Marketing Matters with Ashley Brock – Episode #43: Do You Deserve a Badge of Honor for Not Running Ads
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Introduction
In Episode #43 of the Marketing Matters podcast, host Ashley Brock delves into a provocative topic: whether business owners deserve a "badge of honor" for growing their businesses without utilizing paid advertising. Throughout the episode, Ashley challenges the conventional wisdom that organic growth alone is sufficient, advocating instead for the strategic use of ads to amplify business reach and success.
The Badge of Honor: A Double-Edged Sword
Ashley opens the discussion by questioning the notion of earning a "badge of honor" for avoiding paid ads. She argues that abstaining from advertising isn't necessarily a mark of strength or proficiency but might instead signify complacency or fear of the unknown.
"Is it a Badge of honor for not doing the hard thing? Or is it a badge of honor for actually doing the hard thing and actually letting go of the money and having belief in yourself and making bets and having an abundance mindset that's actually more brave?"
— Ashley Brock [15:30]
She emphasizes that true bravery lies in the willingness to invest in paid ads, embracing the uncertainties that come with spending money without an immediate guarantee of success.
The Power and Necessity of Paid Advertising
Ashley underscores the critical role of paid advertising in making a business "findable" to the right audience. She posits that no matter how excellent your service or product is, without effective marketing, especially through ads, competitors can easily overshadow you.
"Because the best Realtor, the best interior designer, the best boutique owner, influencer, or local service provider does not win. The best marketer wins."
— Ashley Brock [02:45]
She draws an analogy comparing paid ads to modern transportation methods, suggesting that relying solely on organic growth is akin to walking when a carriage could get you to your destination faster and more efficiently.
Overcoming Psychological Barriers
Delving deeper, Ashley addresses the psychological hurdles that prevent business owners from embracing paid advertising. She identifies several human emotions that contribute to resistance:
- Fear of Being Outdone: Worries that competitors might surpass you if they adopt effective advertising strategies.
- Fear of Failure: Anxiety about investing money in ads only to see no return.
- Envy: Resentment towards those who succeed through paid ads, questioning your own methods.
- Fear of Losing Excuses: Concern that others' success might invalidate your own reasons for avoiding ads.
"Fear of losing their excuses. It says, people may be afraid that someone else's success will invalidate their own excuses for not pursuing your dreams."
— Ashley Brock [38:10]
She encourages listeners to recognize these emotions and push beyond them, emphasizing that embracing paid advertising can lead to substantial business growth and visibility.
Personal Stories and Analogies
Ashley shares personal anecdotes to illustrate her points, making the discussion relatable and impactful. One such story involves her husband's struggle with yard maintenance, contrasting manual labor with more efficient methods like using a sprinkler system and fertilizer.
"Just because something is different that you don't understand that's foreign, does not mean that it is not still hard work. I mean, honestly, ads is work. Getting the fertilizer, paying for the sprinkler system, all of that whole, you know, setting the timers, it's all still work."
— Ashley Brock [55:20]
This analogy serves to highlight that while paid advertising requires effort and investment, it ultimately leads to better and faster results compared to relying solely on organic methods.
The Power of Community and Support
Throughout the episode, Ashley emphasizes the importance of community and support when navigating the challenges of paid advertising. She shares her experience with the Power of Paid Ad Summit, highlighting how it not only provides strategic insights but also fosters meaningful relationships among like-minded business owners.
"I FaceTimed one of my good friends today... And she started crying. She's like, this is like, when you're dating. I was like, this is how I feel."
— Ashley Brock [18:00]
Ashley underscores that participating in such communities can offer both professional guidance and emotional support, making the journey of implementing paid ads less daunting and more rewarding.
Invitation to the Power of Paid Ad Summit
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to promoting the upcoming Power of Paid Ad Summit. Ashley invites listeners to join the event, highlighting the immense value it provides in terms of learning effective advertising strategies and building lasting professional relationships.
"It could be the very thing that you look back and say, that was the moment, the experience that changed everything for me."
— Ashley Brock [12:50]
She shares her personal excitement and the transformative impact the summit has had on her own business, encouraging listeners to seize the opportunity to enhance their marketing efforts.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In wrapping up the episode, Ashley reiterates the importance of moving beyond the comfort zone of organic growth and embracing paid advertising as a strategic tool for business expansion. She encourages listeners to reflect on their marketing strategies and consider integrating paid ads to achieve their business goals more effectively.
Additionally, Ashley invites her audience to engage with her by sharing topics they’d like to hear about on the podcast and emphasizes the significance of community feedback and support.
"Please share a review if it's been helpful for you. It just really means a lot as we work to grow this business and get this message out to so many women who, in my opinion, cannot afford to not be found."
— Ashley Brock [60:15]
Conclusion
Episode #43 of Marketing Matters with Ashley Brock serves as a compelling argument against the glorification of organic growth alone. By dissecting the psychological barriers and illustrating the tangible benefits of paid advertising, Ashley empowers small business owners to make informed and courageous marketing decisions. Whether you're hesitant about investing in ads or seeking to optimize your current strategies, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation to elevate your business's marketing game.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Paid Advertising: Moving beyond organic growth is essential for making your business visible to the right audience.
- Overcome Psychological Barriers: Recognize and address fears and envy that hinder your investment in ads.
- Value of Community: Engaging with supportive communities like the Power of Paid Ad Summit can provide both strategic insights and emotional support.
- Continuous Learning: Success in advertising requires consistent effort, refinement, and willingness to adapt strategies.
Join the Conversation:
Ashley Brock invites listeners to participate by sharing their experiences, providing feedback, and suggesting topics for future episodes. Engage with her on Instagram or via email at Info@AshleyBrock.com to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and enhance your marketing journey.
Stay Connected:
- Podcast Title: Marketing Matters with Ashley Brock
- Episode: #43: Do You Deserve a Badge of Honor for Not Running Ads?
- Host: Ashley Brock
- Release Date: October 24, 2024
For more insights and updates, subscribe to the Marketing Matters podcast and join the Power of Paid Ad Summit to transform your business's marketing strategy today.