How to Build a Paid Social Ad Strategy That Works

Are you a business owner or marketer? Are you wanting to add a paid social media strategy to your mix?

Maybe you have tried social media ads before and had lackluster results. This can often leave people feeling defeated or stressed out.

The truth is, social media advertising has quickly gone from being a nice to have to a must have for businesses. Even if you are investing heavily into your organic content strategy, paid has to be a layer.

Creating a paid advertising plan is no longer optional. It’s essential. Social media advertising is expected to grow by over 9% every year from 2025 to 2030. Further, the total amount spent on social media advertising globally is projected to reach over $276 billion. This means that you can’t wait to get in the game. You have to pay to play.

At HatchMark Studio, we help many of our social media management clients with developing a paid advertising strategy that works for their goals and their budgets. In this article, we will discuss how to run a paid social campaign and offer tips on how to build a paid social ad strategy that drives results.

Key Takeaways

• Social media advertising is essential for modern marketing and is steadily growing worldwide.
• Paid social media ads allow targeted outreach, even without many followers.
• Cost-effective with flexible budgets suitable for small businesses.
• Success depends on clear goals, targeted content, and platform choice.
• Partnering with experts can optimize ad performance and results.

The Benefits of Social Media Advertising

Paid social ad strategy is not just a check in the box. It’s an effective tool to connect with your target audience. When done right, it can significantly boost your sales, generate leads, and increase brand awareness.

Here are just a few benefits of running a paid social campaign:

1. You can target your audience. Social media platforms let you tailor your ads so only the most relevant people see them. This ensures every dollar of your spend is used effectively.
2. You don’t need followers to get started. For small businesses, the lack of a large following doesn’t need to hold you back. With paid social, you can instantly level the playing field and get your offer in front of the right people.
3. They are surprisingly cost effective. Whether you’re spending $5 a day or thousands a month, creating a paid advertising plan that aligns with your budget is possible. Even small, local businesses can see strong returns. 

10 Tips for Building a Paid Social Ad Strategy That Works

Not every campaign hits the mark. The best-performing ones usually succeed because of thoughtful planning and a clear approach. If you’re wondering how to build a paid ad strategy that actually works, these tips will guide you:

1. Clearly define your goals. Start by knowing exactly what you want your campaign to achieve. Do you want to boost brand awareness, generate leads, or drive sales? Your objective will shape everything else.
2. Identify your target audience. Not every campaign is meant for your entire audience. Identify which segment you’re trying to reach and tailor your message accordingly.
3. Create content that connects. Whether it’s a video, carousel, or static ad, make sure your content is intentional and aligned with your goals. Good content is essential to any paid social ad strategy.
4. Choose the right platforms. The best platform depends on your audience and goals. LinkedIn might be ideal for B2B or manufacturers, while Meta platforms work well for B2C or local businesses. If you’re wondering how to run paid social campaigns for manufacturers, LinkedIn should be your starting point.
5. Set the right budget. Avoid underfunding your campaign. Budget realistically based on your customer acquisition goals and expected return.
6. Make adjustments when necessary. Monitor performance and be prepared to pivot. One of the strengths of social media ads is how easy it is to adjust as needed.
7. Run multiple sets of ads. Build a mix of campaigns for awareness, lead generation, or special promotions. A layered approach creates a stronger overall impact.
8. Always A/B test. Test different formats, headlines, and creatives. Use the results to put your spend behind the best-performing version.
9. Don’t give up too quickly. Ads need time to optimize. Avoid making major changes during the first 5–7 days unless something is clearly broken.
10. Lean on the experts. Whether you’re creating your first campaign or scaling what’s already working, partnering with a team experienced in developing paid advertising strategies can save time and improve your results.

Final Thoughts on Paid Social Media Ads

If you’re still asking yourself how to run a paid social campaign that delivers real ROI, the answer is simple: start with clear goals, know your audience, and make smart use of your budget. The paid social ad strategy space is competitive, but with the right foundation and team, it can be one of the most powerful growth channels in your marketing plan.

FAQ About Social Media Ads

Q: Why should my business start using social media advertising?

A: Because it’s one of the most efficient ways to reach your target audience, drive traffic, and generate leads or sales, especially when supported by a solid paid strategy.

Q: I don’t have a lot of followers on social media. Is that a problem?

A: Not at all. Knowing how to run a paid social campaign doesn’t start with followers. It starts with knowing your audience and reaching them through targeted ads.

Q: How much should I budget for social media advertising?

A: It depends on your goals, platform, and industry. Even small budgets can go a long way if your campaign is well-executed.

Q: What are some key factors in creating a successful social media ad strategy?

A: Clear goals, smart targeting, compelling content, and continuous optimization. These are the building blocks of any effective paid social ad strategy.

Q: Is it better to hire an expert to handle my social media ads?

A: Yes, especially if you’re just starting out or don’t have time to manage the details. Experts can help you build a paid ad strategy that actually works.

Let Us Help You with Your Paid Social Media Ads

Remember those experts we talked about? That’s us. We know social media ads can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re busy running your business. But you don’t have to go it alone.

We can help you with everything from creating a paid advertising plan to full-service social media management and content creation. If you want to learn more about how HatchMark Studio can support your team, contact us today to set up your free discovery call.