What Beginners Should Expect When Running Facebook Ads
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “What Beginners Should Expect When Running Facebook Ads” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of 'Let's Run Facebook Ads,' host Nate Boddington addresses the common fears and misconceptions beginners face when launching their first Facebook ad campaigns. He outlines four key realities new advertisers should expect: inconsistent results due to Meta's initial 'learning phase' where ads target low-hanging fruit; the necessity of reaching 50 conversion events within seven days to exit learning mode; the inevitability that first ads won't be the best, as testing and iteration are essential; and higher initial lead costs that decrease over time as the system learns. Nate emphasizes the importance of creative diversity, consistent budgeting, and focusing on average performance rather than individual ad fluctuations. He encourages listeners to embrace the process, trust Meta's algorithm, and use structured testing to build scalable, high-performing campaigns.
Expect inconsistent results early on—Meta first targets low-hanging fruit, which naturally tapers as the algorithm learns.
Aim for 50 conversions in 7 days to exit the learning phase; this typically requires ~£71/day at £10 per lead.
Your first ads are learning tools—focus on testing creative angles, messaging, and formats to identify what resonates.
Don’t eliminate high-cost ads too quickly; track average cost per lead over time and maintain creative diversity.
Use a structured setup: one campaign, one ad set, five varied ads (static, video, carousel) to maximize learning and scalability.
Introduction and Community Welcome
Nate Boddington introduces the podcast, outlines its focus on Facebook ads, and promotes his free platform, The Ads Clinic, where listeners can access training and community support.
The Fear of Wasting Money on Ads
Nate validates the anxiety beginners feel when spending budget on ads with no immediate results, referencing real questions from his community about risk and uncertainty.
1. Inconsistent Results and Low-Hanging Fruit
“Your ad is going to start learning and eating this low-hanging fruit. And you're going to start seeing one, two, three, four, five sales or leads coming through over those few days.”
2. The Learning Phase and 50-Event Rule
“If you can get me 50 events of a sale or a lead through your ads in seven days, I will exit learning phase, be an active ad and I'll know exactly what I need to do to find your ideal customer.”
3. First Ads Aren’t the Best
“Your early ads are about learning what creative hook angle resonates with your audience and will allow you to make better ads in the future.”
“If you can get me 50 events of a sale or a lead through your ads in seven days, I will exit learning phase, be an active ad and I'll know exactly what I need to do to find your ideal customer.”
“Your ad is going to start learning and eating this low-hanging fruit. And you're going to start seeing one, two, three, four, five sales or leads coming through over those few days.”
“As long as the average of these is 20, then your ads are okay. What we used to do is go in here and switch off this one because it was too high...”
Host
Nate Boddington
person
Meta
organization
Facebook Ads Clinic
organization
Theadsclinic.com
product
Will
person
Andromeda
other
School.com
product
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “What Beginners Should Expect When Running Facebook Ads” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime