Episodes

Advertisers create separate ad sets and complex testing strategies because they're emotionally attached to their ads and want to ensure they get shown. Jon shares a fishing analogy to explain why this attachment is hurting yo...

Meta advertising has changed dramatically since iOS 14, but many advertisers are still clinging to their old targeting strategies and complex campaign structures. Jon shares his own painful evolution from stubborn micro-targe...

When you change your targeting and results improve, or implement GA4 integration and performance tanks, it's tempting to assume one caused the other. Jon explains why advertisers constantly mistake correlation for causation a...

Most advertisers lead with features when they write ads, rattling off benefits and capabilities. But features don't move the needle. Jon explains the three-element framework that actually drives conversions and why pain point...

The advertising space is noisier than ever with fake experts peddling guaranteed results and magical campaign structures. Jon outlines the five warning signs that should immediately make you skeptical of anyone's advertising ...

Advertisers get stuck chasing magical strategies, complex testing methods, and guru tricks when their ads aren't working. Jon explains why these targeting strategies and intricate campaign structures are pointless distraction...

Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where businesses simply tell Meta their objective and budget, and AI does everything else, including creating the ads. This isn't some distant fantasy. We're already halfway there with campa...

When you "let results be your guide," make sure those results actually matter. Jon explains why advertisers often make bad decisions based on meaningless data and outlines four critical factors that determine when your metric...

"Let results be your guide" is more than just a catchphrase. It's the antidote to rigid marketing formulas. Jon explains why universal answers to questions like "How often should I update creative?" and "Should I restrict by ...

A baseball manager's job is to put talented players in position to succeed, not over-manage with unnecessary bunts and quirky strategies. Jon explains why advertisers make the same mistake - focusing on complex campaign tactics instead of letting their ads perform.

How small budgets limit Meta ad strategies and testing, and why prioritizing simplicity, consolidation, and realistic expectations is critical.

After 13+ years of working with Meta advertisers, Jon has identified four key characteristics that separate successful advertisers from those who struggle. It's not about tactics. It's about your approach to complexity, change, learning, and more.

Advertisers often misunderstand what campaign objectives actually do. Jon explains why saying you're running a "sales campaign" or "traffic campaign" is misleading.

Your performance goal influences everything about Meta ads delivery: Who sees your ads, quality of results, which placements are used, and more. Jon explains how the algorithm interprets each goal and why some lead to far better outcomes than others.

Most advertisers have misconceptions about how Meta attribution actually works. Jon covers four key aspects that explain why your Ads Manager results rarely match your backend data.

Meta's click attribution works differently than most advertisers understand. Jon explains what actually counts as a "click" and how to select the right attribution windows for different campaign types.

View-through conversions are often misunderstood or completely ignored in reporting. Jon explains when they provide real value versus when they're giving Meta undeserved credit, and how to properly evaluate them based on campaign type and audience.

Many Meta advertisers overcomplicate their approach in the belief that sophistication leads to better results. Jon explains why the opposite is often true, outlining a simplified strategy that focuses on fewer campaigns, minimal ad sets, and limited...

Meta advertising conspiracy theories are a sign of lacking confidence. When results are poor, it's tempting to blame the platform rather than take responsibility. Jon explains why this approach is counterproductive and how to focus on the factors you can control...

This one fundamental fact changes everything about Meta advertising - the algorithm is completely literal. It does exactly what you tell it to do, not what you actually want it to do.

When should you use Advantage+ audience targeting? While it's now the default option, there are specific scenarios where original audiences may be the better choice. Jon explains the limitations, strengths, and when each approach makes the most sense.

While remarketing was once central to ad strategy, Meta now prioritizes these audiences automatically. Manual remarketing still has its place, but the results aren't what they seem.

Meta abandoned its podcast feature in 2022, but bringing it back with in-app optimization and a dedicated app could solve major promotion challenges for podcasters.

Meta's algorithm has evolved beyond detailed targeting. Interest and behavior targeting are no longer essential for most advertisers, but there's one important exception.