In today’s digital age, traditional advertising methods are taking a backseat. With the majority of consumers turning to search engines over phone books, online advertising platforms like Facebook Ads and Google AdWords are becoming the go-to solutions. These platforms, when utilized effectively, can introduce your business to a vast audience, both new and returning. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the do’s and don’ts of online advertising to ensure maximum ROI.
Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Online Advertising
1. Avoid Directing Users to Your Homepage for Specific Offers
Imagine a scenario: A potential customer sees an enticing ad for a limited-time offer. They click, eager to grab the deal, only to land on your website’s homepage, clueless about where to find the offer. This disconnect can lead to lost sales. Ensure that your ads lead users directly to what they’re interested in.
2. Direct Users to a Purpose-Built Landing Page 
When a user clicks on an ad, they should be taken to a dedicated landing page that aligns with the ad’s promise. This page should be streamlined, free of distractions, and designed to convert — whether that’s making a purchase, signing up, or another desired action.
3. Harness the Power of Targeted Advertising
One of the standout features of online ads is their customizability. Want to target women aged 35-55 within a specific location who’ve previously visited your site? Or perhaps men aged 21-35 who are new to your brand? With online ads, you can fine-tune your audience, ensuring your budget is spent reaching those most likely to convert.
4. Understand That Effective Online Advertising Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
There’s a misconception that platforms like Facebook Ads or Google AdWords are prohibitively expensive. While it’s essential to allocate a budget, many businesses achieve significant results with modest investments. It’s all about smart spending and strategy. 
5. Allocate a Dedicated Advertising Budget
While online advertising is cost-effective, it isn’t free. Consider it an investment — one that, when done right, offers substantial returns. If you’re on a tight budget, explore other digital marketing avenues like email campaigns, social media posts or content marketing.
6. Evaluate Success Through ROI (Return on Investment)
While metrics like click-through rates or new customer acquisitions are essential, the ultimate measure of an ad’s success is its ROI. Regularly assess your ad spend against the revenue it generates to ensure profitability.
7. Seek Expertise When Needed
Platforms like Facebook for Business and Google AdWords while user-friendly, can be intricate. Navigating the nuances of A/B testing, budget allocation, audience targeting, and more can be overwhelming. Partnering with experts can ensure your ad campaigns are optimized for success.
The hardest part about online advertising is often making sure you’re not wasting your money. Finding a good partner to help define and reach your online advertising goals will make all the difference.
Need help optimizing your ads and your budget? Hownd has tools that can help. Get in touch with us here.
