For Businesses Not Quite Ready for Managed Campaigns (Yet)

If you’re not in a position to invest in fully managed advertising right now, that’s okay.
This guide gives you clear, practical resources to help you run your own ads the right way — without guesswork.

Important note: Running ads without a plan can burn money quickly.
These resources are meant to help you learn the fundamentals first, then test carefully.

BEFORE YOU RUN ANY ADS (Very Important)

Do this first — regardless of platform:

• Have a clear goal (calls, leads, bookings, awareness)

• Know who you’re targeting

• Have one main offer or message

• Set a small test budget you’re okay learning with

If you skip this step, ads usually fail.

Recommended Reading:

The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9VLSR9P/?

This Is Marketing by Seth Godin – https://www.amazon.com/This-Marketing-Cant-Until-Learn-ebook/dp/B07DBR1V9S/

🚀 Quick DIY Ads Plan (Keep It Simple)

If you’re running ads yourself, the key is to stay focused.
Most wasted ad spend comes from trying to do too much at once.

Use this simple plan to test smartly without burning money.

🥅 1) Start With ONE Clear Goal

Before running any ads, decide your primary goal:

• 📞 More phone calls

• 📝 More form submissions or booked appointments

• 📍 Local brand awareness

• 🎯 Promoting a specific service or offer

Tip: One campaign = one main goal.

🎯 2) Choose ONE Platform

Do not run ads on multiple platforms at the same time.

Pick the platform that best fits your goal:

• 🔍 Google Search Ads → high-intent leads

• 📺 Streaming TV (CTV) → awareness & credibility

• 📱 Facebook / Instagram → offers & retargeting

Tip: Master one platform before adding another.

⚙️ 3) Keep the Setup Simple

For your first campaign:

• One clear message or offer

• One target audience

• One landing page or contact method

• A small, controlled daily budget

Tip: Complexity comes later — simplicity wins early.

⏱ 4) Test for 7–14 Days

Treat your first campaign as a test, not a final verdict.

• Run it for at least 7–14 days

• Avoid making daily changes

• Look for trends, not day-to-day swings

Tip: Learning = progress at this stage.

📊 5) Review & Decide Next

After the test, ask:

• Did I get the response I wanted?

• Were the leads or calls relevant?

• Is this worth continuing or improving?

From there, you can:

• Optimize and test again

• Increase budget slowly

• Try a different platform

• Or decide to bring in professional help

💡 Important Reminder

Running ads is a process, not a switch you flip.

If you reach a point where:

• You want faster results

• You don’t have time to manage ads weekly

• You want expert setup and optimization

You can always book another Discovery Call with us.

DIY STREAMING TV (CTV) ADS

(Best for brand awareness & credibility)

Good fit if you want:

• Your business on real TV apps (Roku, Hulu, Fire TV, etc.)

• Brand awareness in your local or regional market

• Long-term visibility (not instant leads)

You’ll need:

• A 15–30 second video ad

• A simple landing page or website

• A realistic test budget

Recommended Learning Resources:

• What is Streaming TV / CTV Advertising?

• How Small Businesses Use Streaming TV Ads

• How to Create a Simple TV Ad That Converts

• Common Mistakes with CTV Ads

Check out these YouTube Videos: 

How To Advertise On TV Channels (Vibe.co Tutorial)

DIY GOOGLE SEARCH ADS (SEM)

(Best for high-intent leads)

Good fit if you want:

• Phone calls or form submissions

• Customers actively searching for your service

• Measurable ROI

You’ll need:

• A Google Ads account

• A landing page (not just your homepage)

• Clear keywords related to buyer intent

Recommended Learning Resources:

• Google Ads for Beginners (Search Campaigns)

• Keyword Research for Local Businesses

• Writing Search Ads That Convert

• Avoiding Wasted Spend with Match Types

Check out these YouTube Videos: 

How To CRUSH Google Ads with a Small Budget in 2026

DIY FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM ADS

(Best for offers, promotions, and retargeting)

Good fit if you want:

• Promote an offer or service

• Retarget website visitors

• Reach people based on interests & behavior

You’ll need:

• A Meta Business Manager account

• Ad creatives (images or short videos)

• A basic funnel or landing page

Recommended Learning Resources:

• Facebook Ads for Beginners

• Campaign Structure Explained

• Creative That Stops the Scroll

• Why Most Facebook Ads Fail (and how to avoid it)

Check out these YouTube Videos: 

If I Started Facebook Ads in 2026, I’d Do This…

DIY FUNNELS (Optional, Advanced)

Only attempt this if:

• You already understand ads

• You have time to test and optimize

• You’re comfortable with tech tools

Learn first:

• What a lead funnel actually is

• Why traffic alone doesn’t convert

• Simple funnels vs. complex funnels

Check out these YouTube Videos: 

Clickfunnels Tutorial For Beginners 2024 (COMPLETE GUIDE)

Shopify Tutorial for Beginners – Easily Create A Professional Online Store

COMMON DIY MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Running ads without a goal

• Sending traffic to your homepage

• Testing too many things at once

• Expecting instant results

• Scaling before something works

WHEN TO RECONSIDER MANAGED ADS

You may want professional help when:

• You’re spending money but unsure why results vary

• You don’t have time to manage ads weekly

• You want to scale what’s already working

• You’re ready to invest consistently

 💡 When you’re ready for a custom plan + expert execution, we are here for you.

A Friendly Reminder

Running ads successfully is a process, not a button you turn on.

If you decide later that you want:

• A clear plan

• Proper setup

• Ongoing optimization

• Someone accountable for results

You can always book another Discovery Call with us.

[email protected]
(720) 807-4740

NEXT STEPS (OPTIONAL)

• Save this guide

• Watch the videos slowly

• Test with small budgets

• Track results honestly

When you’re ready — we’ll help you level up.