Ready, Set, Paid Ads

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we're diving deep into how to scale your Facebook ads effectively in 2026 amidst significant changes and the rise of AI integration. You'll hear insights on adapting to Facebook's latest features, particularly the new AI-powered Andromeda update designed to optimise ad delivery. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for navigating AI-driven changes in...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, I share the most common questions about paid advertising, drawing from 13-14 years of industry experience and answer them too.    We cover everything from the difference between Google Ads and Meta (Facebook) ads in terms of user intent, to setting appropriate budgets for different platforms, and best practices for running ads. The episode also covers the imp...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, I'm sharing the 10 minute hack so you can effectively boost posts with a strategy that gets approval from seasoned ads managers.    Discover tips and insights on how to occasionally boost posts and still achieve exceptional results by following a strategy-approved approach.   It's a great listen, while you step through boosting with strategy!

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, Mary-Anne is joined by Tenai Seymour, founder of Ads Haus, who specialises in Meta and Spotify ads.  They discuss Tenai's journey into the world of ads management, the balance of creativity and data in digital marketing, and the importance of ongoing testing and adaptation in response to platform changes.  The conversation also highlights the untapped potenti...

In this episode of Ready, Set, Paid Ads, we explore Meta's new one campaign strategy that promises to simplify ad management and improve results.    By consolidating multiple campaigns into one, marketers can benefit from reduced audience overlap, faster learning, and better budget utilisation. We discuss the integration of Andromeda, Meta's AI tool, to optimise ad placements and audience targetin...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, Mary-Anne speaks with Dante St James one of Australia’s most sought-after speakers and trainers on the digital economy and social media.   The conversation covers the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses, how to use paid ads on multiple platforms effectively, and strategies for campaign management. Dante also highlights the role of AI and the s...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, the focus is on how to make paid ads truly pay off. We discuss the common failures in ad strategies, why merely boosting posts is ineffective, and the importance of a well-thought-out strategy. I double down on why understanding campaign objectives and knowing your business metrics are important and the critical role of creative content, and testing and optim...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, discover three effective Google Ads hacks you can implement in just 10 minutes to enhance your ad performance and reduce wasted spend.  Learn how to utilise the search terms report to exclude irrelevant keywords, understand the importance of match types (exact, phrase, and broad) to tighten your targeting, and optimise your ad copy to improve click-through ra...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we delve into Meta's latest update, Andromeda, which promises a revolution in ad targeting and personalisation.  We explain how Andromeda utilises advanced AI to match the right ads to the right consumers at optimal times, changing the way advertisers need to craft and manage their campaigns. Plus key takeaways to leverage Andromeda’s full potential.   The ep...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, Mary-Anne welcomes Kerry Anne Nelson and asks Do You Ads? The episode highlights the importance of having clear strategies, defined goals, and structuring work processes to achieve higher productivity. Kerry shares insights on the challenges and solutions involved in running paid ads and the impact of human engagement in business operations. The episode also...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, the focus is on the $20 ad strategy and how to achieve meaningful results even with a smaller budget.    We dive into the benefits of a $20 daily budget, and how to leverage it for testing creatives, understanding market responses, and collecting early data before scaling. Practical tips on optimising content, improving landing pages, and enhancing the qualit...

In this episode of Ready, Set, Paid Ads, we break down the process of writing effective ad copy in just 10 minutes, which you'll learn in this 10 Minute Hack.   I'll take you through a simple and repeatable 4-part formula: Hook, Problem, Offer, and Call to Action (CTA). Discover how to grab attention with a compelling hook, address the customer’s problem, present your offer, and guide them towards...

In this episode of Ready, Set, Paid Ads, we dive into the essentials of warm audience targeting in 2025, focusing on rebooting your retargeting strategies to the results you need.  The episode discusses four key warm audience segments and explains how to effectively retarget each segment to boost engagement and conversions. Plus, we dive into creative tips to really stop the scroll and get warm au...

In this episode of Ready, Set, Paid Ads, Kate Merryweather, a LinkedIn Strategist discusses the untapped potential of LinkedIn for businesses.   She highlights the platform's advantages over Instagram, particularly for small businesses that struggle with Instagram’s visual demands. Kate emphasises the efficacy of LinkedIn in connecting with a different audience, and shares insights on how business...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we explore three crucial areas you need to address before running your digital ad campaigns.    Based on nearly 15 years of experience in the digital marketing industry, the episode emphasises the importance of having a solid foundation to avoid costly mistakes. The three main focuses are offer clarity, optimising your landing page, and ensuring pixel and tra...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we dive into the latest meta AI enhancements with a 10 Minute Hack.  I'm sharing what to embrace, as well as what enhancements to avoid like advantage+ (especially if brand identity matters to you!). I even open up the Ads Manager platform and walk step by step through what to say yes to when it comes to creative enhancements, to make sure your ad is optimise...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, the focus is on the intricacies of scaling ad campaigns effectively to grow your business.    I'm sharing the negatives of scaling too quickly and provide a detailed guide on identifying the right time and method to increase your ad budget.    We'll break down signs that indicate a campaign is ready to scale, the importance of stable performance metrics, and...

In this episode of Ready, Set, Paid Ads, I'm joined by Michelle Fraigas, who specialises in helping women feel confident to speak on stages and share their stories.   We discuss the challenges business owners face with public speaking and the intrinsic fear of judgment. Michelle shares her journey with paid advertising, highlighting her initial missteps with boosting posts and the subsequent reali...

In this episode of Ready, Set, Paid Ads, we explore the crucial question of who should manage your ad campaigns: in-house, DIY, or an agency? Drawing on 15 years of experience, we break down the pros and cons of each approach. DIY offers low costs and total control but comes with a steep learning curve and potential mistakes. Hiring an in-house manager ensures brand intimacy and quick turnaround b...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we're back with another 10 Minute Hack . Get ready to conduct an effective ad audit in under 10 minutes. You will learn five practical steps to evaluate your ads without needing advanced data analytics. The guide covers assessing the hook, visuals, call to action, key metrics, and landing page experience. Plus, there's a bonus hack to ensure your ad resonates...

In this epsisode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we explore the AI tools to avoid getting bogged down with busy work and instead focus on areas that drive the most results. We deep dive into tools like Smartly.io for cross-platform ad management, Reveal Bot for rule-based automation and performance alerts, and ChatGPT for strategy and planning assistance. Plus the pros and cons of Creative. AI for rapid ge...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we're joined by Christine Corcoran, a business mindset coach and high ticket sales strategist. We delve into the importance of overcoming mindset blocks, particularly around money and imposter syndrome, to achieve business growth. We discuss the critical role of personal growth in entrepreneurship, the necessity of adopting effective sales processes, and the...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we dive into the common issue of ad fatigue and how to tackle it with a strategic creative refresh cycle.  We explore the signs of ad fatigue, such as falling click-through rates and rising costs per conversion, and discuss how to reset visuals and messaging. The episode outlines a detailed approach to monitoring ad performance at the ad level, rotating withi...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we introduce the new 'Ad Hacks' series featuring practical, 10-minute episodes focused on actionable advertising tips. The episode kicks off with five effective CTA (Call-to-Action) phrases designed to improve your ad conversions. We discuss why sometimes the issue with ad performance lies in weak CTAs rather than audience targeting or creative content. By us...

In this episode of Ready Set Paid Ads, we are focusing on the importance of metrics in your paid ad campaigns and overall marketing strategies. We delve into common metrics such as Click Through Rate (CTR), Conversion Rate, Cost Per Click (CPC), Return On Ad Spend (ROAS), and Cost Per Acquisition (CPA). Each metric is explained in detail, including how to calculate them and why they are crucial fo...