Thinking about offering ads management but feel like you’d need a PhD in Meta Ads to even get started? You’re not alone. Many freelance social media managers know that paid ads could be a game-changer for their business, but they hesitate because they assume it’s too technical, too expensive, or just too much work.

Spoiler: It’s none of those things (when you know what you’re doing).

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to confidently add ads management to your services without feeling like you’re drowning in data or wasting clients’ money.

What Services Can You Offer as a Freelance Ads Manager?

The beauty of ads management is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all service. You don’t have to offer full-blown ad strategy and execution right away—you can start small and build from there. Here are some ways you can introduce ads management into your business:

• Ad Audits: Reviewing a client’s past or current ad campaigns and giving recommendations.
• Ad Setups: Creating and setting up campaigns for clients who want to DIY their ads but need a solid foundation.
• Ad Management: Running, optimising, and tweaking campaigns on an ongoing basis.
• Ad Strategy & Consulting: Advising businesses on how to integrate ads into their overall marketing plan.

How to Price Ads Management Services (Without Undervaluing Yourself)

Social media managers often charge too little for their services, and ads management is where you can finally break out of the low-pricing cycle. Unlike organic content creation, the direct impact on revenue from ads directly is fairly easy to prove and because they can have a big impact, clients are willing to pay more for someone who knows what they’re doing.

Some pricing models to consider:

• Project-Based Pricing: A flat rate for setting up a campaign (e.g., £750 for setup + the first month of management).
• Monthly Retainers: Charging a fixed monthly fee for ongoing management (e.g., £1,500/month for full ads management), which increases the more the client spends on ads.
• Percentage of Ad Spend: Charging 10-15% of the client’s ad spend on top of a monthly base fee, which works well for higher budgets.

The Simple Way to Learn Ads (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

You don’t need to spend months watching YouTube tutorials or crossing your fingers that Meta’s Help Centre makes sense for once. The key to mastering ads quickly is following a proven process that works.

If you want to confidently add ads to your services, avoid common mistakes, and start running profitable campaigns for clients, learning from experienced ads managers is the smartest move.

Ads Manager Academy® was created by ads managers (us) for social media managers (you) – find out more here.