Understand paid ads before you spend — or before you hire someone who does not.
A beginner guide to Google and Facebook ads: realistic expectations, budgets, tracking real results, and questions to ask any marketer.
HBy Hebner Solutions · Updated August 17, 2026
The direct answer
Ads can work, but only when you track real results — leads, jobs, and revenue — not impressions and clicks. Start small, measure, and scale what pays.
Google Ads
Google captures intent: people actively searching for what you do. Use it for service businesses with clear search demand.
Facebook Ads
Facebook captures interest: people who fit your customer profile. Use it for awareness and offers, not just clicks.
Set a budget you can lose
Use the Marketing Budget Planner. Treat early ad spend as learning, not guaranteed revenue.
Track real results
Track calls, forms, jobs, and revenue per source. The Lead Cost Calculator shows your true cost per lead.
Avoid misleading reports
Some agencies report vanity metrics. The course covers the questions to ask so you know whether your ads actually pay.
Ads do not fix a bad offer
If your pricing, offer, or follow-up are weak, ads just lose money faster. Fix those first.
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Step 23 — Price for profit
Use the Pricing Calculator to set a profitable rate.
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