Win With Paid Ads™ Podcast Episode #78: Client WIN with Amber DeSantis – Winning with Boudoir Photography
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Introduction to Amber DeSantis and Her Journey
In Episode #78 of the Win With Paid Ads™ Podcast, host Ashley Brock welcomes Amber DeSantis, a dedicated boudoir photographer based in Atlanta. Amber shares her inspiring transition from a 24-year career as a high school teacher specializing in art, video, and photography to pursuing photography full-time in 2019.
Amber DeSantis: “I just felt like I really wanted to pursue photography full time. So it was a little scary, you know, walking away from that...” (01:12)
Challenges with Advertising and Discovery of Ashley Brock
Amber recounts the initial success she had with online ads, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, around two years prior to the podcast, her ads ceased to perform effectively, leading her to seek solutions.
Amber DeSantis: “Then about two years ago, none of my ads were working anymore. And no matter what I did, nothing was working.” (01:56)
Her search led her to Ashley Brock through a friend's recommendation and attendance at one of Ashley's summits. Impressed by Ashley's expertise and personal approach, Amber decided to invest in Ashley's advertising strategies.
Amber DeSantis: “I learned so much about you and what you do, and you just really impressed me...” (02:54)
Mastering Paid Ads: From Struggles to Success
Amber discusses the transformation she experienced after engaging with Ashley's paid ads program. Initially hesitant, she recognized the necessity of mastering advertising to sustain and grow her business. Through Ashley's guidance, Amber gained clarity and became proficient in managing ads, transitioning from ineffective strategies to becoming an ads expert herself.
Amber DeSantis: “I gained, you know, so much clarity, and I feel like an ads expert now.” (03:27)
Ashley Brock: “You have to put in the work and the effort and the little bit of the pain to see the payoff.” (07:25)
Achieving Five-Figure Months and Consistent Lead Generation
Since implementing the strategies learned from Ashley, Amber has experienced significant business growth. She now enjoys five-figure months and is consistently booked out two months in advance. Her daily leads have surged, transforming her business landscape from months of stagnation to a thriving client pipeline.
Amber DeSantis: “I've been booking clients in and have had five figure months every month, which is Great.” (08:32)
Amber DeSantis: “This is attributed to my ads.” (10:22)
One of her notable successes includes the implementation of retargeting ads on Facebook, which have proven highly effective. Additionally, Amber has been leveraging video view lookalike audiences, expanding her advertising horizons further.
Effective Communication and Automation in Client Engagement
Amber highlights the importance of maintaining communication with potential clients through automated workflows. By sending personalized text messages to leads who have shown interest but haven't booked a call, she has increased engagement and fostered stronger connections.
Amber DeSantis: “I have an automation, a workflow setup where people will get a text message from me.” (10:37)
Amber DeSantis: “People are responding more to communication from me.” (10:22)
Overcoming Advertising Challenges and Optimizing Campaigns
Despite significant successes, Amber shares some challenges, such as receiving inappropriate inquiries when attempting to utilize direct messages (DMs) for her business. She and Ashley discuss the importance of precise targeting to ensure ads reach the intended demographic.
Amber DeSantis: “I tried it. It just doesn't work for my business. I get, for some reason, I just get people that are men, inappropriate.” (12:35)
Ashley Brock: “We need to look at your settings after this call because you shouldn't be getting men for those.” (12:51)
Scaling What Works and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Ashley emphasizes the importance of scaling successful advertising campaigns rather than constantly seeking new avenues. She advises focusing investments on what already yields positive results to maximize profitability and return on investment.
Ashley Brock: “The biggest thing and the biggest mistake that I feel like people make is when something's going well, just not spending more on that thing.” (14:45)
Ashley Brock: “What if you had one that drove 95% of the revenue? ... Let's just lean into that.” (14:50)
Amber concurs, noting the substantial traffic she continues to receive from her optimized Google Ads campaigns.
Amber DeSantis: “I'm definitely getting a lot of traffic from Google.” (15:32)
Creating Visually Compelling Ads: Tips from a Photographer
Given Amber's expertise in photography, she provides valuable insights into creating effective visual advertisements. Key tips include:
-
Lighting: Essential for high-quality visuals.
Amber DeSantis: “Honestly lighting is really important.” (16:43)
-
Professional Photography: Hiring a professional can elevate ad quality, though great content can also be achieved with a smartphone.
-
Negative Space: Utilizing blank or solid-colored backgrounds to make text and images stand out.
Amber DeSantis: “Negative space is just that blank, open space behind you.” (17:32)
-
Organization: Maintaining organized folders and clearly naming photo files to streamline the ad creation process.
Amber DeSantis: “Set up folders to make it easy for you ... name your photos what you want them to show up.” (18:09)
The Emotional Impact of Boudoir Photography
Amber delves into the profound emotional experiences of her clients during boudoir sessions. She emphasizes creating a safe and empowering environment where clients can embrace their vulnerability and rediscover their self-worth.
Amber DeSantis: “A lot of times there's tears involved because I think as women, we put so much pressure on ourselves...” (22:36)
Amber DeSantis: “A boudoir session is really more about the experience and the transformation that women go through...” (22:52)
Ashley shares her personal experiences with boudoir photography, highlighting the lasting emotional significance and the empowerment it brings to clients.
Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Ashley concludes the episode by acknowledging Amber's warmth and expertise, encouraging listeners to connect with her for their boudoir photography needs.
Amber DeSantis: “They can follow me on Instagram. Amber DeSantis Photographer or same website.” (24:52)
Ashley also promotes the Win with Paid Ads challenge for listeners eager to replicate Amber's success with their advertising strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Persistence in Advertising: Overcoming initial setbacks with ads can lead to substantial business growth.
- Importance of Clarity and Expertise: Gaining a deep understanding of advertising platforms is crucial for success.
- Effective Communication: Automated workflows and personalized messages can significantly enhance client engagement.
- Visual Quality Matters: High-quality, well-organized visuals are essential for compelling advertisements.
- Emotional Connection: Creating a safe and empowering environment fosters meaningful client experiences, especially in fields like boudoir photography.
- Scaling What Works: Focus investments on successful campaigns to maximize returns rather than continuously experimenting with new strategies.
For more insights and to join the Win with Paid Ads challenge, visit ashleybrock.com/challenge.