😒 My First Paid Ads: Zero Signups, Big Lessons

This is what “real” looks like.

Not everything I try works.
And that’s okay.

As entrepreneurs and creators, we can’t afford to wallow in self-pity (been there, done that) when something falls flat. The key is to try things instead of just wondering about them. Go for it, learn, adjust, try again. That’s the job. That’s the game.

Two weeks ago, I ran my first-ever Facebook and Instagram ads for Five Words In.
Lots of eyeballs. Plenty of clicks.
Zero signups.

Discouraging? Sure.
Deflating? A bit.
Derailing? Nope — still chugging along the tracks.

I’d always wanted to try paid ads, but never jumped in. Now I know how to:

• Build a landing page that’s built to convert.

• Design and deploy ads on FB & IG without hiring an agency.

• Measure what’s working and what’s just noise.

And while I didn’t add a single subscriber (still kinda hurts) to FWI from this campaign, it wasn’t a loss. I walked away with three “aha” lessons worth sharing:

1️⃣ Ads buy attention — not commitment
Clicks are cheap; trust is earned. Ads can open the door, but your brand experience has to invite people all the way in.

2️⃣ The gold is in the data
Even “failed” ads tell you exactly what images, headlines, and audiences grab attention — giving you ammo for next time.

3️⃣ You’re buying experience
Your first campaign is less about profit and more about practice. You’re paying for the skills and insights that compound in every future launch.

So no, my ad spend didn’t give me new members. But it gave me something I can’t lose: the ability to run my own campaigns anytime I want. And when my next business launches this month, you better believe I’ll be back in the ad game — smarter, sharper, and ready to test again.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering if ads are “worth it”… they just might be the quickest way to get in front of more people for less than you think.

Have questions about ads? You know where to find me, happy to help in any way I can. In fact… ⤵️⤵️⤵️

We’ll talk about what’s working/not working in YOUR business tomorrow (Aug 14) during out FWI Meetup from Noon-1pm CST right here: FWI Zoom Link

WOULD YOU, COULD YOU?

Would you be willing to share this newsletter with someone in your life who could use some inspiration, encouragement and support as they build/grow their business? Thanks! 🥹

Have a blessed day, friends! ~ Brent