Running your first paid ads campaign? Whether you’re DIY-ing it or paying an expert, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: the success of your campaign isn’t just about great creative or a smart keyword strategy. It’s about the foundations you set before you even hit “launch.”
Let’s break it down: here are the critical things to know before you dive into paid advertising.
1. Know Your Ideal Client (Like, Really Know Them)
Before anything goes live, you need to be crystal clear on who you’re targeting. That means knowing their pain points, desires, behaviours, and where they hang out online.
Are they Googling their problems? Scrolling Instagram? Bingeing TikToks? Your ad strategy will depend on this. Also, understand what they need to know in order to convert. That will help shape your messaging and funnel setup 🎯
2. Match the Funnel to the Offer
Selling a $10 eBook? Your funnel will look different than if you’re trying to sell a $30k renovation service. Big-ticket items require more nurturing, information, and trust-building. Make sure your funnel fits the ask 🧩
3. Have a Solid Lead Management Process
If your goal is leads, you must know:
Whether they land in a CRM, a spreadsheet, or your inbox, you need a tried-and-true process for converting interest into action.
4. Understand Your Numbers
This is a big one. You should know:
These numbers inform your campaign goals, budget, and overall strategy 💵
5. Set a Realistic Budget (And Stick to It)
Platforms will always encourage higher spend. But you need to know what’s sustainable for your business over at least a six-month period. Remember: the first 6 weeks are usually the least efficient due to the learning phase ⏳
6. Your Website or Landing Page Matters – A Lot
Your ads are only as strong as where they take people. A slow, outdated or confusing website will tank even the best-performing ads.
Make sure:
7. Ads Aren’t a Magic Fix
Ads can amplify what’s working, they won’t fix what’s broken. If your brand messaging is unclear, your offer isn’t strong, or your nurture funnel doesn’t exist, paid ads alone won’t save the day 🚫
Final Thought: Know What You Don’t Know
And that’s okay! Whether it’s your numbers, your tech setup, or your customer journey, if you’re unsure, seek advice. Partner with someone who sees the full picture (not just an “ads person”).
At Wise Up, we offer full digital audits and strategic planning sessions that go beyond ads and look at your whole marketing ecosystem. Because that’s where real results come from 🌟
Need help setting your campaign up for success? Book a digital audit and let’s get started 🗓️
👉 www.wiseupmarketing.com.au/resources/digital-audit-overview
Let’s have a chat to explore how Wise Up Marketing can help you grow your business
the principle of “treating your business like our own” and we have created a flexible, accessible solution for start ups and SME’s who value a personal approach.
