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Paid advertisement 2024: Insider tips & top strategies

Thaisa Appelman
February 26, 2024
9 minutes

According to 49% of surveyed businesses, organic search is the most effective digital marketing channel in terms of return on investment (ROI). In order to establish a strong online presence and effectively increase brand visibility and awareness, it is essential to properly implement paid advertising techniques. 

In this guide, we will discuss a range of strategies that go beyond just pay-per-click (PPC). These include targeted ads on social media, strategic placements on websites and search engines. We will also explore best practices and upcoming trends for driving traffic and achieving measurable marketing success.

What is paid advertisement?

Paid advertisement, also known as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, is a digital marketing method where businesses pay to have their ads displayed on various online platforms. These platforms include search engines, social media networks, and websites. The goal is to attract potential customers by placing targeted ads in front of them.

The most common form of paid advertisement is paid ads, aka Search Engine Advertising (SEA). This involves optimizing and managing ads for search engine results pages, and an SEA specialist is responsible for this process. They focus on creating and fine-tuning ads to maximize visibility and effectiveness in search engine queries, aiming to attract potential customers by placing targeted ads in front of them.

How does paid advertising work?

When businesses decide to run PPC campaigns, they participate in an auction-style bidding system to secure ad placements. Here's how it works:

1 - Advertisers set their maximum bid 

Firstly, advertisers determine their maximum bid based on various factors such as their budget, the value of a potential customer, and the competitiveness of the market. For instance, a car dealership may set a higher bid because selling a car generates significant revenue compared to selling a book.

2 - Auction takes place 

Whenever a user initiates a search query or visits a webpage where ads can be displayed, an auction occurs among advertisers competing for that ad space. The auction considers factors such as keyword relevance, ad quality, and bid amount.

Let's say we have two advertisers competing for an ad space related to travel destinations. Advertiser A bids $1 per click while advertiser B bids $2 per click. However, advertiser A has a higher ad quality score due to relevant keywords, expected click-through rate and landing page experience. In this case, advertiser A would win the auction despite offering a lower bid.

3 - Winner gets the spot

The advertiser with the highest combination of bid and ad quality score wins the auction and secures the prime placement for their ad. However, it's important to note that winning the auction doesn't necessarily mean paying the full bid amount; rather, advertisers typically pay just enough to beat the second-highest bidder.

4 -  You pay a specific cost per click (CPC)

Advertisers are charged based on the actual cost per click (CPC)  determined by the bid of the advertiser who ranked directly below them in the auction. For instance, let's consider that advertiser A won the auction with a bid of $1 but only pays $0.75 per click because that was enough to beat advertiser B's $0.70 bid. This cost-effective approach ensures that advertisers pay just enough to outrank their competitors without overspending on each click.

By understanding how paid advertisements work and participating effectively in bidding processes, businesses can gain a competitive edge in digital marketing. It allows them to reach their target audience more efficiently and drive valuable traffic to their websites or landing pages.

How can your business benefit from paid advertising?

In today's competitive business landscape, it is crucial for companies to invest in effective advertising strategies to stay ahead of the competition. While there are various marketing channels available, paid advertising offers unique advantages that can significantly boost brand visibility and drive targeted traffic. Let's explore some of the key benefits of implementing paid advertising campaigns:

paid advertising

1 - Connect with your target audience quicker

Paid advertising allows businesses to reach a wider audience compared to organic methods alone such as SEO and content marketing. By leveraging platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or sponsored content on popular websites, companies can target their ideal customers based on demographics, interests, and online behavior. This targeted approach ensures that your message reaches the right people at the right time.

2 - Expand your visibility online to generate traffic

One of the most significant advantages of paid advertising is its ability to deliver immediate results. Unlike organic methods that require time and effort to gain traction, paid ads can generate instant visibility and traffic. This is especially beneficial for new product launches or limited-time promotions where time is of the essence.

3. Effortlessly track return on investment

Paid advertising provides detailed analytics and tracking tools that allow businesses to measure the return on investment (ROI) accurately. With these insights, companies can evaluate campaign performance, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their ad spend effectively.

Here are some examples of the benefits using paid advertisements:

  • A local bakery uses Facebook Ads to target users in their area interested in baking and desserts. As a result, they see a significant increase in foot traffic and online orders.
  • An e-commerce store invests in Google Ads to showcase their products directly on search engine result pages. This strategy leads to higher click-through rates and increased sales conversions.
  • A software company runs sponsored content on relevant industry websites to raise awareness about their innovative solution. This approach generates quality leads and boosts brand credibility.

Exploring different types of paid advertising

Businesses have endless options for paid advertising, which can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to simplify it for you. We'll explore the most effective and popular forms of paid advertising, to make it easier for you to choose the right path that aligns with your business goals. 

1 - Search engine advertising

Search engine advertising, allows businesses to display ads on search engine result pages (SERPs). By bidding on relevant keywords, companies can ensure that their ads appear prominently when users search for related terms. This type of advertising is highly targeted and offers measurable results.

Search engine advertising example

2 - Social media advertising

With billions of people using social media platforms daily, social media advertising has become a powerful way for businesses to connect with their target audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn offer various ad formats such as sponsored posts, video ads, carousel ads, and more. Social media ads allow precise targeting based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.

Social media advertising example

3 - Display advertising

Display advertising involves placing banner or image ads on websites and mobile apps to attract the attention of users. These ads can be static or interactive and are often used for brand awareness campaigns. Display advertising networks like Google Display Network offer vast reach across a wide range of websites.

Display advertising example

4 - Video advertising

Video advertising has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its engaging nature. Businesses can run video ads on platforms like YouTube or integrate them into other online content through native video placements. Video ads can capture viewers' attention effectively and convey messages in a visually compelling manner.

Video advertising example

5 - Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing leverages the popularity and credibility of influential individuals or content creators on social media to promote products or services. Businesses collaborate with influencers who have a large following in their niche market to create sponsored content that resonates with their audience. This type of advertising can be highly targeted and has the potential to generate strong brand advocacy.

Paid advertising offers businesses a range of options to reach their target audience effectively. It is crucial for businesses to carefully consider their goals and target audience to select the most suitable form of paid advertising for their marketing strategy.

How you can create the best paid ads

Are you eager to create a paid advertisement but feeling overwhelmed about where to start? Fear not! We're here to provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide that covers all the essential elements you need to know to craft an effective and impactful campaign. 

1 - Define what you want to achieve with your paid ad campaign

Before diving into the creation process, it's crucial to clearly define what you want to achieve with your advertisement. Are you aiming to boost brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or increase sales? This is where the SMART technique comes into play.

The SMART technique is a popular framework used to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By applying this methodology to your advertising strategy, you can enhance its effectiveness and ensure that you stay on track. Let's break down each component of the SMART technique:

1 - Specific: Your advertising goal should be precise and well-defined. Instead of saying "increase sales," aim for something like "increase sales by 20% within three months."

2 - Measurable: It's crucial to have a way to measure your progress towards achieving your goal. This could be through website analytics, survey responses, or tracking sales data.

3 - Achievable: While it's important to push yourself, make sure your goal is realistic and attainable. Setting unattainable targets can lead to frustration and demotivation.

4 - Relevant: Your advertising goal should align with your overall business objectives and target audience. It should contribute meaningfully to your company's growth and success.

5 - Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your advertising goal. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused on taking necessary actions within a specific timeframe.

Below there is one illustration demonstrating how you can effectively transform your goals into SMART goals.

SMART goal example

2 - How you can reach the right audiences with paid advertisements

First and foremost, conducting thorough market research is essential. This involves analyzing industry trends, competitor analysis, and customer behavior. By understanding your market better, you can identify the needs and preferences of your potential customers.

Next, creating buyer personas can significantly enhance your targeting efforts. A buyer persona is a fictional representation of your ideal customer based on research and data. It helps you understand their motivations, pain points, and buying habits. By developing detailed buyer personas, you can tailor your advertisements to resonate with specific segments of your audience:

1 - Demographics 

Demographic information includes age, gender, income level, education level, and location. By analyzing these factors in relation to your product or service offering, you can refine your targeting parameters accordingly.

2 - Psychographics 

This goes beyond demographics by focusing on psychological and behavioral characteristics of individuals. This includes their values, interests, lifestyle choices, and attitudes towards certain topics. Understanding psychographics allows you to create ads that align with your audience's beliefs and desires.

3 - Interests 

Interests are also vital when it comes to targeting the right audiences with paid advertisements. By identifying the hobbies or activities that resonate with your target market, you can craft compelling ads that capture their attention. Furthermore, delve into their online behavior. Which social media platforms do they use? How do they prefer to consume information online? Do they make purchases through mobile devices or desktops? This information will help you determine the best channels to reach and engage with your target audience.

To create your buyers persona, you can utilize our free template similar to the one provided below.

Buyer Persona Template Typetone

3 - How to choose the right platform for your paid advertising goals

Depending on your target audience and goals, select the appropriate platform for your ad placement. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer targeting options based on demographics and interests, while search engines like Google allow you to display ads when users search for specific keywords. Later on in this article we will look at 5 key paid advertising platforms and compare the benefits, disadvantages and costs. 

If you're interested in getting a better understanding of the advertising campaigns your competitor is running on Google, you can check out Google Ads Transparency. This platform provides a comprehensive overview of all the different ads the company has currently running on Google.

Google ads transparency

4 - Why writing a compelling ad copy matters for your business

When it comes to advertising, the key to success lies in creating an ad copy that grabs attention and engages viewers. Ad copy refers to the text used in advertisements to promote a product or service. It serves as the voice of your brand, enticing potential customers and encouraging them to take action. Crafting a compelling ad copy requires a combination of creativity and strategy:

1 - Know your target audience

Before you even start writing your ad copy, it's crucial to understand who your target audience is. What are their needs, desires, and pain points? By understanding your audience, you can tailor your messaging and use words that resonate with them.

2 - Keep it concise

In today's fast-paced world, people have short attention spans. Therefore, it's important to keep your ad copy concise and straight to the point. Focus on highlighting the most important benefits or features of your product or service in a clear and succinct manner.

3 - Highlight the value proposition

Your ad copy should clearly communicate the unique value proposition of your product or service. What sets you apart from competitors? Why should customers choose you? Highlight these key selling points in your ad copy to grab attention and convince viewers of the benefits they'll gain by choosing your offering.

4 - Use powerful language

Choose words that evoke emotion and create a sense of urgency or excitement. Emphasize the benefits customers will experience by using your product or service. Words like "discover," "transform," "exclusive," or "limited time offer" can help capture attention and drive action.

5 - Test and refine

Create multiple versions of your ad copy and test them against each other. Monitor the performance of your ads and make adjustments based on the results. Continuously refine your ad copy to optimize its effectiveness and ensure it resonates with your target audience.

One tool that can greatly assist in the process of creating a great ad copy is Typtone AI, a powerful writing assistant designed to enhance your copywriting skills. Typetone AI can:

  • Craft compelling titles that capture attention.
  • Generate a captivating call-to-action.
  • Incorporate your brand's unique tone of voice.
  • Optimize for better SEO and more!

Remember, a good ad copy is not just about fancy words or flashy designs. It's about effectively communicating the value proposition of your product or service in a way that resonates with your target audience. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating compelling ad copies that capture attention and drive results.

5 - How to design eye-catching visuals for you paid ads campaigns

Humans are visual creatures, so make sure your ad stands out with captivating visuals. Use high-quality images or videos that align with your brand identity and message. A visually appealing advertisement is more likely to catch the attention of potential customers. There are several programs available that can help you design stunning graphics and videos. Here are three examples of good programs that can take your visual content to the next level:

1 - Canva

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that offers a wide range of templates, fonts, and images to create visually appealing designs. Whether you need to design social media posts, flyers, or presentations, Canva provides an intuitive interface and plenty of customization options to suit your needs. With its drag-and-drop feature, even beginners can easily create professional-looking visuals.

Canva for paid advertising

2 -  Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful software widely used by professionals in the design industry. It offers extensive features and tools for editing images and creating original artwork. With Photoshop, you have full control over every aspect of your visuals – from adjusting colors and retouching photos to adding special effects and creating intricate designs. While it may have a steeper learning curve than other programs, the results are well worth it.

Adobe Photoshop for paid advertising

3 - Powtoon

If you're looking to add some animation to your visual content, Powtoon is an excellent choice. This program allows you to create animated videos and presentations with ease. With its drag-and-drop interface and pre-made templates, you can quickly bring your ideas to life. Powtoon also offers a library of characters, props, and music tracks to enhance your animations further.

Powtoon for paid advertising

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, these programs offer various features and flexibility to help you achieve visually appealing results. 

6 - Set a budget that aligns with your goals 

Determine how much you are willing to invest in your advertising campaign. Platforms usually offer various pricing models like cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM). Set a budget that aligns with your goals and monitor the performance of your ads to make adjustments if needed.

7 - Monitor and optimize your paid ads 

By monitoring specific metrics, you can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of your advertisements and make informed decisions to optimize your campaigns. We will explain three important terms - click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) - and explore how you can measure them.

1 - Click-through rate (CTR)

The click-through rate measures the percentage of people who click on your advertisement after viewing it. To calculate CTR, divide the number of clicks by the number of impressions (the number of times your ad appears). For example, if your ad receives 100 clicks from 1000 impressions, your CTR would be 10%.

2 - Conversion rate

The conversion rate represents the percentage of people who take a desired action after clicking on your advertisement. This action could be making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form. To calculate conversion rate, divide the number of conversions by the number of clicks. For instance, if your ad generates 50 conversions from 1000 clicks, your conversion rate would be 5%.

3 - Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on investment measures the profitability of an advertising campaign by comparing the amount spent on ads to the revenue generated as a result. To calculate ROI, subtract the cost of running ads from the revenue generated by those ads and then divide that figure by the cost of running ads. Multiply the result by 100 to express it as a percentage. A positive ROI indicates that your campaign is profitable.

By monitoring metrics such as click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI), advertisers can effectively measure their ad campaign's performance. These measurements provide valuable insights into what is working well and where improvements are needed. Continuously analyzing and optimizing these metrics will help you create more effective ad campaigns that drive results.

5 key platforms for your next paid advertising campaign  

With a lot of platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. We will explore the top five platforms for paid advertisement, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, and costs.

1 - Google Ads

Google Ads offers extensive reach with its extensive network of websites and search engine results pages. It allows precise targeting based on keywords, demographics, and location. The platform also provides detailed analytics to measure campaign performance. To help you create captivating advertisements that resonate with your desired audience, Google Ads Generators come in handy. These tools are specifically designed to generate a range of catchy headlines and text suitable for Google ads. By utilizing these generators, you can save time and effortlessly publish effective advertisements.

Disadvantages: The competition is fierce on Google Ads, leading to higher costs per click. Managing campaigns requires expertise and continuous optimization.

Costs: The cost per click (CPC) varies depending on factors such as industry competitiveness but can range from a few cents to several dollars.

Google Ads for your marketing campaign

2 - Meta Ads 

Meta Ads allow advertisers to target users based on their interests, demographics, and behaviors. It offers a wide range of ad formats including images, videos, carousels, and more. The platform also provides robust analytics to monitor ad performance.

Disadvantages: Ad fatigue is common on Facebook due to users being constantly exposed to ads. Advertisers need compelling creatives to stand out from the crowd.

Costs: The cost per click (CPC) or cost per thousand impressions (CPM) depends on various factors but typically falls within a reasonable range. Think of $0.44 per click or $14.40 per thousand impressions on average. 

Meta ads for a marketing campaign

3 - Instagram Ads

Instagram's visually appealing nature makes it ideal for brands with attractive products or services. Instagram Ads offers precise targeting options similar to Facebook Ads. Instagram's Stories feature provides excellent engagement opportunities.

Disadvantages: Instagram's predominantly mobile audience may limit reach for certain businesses that target desktop users exclusively.

Costs: Like Facebook Ads, the costs vary depending on factors such as targeting options and competition. Think of $0.20-$2.00 per click and $6.70 per thousand impressions on average.

Instagram Ads used for a marketing campaign

4 - LinkedIn Ads

LinkedIn Ads are perfect for B2B businesses, allowing precise targeting based on job titles, industries, and professional interests. It offers high-quality leads and excellent ad formats for promoting professional services.

Disadvantages: The cost per click (CPC) on LinkedIn tends to be higher compared to other platforms. Advertisers need to carefully optimize campaigns to maximize results.

Costs: $2.00 - $3.00 average cost per click, $5.01 - $8.00 average cost per 1000 impressions.

LinkedIn Ads for a marketing campaign

5 - YouTube Ads

YouTube is the second-largest search engine after Google, offering extensive reach and targeting options. Video ads on YouTube have great potential for engagement and brand exposure.

Disadvantages: Creating compelling video content can be time-consuming and expensive. Advertisers need to consider audience attention spans when designing video ads.

Costs: The costs for YouTube ads depend on factors such as ad format, targeting, and competition. On average, it will cost $0.11 – $0.50 per view, with a $10 daily budget.

Youtube Ads used for a marketing campaign

Choosing the right paid advertisement platform depends on your target audience, budget, and campaign objectives. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses that should align with your business goals. Consider these top five platforms when planning your next paid advertising campaign.

Why digital workers are the future of paid advertising 

While traditional advertising methods have their benefits, there is a new player in town: digital workers,  also known as virtual assistants or AI agents. They are changing the way businesses approach paid advertising. These autonomous computer programs are specifically designed to complete tasks on their own, freeing up your time to concentrate on more important aspects of your business. That's why we, at Typetone AI, are excited to announce our upcoming release of a specialized digital worker for paid ads: Alex. Here are a few compelling reasons why Alex is the perfect choice for your business:

Alex AI SEA specialist


1 - 80% cheaper than interns

When it comes to running successful advertising campaigns, businesses are always looking for cost-effective solutions. That's where an AI paid ads marketeer employee comes in. Unlike hiring interns or outsourcing the work, utilizing an AI employee can save you a significant amount of money.

In fact,  employing an AI employee at Typetone AI for digital advertising tasks can be up to 80% cheaper than hiring and training interns. This cost-saving advantage allows businesses to allocate their resources more efficiently and invest in other areas of growth.

2 - New campaign ideas in 5 minutes

One of the most impressive benefits of having an AI paid ads marketeer employee is its ability to generate new campaign ideas quickly. Traditional methods often involve brainstorming sessions with teams that can take hours or even days to come up with innovative concepts.

With an AI employee, this process is significantly accelerated. In just 5 minutes, you can receive a multitude of fresh and creative campaign ideas tailored to your specific business goals and target audience. This not only saves time but also increases productivity by allowing you to swiftly implement new strategies and adjust the tone of voice with just one click.

3 - Run paid ads autonomously

Imagine having an employee who can handle your paid advertising campaigns with minimal supervision. Our digital employee possesses the remarkable capability to run paid ads completely autonomously on popular platforms like Instagram and Google. This means you can focus on other crucial aspects of your business. With its advanced algorithms and data-driven approach, our digital employee ensures that your ads reach the right audience at the right time, maximizing your chances of success.

4 - 24/7 availability

An AI employee never rests. It is available to work for you 24/7, ensuring that your digital advertising campaigns are continuously monitored and managed. This constant attention allows for timely adjustments and optimizations.

5 - Implement various strategies

Effective advertising requires a comprehensive approach tailored to meet specific objectives. Our digital employee excels in implementing diverse strategies to achieve optimal results. Whether it's engaging potential customers through visually appealing display ads or driving targeted traffic through SEA campaigns, our versatile virtual assistant has got you covered.

Moreover, it understands the importance of headlines in capturing attention and generating click-throughs. By crafting compelling headlines that resonate with your target audience, our digital employee enhances the effectiveness of your ad campaigns.

6 essential insights into paid advertising

Paid ads are a powerful tool, offering diverse strategies to reach targeted audiences effectively. In this overview, we'll uncover six key aspects of paid advertising that are essential for marketers and business owners. 

  • Paid advertising is more than just pay-per-click (PPC) tactics. It also includes social media advertisements and strategic web placements.
  • Businesses pay for online ads to attract customers. This involves bidding for ad spots on platforms like search engines and social media.
  • Paid advertising Increases brand visibility, provides immediate results, and offers measurable return on investment (ROI).
  • Options range from search engine and social media advertising to display and video ads, and even influencer marketing.
  • To create a winning strategy you have to set clear goals, understand your audience, choose the right platform, and craft engaging ad content.
  •  AI tools like 'Alex' can 100% autonomous manage ad campaigns, generating ideas quickly and working around the clock.

Take your advertising to the next level with Typetone AI! Try our powerful text generation tool to create compelling paid advertisements. And don't forget to see if one of our digital workers can assist you in optimizing your campaigns. Experience the difference today!

Thaisa Appelman

Thaisa is Typetone's content marketeer who focuses on AI digital coworkers and GPTs.

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