5 mistakes women make when running META Ads (and how to fix them)
Let’s be real. Running META ads can feel like stepping into a room full of flashing buttons, endless charts, and numbers that make zero sense. I know, because I have been there—throwing money at ads, hoping for results, only to feel like I was shouting into the void. If you have ever felt that way, you are not alone. And more importantly, you can fix it.
Here are five of the most common mistakes I see women making with META ads—and the exact shifts that can turn things around.
Mistake #1: Boosting Posts Instead of Running Real Campaigns
It is tempting to hit that little blue “Boost Post” button when META flashes it at you. It feels quick and easy. But here is the truth: boosting is not the same as running a real ad campaign. Boosting usually gets you likes or a handful of followers, but it rarely translates into sales or leads.
The Fix: Use the Ads Manager, not the boost button. Ads Manager allows you to choose real objectives, target your audience with precision, and track what actually converts. If this sounds overwhelming, do not worry. Inside The Ads Lounge I walk you through setting up campaigns step by step so you finally understand what you are doing
Mistake #2: Not Installing the Meta Pixel
This one breaks my heart because it is so common. Without the Meta Pixel, your ads are flying blind. You cannot track who is visiting your site, who is adding to cart, or who is ready to buy.
The Fix: Install your Meta Pixel as soon as possible. It is a free tool that lets you track your audience’s behavior and run smarter ads. When your Pixel is in place, you can retarget warm leads instead of starting from scratch every single time. If tech setups make your eyes glaze over, that is exactly where my mentorship inside The Ads Club comes in—I guide you through it so you are not stuck.
Mistake #3: Targeting Everyone Instead of Your Ideal Audience
I see women trying to target “all women ages 18–65” because they don’t want to miss anyone. The problem is, when you try to talk to everyone, you connect with no one. Your money gets spread too thin and your ads lose their impact.
The Fix: Get crystal clear on who you are speaking to. Think about her age, interests, struggles, and goals. When your ad feels like it is speaking directly to her, that is when conversions skyrocket. And if you are unsure how to define your audience, I cover audience building in Digital Wealth Academy, so you never feel like you are guessing.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Creative
Your ad creative—the image, video, or headline—is the first thing your audience notices. Too many women settle for blurry photos, long-winded text, or stock images that feel generic. If your creative doesn’t stop the scroll, it doesn’t matter how good your targeting is.
The Fix: Invest in scroll-stopping creative. That doesn’t mean hiring a big production team. It means creating content that feels authentic, clear, and aligned with your brand. I teach simple creative strategies in Passive Digital Mastery where you can even use faceless content that still converts.
Mistake #5: Quitting Too Soon
This one is emotional. Ads take time to optimize. I see women launch a campaign, panic when they don’t see results in two days, and shut it down. The truth is, your ad account needs time to learn and your audience needs time to respond.
The Fix: Give your campaigns space to breathe. META recommends at least 7 days of learning before making big changes. Track the numbers, adjust gradually, and remember: patience pays off. If you need accountability, I offer ad audits and personalized feedback inside my coaching sessions so you are never left second-guessing.
Final Thoughts: You Are Closer Than You Think
Running ads does not have to feel like gambling your money away. Once you fix these common mistakes, META ads can actually become a growth engine for your business. You deserve to feel confident every time you hit publish, knowing your strategy is clear and your results are building.