How to Create Ads That Get Results (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you've ever stared at a blank ad manager screen and thought, "Why is this so hard?"—you're not alone.

Running ads today feels like playing a rigged game. Algorithms keep changing. Targeting options disappear. And yet, one thing hasn’t changed: the most effective ads still speak directly to your customer’s problems.

Not vague problems. Not generic corporate buzzword problems.

I’m talking about the kind of problem your customer feels in their bones. The thing that keeps them awake at 3 a.m. worrying.

In this post, I’ll show you step-by-step how to:

• Pinpoint the problems that matter most to your audience.
• Turn those problems into click-worthy ads.
• Test and scale campaigns without burning money.

Let’s get started.

Why Problem-Based Ads Win Every Time

Imagine scrolling through your feed and seeing this ad:

“Frustrated that your team never understands the metrics that matter? Discover the simple toolkit that fixes reporting nightmares.”

Chances are, if you’re that person—frustrated, overwhelmed, desperate for clarity—you’ll stop scrolling.

That’s the power of great problem-focused copy. It mirrors your audience’s thoughts better than they can say them themselves. And when someone feels seen, they’re more likely to click, engage, and buy.

Key Insight: People don’t buy products. They buy relief from problems.

Step 1: Find the Problems That Keep Your Audience Up at Night

Before you even think about writing ads, you need to know your audience’s problems inside and out. Here’s how to get that data:

1. Talk to Customers. Don’t guess—ask. What frustrates them? What scares them? What do they wish they could fix right now?
2. Analyse Reviews. Go through reviews for your product (and competitors) to spot recurring complaints or praise.
3. AI Tools for Analysis. Use AI to scan forums, surveys, and support tickets for patterns.
4. Listen on Social Media. Facebook groups, Reddit, and X are goldmines for unfiltered feedback.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to emotional language. Words like “hate,” “stuck,” and “overwhelmed” are signals of high-intensity problems.

Step 2: Write Ads That Punch Your Audience in the Gut (In a Good Way)

Once you’ve nailed the core problems, it’s time to turn them into copy that makes people stop scrolling. Follow this simple formula:

1. Headline: Call out the problem. Example: “Tired of Guessing Which Ads Actually Work?”
2. Subheadline: Tease the solution. Example: “Get a Dashboard That Shows Exactly What’s Driving Sales.”
3. Body Copy: Show empathy, amplify the pain, and explain the fix.
4. Call to Action (CTA): Make the next step ridiculously clear. Example: “Try It Free for 14 Days.”

Golden Rule: The best ads make your audience feel like you get them. The worst ads make them feel like you’re selling at them.

Step 3: Test Your Ads Before Spending Big

Instead of gambling thousands of dollars on guesses, test multiple ad variations using impressions to find the winners. Here’s the process:

1. Create Multiple Variations

• Write 20–30 different ad headlines focused on different problems.
• Keep the format simple—plain text with no images works best for testing.

2. Launch Cheap, Impression-Based Tests

• Use Facebook or Instagram to run campaigns optimised for impressions.
• Start with $50–$100 per test. No need to go big.

3. Track Click-Through Rates (CTR)

• Run each test for 2–4 days and track which ads get the most clicks.

4. Double Down on Winners

• Take your top-performing ads and refine them.
• Add visuals or expand them into video once you know they resonate.

Step 4: Optimise Your Messaging Everywhere

Winning ad copy doesn’t just improve ads—it makes everything better. Once you know what works, roll it out across:

• Landing Pages: Match your copy to the top-performing ads.
• Emails: Repurpose winning headlines in subject lines.
• Product Messaging: Adjust your sales pages to reinforce the same themes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even smart marketers mess this up. Avoid these traps:

1. Overcomplicating the Message. Keep it simple. If you can’t explain it in one sentence, rewrite it.
2. Testing Too Many Variables. Focus on one thing—headlines—before testing images or offers.
3. Ignoring Data. Trust the results. Don’t stick to a “favorite” ad if the numbers say otherwise.
4. Quitting Too Early. Iteration wins. Most ads need tweaking, not scrapping.

Final Thoughts

Ads aren’t magic—they’re mirrors.

The best ads reflect your audience’s problems and make them feel seen. If you’re struggling to get traction, it’s not because your product isn’t good. It’s probably because your messaging doesn’t hit the right nerve yet.

But the good news? Tools like AI, cheap impression testing, and customer feedback make this easier than ever.

Follow this process, let your data lead the way, and watch your ads start pulling in customers who can’t wait to work with you.

Now go test some ads—and let the results do the talking.