Paid Ads for Dummies: Why You Should Dip Your Toes into Paid Advertising... Like Yesterday!

If you’re running a business in today’s digital world and haven’t tried paid advertising yet, you’re leaving money on the table.

Sure, organic growth is great—who doesn’t love free traffic? But with algorithms becoming more competitive and customer attention spans shrinking, paid ads are the fast track to visibility, engagement, and sales.

I get it, the world of paid advertising (especially beyond Meta) can be SUPER daunting. I promise it doesn't need to be, and I promise if you start today, and commit to it, you'll be glad you did in 3 months time! Let’s break it down, so you can see why paid advertising is a must-have in your marketing toolkit.

What Are Paid Ads, Anyway?

Paid advertising refers to any online marketing strategy where you pay to get your business in front of your target audience. Think Google Ads, Meta (Facebook and Instagram) campaigns, Pinterest, even sponsored posts on LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to set specific budgets, target the right people, and measure the results in real-time. Translation? You don't just throw spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, you can tell the platform you're advertising on exactly who you want it to show ads to.

Why Paid Ads Work

Instant Visibility: Organic content can take weeks, even months, to gain traction. Paid ads let you show up in front of the right audience today. Whether someone is searching for your product on Google or scrolling through Instagram, you’ll be there.
Laser-Focused Targeting: With paid advertising, you can target specific demographics—age, location, interests, behaviours, and more. This means your ads are only seen by people most likely to convert into customers.
Scalable Results: Have $10 to spend? Start small and scale up as you see what works. Paid ads give you full control over your budget.
Trackable ROI: Platforms like Meta Ads Manager or Google Ads provide detailed analytics. You can see how many clicks, leads, or sales your campaign generated, ensuring every dollar spent works hard for your business.

Common Misconceptions About Paid Ads

“They’re too expensive!” Not true. You can start with a small daily budget and scale as you see results. Even $5 a day can make an impact.
“I’ll need a marketing degree to figure it out.” Nope! Most platforms have user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step tutorials.
“It’s not for small businesses.” False again. In fact, paid ads are often the secret sauce for small businesses looking to level the playing field against bigger competitors.

Why You Should Start... like Yesterday

Every day you wait is a day your competitors are taking your potential customers. Paid ads help you stay competitive and ensure your brand remains visible in a crowded marketplace. Plus, the longer you experiment and learn, the faster you’ll refine your strategy and start seeing consistent results.

Ready to Dive In?

Whether you’re launching your first Google ad or boosting a Facebook post, dipping your toes into paid advertising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, track your results, and optimise as you go. Trust us—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to begin, I’m here to help. Whether you need assistance understanding how paid ads work, setting up your first campaign, or auditing your current ads for better results, feel free to reach out. Let’s make paid advertising work for you!

Marmalade.