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đź’ˇ SMALL BUDGET, BIG RESULTS!
Lead Gen on a Budget: How to Stretch $100 into a Month of Results
GM 💡 Welcome to another Lead Memo where we teach you how to get results even with a few pennies (or a little more)…
IN TODAY’S MEMO:
đź’ˇ Picking A Platform
đź’ˇ Small-Batch Testing
đź’ˇ Leveraging Organic Content
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ACTION PLAN
đź’ˇ SMALL BUDGET, BIG RESULTS!
Let’s talk about something that hits close to home for every business owner: working with a tight budget. Today, I’ll share how to stretch $100 into a month of results, just like I did when I was getting started.
I remember when I first started out, I had less than $100 to spend on ads and a million ideas I wanted to test. It felt impossible to make real progress with such limited resources. But over time, I learned that you don’t need a massive budget to get quality leads—you just need a smarter approach.
STEP 1: Pick A Platform & Stick To It
When I was starting out, I wasted a lot of money trying to run ads on every platform at once. It wasn’t until I zeroed in on one platform that I started seeing meaningful results. By focusing on a single channel, I could spend my limited budget more effectively and really learn what works on that platform.
Let’s say you’re targeting consumers—Facebook or Instagram might be your best bet because of their massive user base and targeting capabilities. If you’re in B2B, LinkedIn could be a better fit, especially for reaching decision-makers. The key is to go where your audience already spends their time and put all your energy into mastering that space.
Actionable Tip: Choose a single campaign objective—like lead generation, website clicks, or engagement—and make everything about that one goal. Don’t try to accomplish too much with one campaign.
Hack: Narrow your targeting to maximize your dollars. For example, I once helped a local bakery run ads targeting users within a 5-mile radius of their shop. The result? A steady stream of new customers for less than $3 per lead.
STEP 2: Test Creative In Micro-Batches
I’ve learned the hard way that no matter how confident you are in your ad idea, there’s no guarantee it’ll resonate with your audience. That’s why testing is non-negotiable. When you’re on a tight budget, you don’t need to test dozens of variations—just 2–3 well-thought-out options are enough to identify what works.
Start by creating variations of your ad that test one element at a time. For example, try different headlines, images, or calls-to-action. Maybe one ad emphasizes a discount, while another highlights a free resource. Run these micro-tests for a few days, then analyze the results to find your winner.
Actionable Tip: Start with at least two variations of your ad copy, visuals, or headlines. Use striking imagery and direct language to grab attention.
Hack: If you’re creating visuals yourself, tools like Canva are lifesavers. Templates make it easy to create eye-catching designs that look professional. Also, don’t forget to use action-oriented language in your ads—“Get Your Free Quote Today” or “Call Now for a Special Offer.”
STEP 3: Leverage Organic Content
When your ad budget is tight, pairing your paid efforts with organic content can stretch your results further. Ads are fantastic for quick visibility, but organic posts help build trust and nurture your audience over time. The two work hand-in-hand: your ads bring people in, and your organic content keeps them engaged.
One time, I worked with a boutique retailer running ads for a new product line. We noticed the ads performed much better when paired with organic posts showcasing the product in use—customer reviews, behind-the-scenes videos, and styling tips. The result? A 25% boost in click-through rates and lower ad costs because the audience was already warmed up by the organic content.
Actionable Tip: Share posts that align with your ad campaigns. For instance, if your ad promotes a discount, post a behind-the-scenes video about how your product or service solves a problem. It adds authenticity to your paid efforts.
Hack: Use your ad analytics to guide your organic strategy. If a specific type of ad creative performs well, replicate its style or messaging in your posts. Cross-pollinating ideas between paid and organic content maximizes your reach without additional costs.
Your Actionable Takeaway
Focus your spend on one platform and one campaign goal.
Test multiple ad creatives to find what works best.
Create organic content that aligns with your ad campaigns.
THANK YOU
MEMO CREWđź’ˇ
You don’t need a massive budget to generate leads—you need a focused, intentional strategy. With just $100, you can lay the foundation for a campaign that not only works but also teaches you valuable lessons about your audience and your business.
Don’t know where to start? Reply to this email and I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step!
Until next time,
Stefano
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