad is an offering communication. Return figures, projections, and claims like "safe" or "guaranteed" carry the same antifraud risk as they would in a PPM.

Under Rule 506(b), by contrast, ads are not allowed at all. What counts as general solicitation.

What the platforms approve

Platforms apply their own rules, which change often. As of this review:

  • Meta (Facebook, Instagram): ads for financial products, services or investment opportunities must run in the financial products and services special ad category. That removes narrowing by age and gender, replaces ZIP targeting with a minimum radius, strips income and net-worth targeting, and limits interest targeting. Meta typically rejects ads that promise returns or use urgency.
  • Google: requires certification for several kinds of financial advertisers, restricts ads for some unregistered securities and speculative products, and expects risk disclosures on the landing page.
  • LinkedIn: allows financial services advertising under its own policies, and its professional targeting by job title, industry and seniority often suits accredited audiences best.

Check each platform's current policy before you build a campaign, and expect manual review.

Ads that tend to get approved

  • Lead with education, not the deal. "How a regional manufacturer is funding its expansion" passes more often than "Invest now, 15% returns."
  • Send people to a landing page that explains the company, states that the offering is open only to accredited investors, describes the risks, and collects interest.
  • No return promises in the ad. Put any performance discussion on the landing page or in the materials, with balanced risk language.
  • Webinars and investor calls as the call to action convert well and give you the chance to answer questions.
  • Retarget people who visited the landing page, within each platform's rules.

What to avoid

  • Implying the offering is approved or endorsed by the SEC
  • "Guaranteed," "risk-free," "limited spots" or countdown urgency
  • Cherry-picked numbers without context
  • Testimonials from investors about returns
  • Running ads before your verification process and materials are ready

Measure what matters

Cost per click is not the number. Track cost per qualified call, per data-room visit and per verified investor. Paid ads usually work best alongside your own channels: email, LinkedIn content, webinars and referrals. The full 506(c) process.

Related questions

Do I need to file Form D before I advertise?

No. Form D is due within 15 days after the first sale. If you are converting a 506(b) offering to 506(c), amend the Form D before you start advertising.

Can I target "accredited investors" in ads?

Platforms don't let you target by income or net worth in this category. Target by profession, industry, seniority or interest, and verify accreditation afterward.

Can my ad mention the minimum investment?

Yes, if it is accurate. Some issuers use a high minimum as part of their verification approach. How verification works.

Can I advertise a Reg CF raise the same way?

No. Outside the funding portal, Reg CF advertising is limited to brief notices that direct people to the portal. Reg CF readiness.

Where to start

Advertising publicly is covered by our 506(c) extension ($5,000), added to the Network Raise or Growth Capital package.

Prepared to Raise is a service of Meraki Partners, LLC. This article is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice, and not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. Meraki Partners is not a broker-dealer, funding portal, investment adviser or law firm. Platform policies are as of the review date above and change often.