Ep 98: Stop Boosting Posts and Start Scaling Your Business With Smart Paid Ads with Britt Holmes
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In this episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast, Shauna Lynn Simon sits down with paid advertising strategist Britt Holmes for a grounded, no-hype conversation about what actually makes ads work. With nearly 14 years of experience managing millions in ad spend, Britt shares how she moved from corporate marketing to helping women-led and service-based businesses grow with clarity, ethics, and measurable results.
This episode challenges the common belief that ads are a quick fix. Britt breaks down what needs to be in place before spending a dollar, why boosting posts is costing business owners more than they realize, and how sustainable growth comes from strategy, not shortcuts. She offers a refreshing perspective on starting small, stacking wins, and choosing platforms that align with real buyer intent rather than vanity metrics.
Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of when ads make sense, how to avoid expensive mistakes, and why integrity matters more than trends in digital marketing.
If paid ads have felt confusing, intimidating, or disappointing, this conversation will shift how you think about growth. Share this episode with the woman in your life who has been thinking about running ads but is unsure where to start.
Timestamps:
(00:02) - (07:15): Meet Britt Holmes and why paid ads are often misunderstood
(07:16) - (08:59): What must be in place before investing in paid advertising
(09:00) - (21:53): Messaging, offers, and setting realistic expectations for ads
(21:54) - (29:43): Building sustainable momentum and choosing the right platform
(29:44) - 41:15): Ad budgets, DIY pitfalls, and long-term growth strategy
(41:16) - (45:15): What actually makes ads work and the biggest mistake to avoid
Resources:
Book Your FREE Coaching Assessment Call with Shauna Lynn: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/coachme
Learn more about the show: AboutShaunaLynn.com/podcast
Ep 41 - Crafting Brand Messages That Convert With Deb Mitchell: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/rwrb-podcast-episodes/crafting-brand-messages
Ep 74 - Get Flooded with Clients Without Ever Asking for a Referral with Stacey Brown Randall:https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/rwrb-podcast-episodes/get-more-clients
Ep 87 - Stop Chasing Followers and Start Building a Community that Converts with Emily Rosales: https://www.aboutshaunalynn.com/rwrb-podcast-episodes/build-a-community
Connect with Britt Holmes:
Learn more about Britt: https://www.meritmedia.com
Instagram (Britt Holmes): https://www.instagram.com/brittholmeslive/
Instagram (Merit Media): https://www.instagram.com/meritmediainc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-holmes-merit-media
About Britt Holmes:
Britt Holmes is the founder of Merit Media Inc and a paid advertising strategist who helps service-based businesses implement ethical, high-performing ad strategies with clarity, simplicity, and measurable results. With over a decade of experience managing ad campaigns and bringing big-brand strategy to small budgets, Britt emphasizes strong targeting, conversion-focused creative, and real business outcomes rather than vanity metrics.
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Interested in partnering with The Real Women Real Business Podcast? Learn more at AboutShaunaLynn.com/partner