When to Run Ads (and When Not To) in Your Online Coaching Business

In Episode 136 of the Best Coach Ever podcast, we dive into the hot topic of ads and how they fit into scaling an online coaching business. While I’m all about organic marketing, I recognize that ads can play a significant role—if used at the right time and in the right way. Ads aren’t a quick fix for poor sales or marketing. Instead, they’re designed to get more eyes on an offer that’s already working, not to magically solve deeper issues in your business. We break down when ads make sense, how to avoid common mistakes, and why Instagram boosts can be a great starting point for many coaches. Plus, I share practical tips on optimizing your Instagram profile to capture cold traffic and turn curiosity into followers—and eventually, clients.Whether you’re thinking about running ads or just want to make your content more visible, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you grow your coaching business without wasting money.In this episode, I cover:Introduction and Ads Overview [0:00 - 3:40]  - Reflecting on my approach to organic marketing.  - Introduction to ads, and why they aren’t a first step.The Purpose of Ads [3:41 - 8:39]  - What ads are designed to do: bring new eyes to your business.  - Why ads solve lead problems but won’t fix sales or marketing issues.  When to Start Running Ads [8:40 - 12:00]  - Understanding when it makes sense to start using ads. - My personal experiences of scaling with ads once our sales process was solid.Mistakes Coaches Make with Ads [12:01 - 17:29]  - A lesson learned from spending $8,000 on ads with little return.  - Why a long sales cycle can make it hard to convert cold traffic.  Optimizing Your Business for Ads [17:30 - 23:29]  - Why it’s crucial to have seamless already in place.- Tips on how to refine your Instagram profile to better attract and convert cold traffic.Types of Ads to Run: Funnels vs. Boosts [23:30 - 28:49]  - Comparing elaborate funnels (webinar or freebie) with simpler engagement ads.  - How to strategically boost Instagram reels to reach your ideal audience. Best Practices for Boosting Instagram Reels [28:50 - 34:44]  - The value of specific messaging and targeted demographics when boosting content.  - Examples of how to choose the right audience.Why Low-Cost Ads Can Be Powerful [34:45 - 38:29]  - Sharing success stories from clients who used low-budget Instagram boosts.- How boosting reels can feel more organic than traditional funnels.Final Thoughts and Encouragement [38:30 - End]  - Encouraging you to experiment with low-cost ads.- Final thoughts on how ads can support a business once organic strategies are already in place.Connect with Lynette:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynettemarieh Fitness Coaching Business Accelerator: https://fcbaprogram.comThe Wellness CEO Mastermind: https://lynettemariefit.clickfunnels.com/optin1634051235214