

Getting Started with Paid Media and Paid Search
Paid media—like search ads, display ads, and sponsored posts—can help you get in front of the right audience faster. But for startups, it’s easy to burn through budget without much to show for it.
This page covers the basics of paid media and paid search, so you can run smarter campaigns, spend intentionally, and get better results without wasting money.
Getting Started with Paid Media and Paid Search
Paid media—like search ads, display ads, and sponsored posts—can help you get in front of the right audience faster. But for startups, it’s easy to burn through budget without much to show for it.
This page covers the basics of paid media and paid search, so you can run smarter campaigns, spend intentionally, and get better results without wasting money.
Tips for your startup’s paid media and search strategy
(Click linked headings for guidance)
Paid Media Basics
- Define Your Goals
- Choose the Right Platforms
- Budget Wisely
- Create Compelling Content
Before diving into paid media, clearly define what you want to achieve, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales. Setting clear goals will help guide your strategy and measure success.
Depending on your target audience, you might focus on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Each platform has unique strengths and audiences, so choose wisely.
Start with a small budget to test your campaigns. Monitor performance closely and adjust your spending based on what’s working.
Your ads should be visually appealing and have clear, concise messaging. Strong calls-to-action (CTAs) are essential to guide your audience toward your goal.
Paid Search Essentials
- Keyword Research
- Ad Copy and Landing Pages
- Monitor and Optimize
- Track Your ROI
Identify the right keywords for your business using tools like Google Keyword Planner. Focus on relevant, high-intent keywords that your target audience is likely to search for.
Ensure your ad copy is compelling and aligned with the searcher’s intent. Direct them to a landing page that’s relevant, easy to navigate, and optimized for conversions.
Regularly review your campaign performance. Adjust your keywords, ad copy, and bids to improve results. A/B testing can help you determine what resonates best with your audience.
Use analytics tools to track the return on investment (ROI) of your paid search efforts. Understanding which campaigns deliver the best results will help you allocate resources more effectively.
Tips for your startup’s paid media and search strategy
(Click linked headings for guidance)
Paid Media Basics
Define Your Goals
Before diving into paid media, clearly define what you want to achieve, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales. Setting clear goals will help guide your strategy and measure success.
Choose the Right Platforms
Depending on your target audience, you might focus on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Each platform has unique strengths and audiences, so choose wisely.
Budget Wisely
Start with a small budget to test your campaigns. Monitor performance closely and adjust your spending based on what’s working.
Create Compelling Content
Your ads should be visually appealing and have clear, concise messaging. Strong calls-to-action (CTAs) are essential to guide your audience toward your goal.
Paid Search Essentials
Keyword Research
Identify the right keywords for your business using tools like Google Keyword Planner. Focus on relevant, high-intent keywords that your target audience is likely to search for.
Ad Copy and Landing Pages
Ensure your ad copy is compelling and aligned with the searcher’s intent. Direct them to a landing page that’s relevant, easy to navigate, and optimized for conversions.
Monitor and Optimize
Regularly review your campaign performance. Adjust your keywords, ad copy, and bids to improve results. A/B testing can help you determine what resonates best with your audience.
Track Your ROI
Use analytics tools to track the return on investment (ROI) of your paid search efforts. Understanding which campaigns deliver the best results will help you allocate resources more effectively.
When you understand how to use paid media and search effectively, you can drive real results—even as a one-person team. The key is staying curious, testing what works, and adjusting as the digital landscape keeps shifting.
When you understand how to use paid media and search effectively, you can drive real results—even as a one-person team. The key is staying curious, testing what works, and adjusting as the digital landscape keeps shifting.


Paid Media Resources
Online resources to help with your startup’s paid media strategy
Paid Media Resources
Online resources to help with your startup’s paid media strategy
Paid Search Resources
Online resources to kickstart your startup’s paid search strategy
Paid Search Resources
Online resources to kickstart your startup’s paid search strategy


Develop and manage your startup’s paid media and paid search
Develop and manage your startup’s paid media and paid search
Don’t let marketing slow you down—or drive you nuts. If you’re stuck, swamped, or just tired of Googling everything, Mathlete Marketing has your back.
Don’t let marketing slow you down—or drive you nuts. If you’re stuck, swamped, or just tired of Googling everything, Mathlete Marketing has your back.