Easy-to-Set-Up Adverts for Marketers with Little Experience

Simple, Effective Advertising Without the Headache

If you’re just starting out in marketing, or if the idea of setting up an ad campaign gives you a mild panic attack — don’t worry. You’re not alone. Digital advertising can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark while blindfolded… but it doesn’t have to.

In fact, some of the most powerful platforms have made it ridiculously easy to get started. Below, we’ll break down the easiest advertising routes for marketers who are still finding their feet, and how to make the most of them without needing a six-figure budget or a PhD in pixel tracking.

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Why Start with Easy Ad Platforms?

Let’s be honest: when you’re learning the ropes, you’re not trying to build the Mona Lisa of marketing campaigns. You just want something that:

  • Reaches your audience

  • Doesn’t drain your time or budget

  • Actually works

These beginner-friendly platforms are a great starting point because they guide you through the process and offer insightful data with minimal setup. So whether you’re promoting a product, service, podcast, or even your personal brand, here’s where to start.

1. Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram)

Meta’s Ad Manager is the Swiss Army knife of digital ads — but for beginners, the Boost Post feature is a far easier entry point.

Why it’s great for beginners:

  • You can boost a post in under five minutes.

  • It allows for detailed audience targeting (location, age, interests).

  • You can set a small budget and short run time to test the waters.

  • Both Facebook and Instagram are covered — two birds, one stone.

Quick Tip:

Use a post that’s already getting organic engagement. If it’s doing well naturally, boosting it can amplify the results.

2. Google Ads – Smart Campaigns

Google Ads is a powerhouse — but the full platform is like flying a fighter jet. Enter: Smart Campaigns.

Why Smart Campaigns work:

  • You don’t need to master keywords, bidding strategies, or ad extensions.

  • Google helps write your ad and suggests improvements.

  • It uses AI to show your ad in relevant searches and Google Maps.

Great for:

  • Local businesses

  • Service providers

  • Campaigns with specific calls to action (like phone calls or web visits)

Quick Tip:

Focus on writing a clear headline with a benefit. For example:
“Affordable Dog Training in Southampton – Book Now”
Don’t overcomplicate it.

3. TikTok Ads – Promote Feature

While TikTok’s main Ad Manager can get technical, the Promote feature (within the app) makes boosting content a breeze.

Why it’s worth trying:

  • It takes minutes to set up.

  • You can target by interest, gender, and age.

  • TikTok’s algorithm is known for its discoverability — perfect for new brands.

Ideal for:

  • Visual products

  • Events

  • Gen Z or younger Millennial audiences

Quick Tip:

Choose a video with high watch time or engagement. Use captions and keep your call to action simple (e.g., “Shop Now” or “Follow for More”).

4. LinkedIn Ads – Sponsored Content

LinkedIn is a bit pricier per click, but if you’re targeting professionals, B2B audiences, or students in specific fields — it’s gold.

Beginner-friendly format:

  • Boost any existing post directly from your company page.

  • Choose objectives like website visits or post engagement.

  • Ideal for promoting thought leadership, whitepapers, or events.

Quick Tip:

Don’t try to sell — offer value instead. Think:
“Free Guide: How to Land Your First Marketing Job”
Not:
“Buy our services!”


5. YouTube Ads – via Google Smart Campaigns

Video can be intimidating, but hear us out. If you’ve got a decent smartphone and a ring light, you’re in the game. And with Google’s Smart Campaigns, you can run simple video ads across YouTube without touching the complex tools.

Ideal for:

  • Driving brand awareness

  • Telling your story in 30 seconds or less

  • Retargeting website visitors (if you’ve set up tracking)

Quick Tip:

Keep your message tight. Hook the viewer in the first 5 seconds.
And no, you don’t need Spielberg-level production values. Authentic > Perfect.

Key Takeaways

You don’t need to be a digital ad ninja to get started. Focus on:

  • Choosing the right platform for your audience

  • Starting with boosted or promoted content

  • Setting a clear goal (awareness, clicks, conversions)

  • Testing with small budgets before scaling

Remember, even the best marketers once sat where you are — staring at a screen, unsure which button to click. The difference is, they clicked it anyway and learnt from the results.

So go on. Set your budget. Hit boost. See what happens. You might just surprise yourself.

Further Reading:

If you found this useful, check out our other beginner guides on Marketing Made Clear — or tune into the podcast where we break it all down with a healthy dose of banter and brutal honesty.