The Truth About Social Ads

Jason Smith is the Owner and CEO of Spotlight Social Advertising, LLC, a company specializing in creating high-converting social media campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Founded in 2016, the agency has grown to manage robust campaigns across various social media platforms, primarily focusing on e-commerce clients. Prior to his venture into digital marketing, Jason served as a Los Angeles police officer for 13 years.

When the stakes are life and death, every decision counts, and every detail matters. What happens when someone with that kind of high-pressure training takes on the world of digital marketing? Can lessons from the streets translate into results in the boardroom?

According to Jason Smith, a former law enforcement officer with extensive experience navigating the high-stress environments of Los Angeles, the answer is yes. He highlights that the skills developed on the job — like staying calm under pressure, attention to detail, and resilience — have been critical in building a successful marketing agency. That mindset has allowed him to create systems that consistently deliver strong results for clients. Jason also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and customer perspective, noting that his agency meticulously tests every version of ad creative rather than relying solely on platform algorithms.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, Jason Smith, Owner and CEO of Spotlight Social Advertising, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to talk about his journey from police officer to digital marketing expert. He shares how a near-death experience pushed him toward a new career, the moment he realized Facebook ads could be life-changing, and why his manual testing process gives clients an edge. Jason also provides insights into building trust with clients and the power of community.

In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads podcast, host Jason Smith sits down with Audra Brim, founder and CEO of Brim Media, to uncover the power of organic social media and why businesses can’t rely on paid ads alone. While paid advertising is a fast track to visibility, organic social media builds the long-term foundation for brand loyalty, engagement, and sustainable growth.

Audra shares how she transitioned from a paid ads-focused strategy back to a holistic approach that integrates organic social, email marketing, and paid media. She explains why organic content isn’t dead—in fact, it’s thriving—and how brands that skip organic are missing out on deeper audience connections and better ad performance.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Organic social media is the foundation—without it, paid ads won’t convert as effectively.

✅ A strong content strategy matters—posting without a plan won’t yield results.

✅ Engagement is currency—likes don’t pay the bills, but meaningful interactions do.

✅ Paid and organic should work together—businesses that combine both see higher ROI.

✅ Email marketing is still king—with a 41:1 ROI, it’s the highest-performing digital channel.

✅ The TikTok uncertainty—why brands need to diversify NOW before it’s too late.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your business really needs organic marketing, this episode is a must-listen.

🚀 Don’t leave money on the table! Learn how to balance organic and paid marketing for long-term success. Subscribe now and take control of your brand’s digital strategy. 🎧 #SocialMediaMarketing #PaidAds #OrganicGrowth #MarketingStrategy

“Paid ads might drive revenue, but organic engagement builds relationships—and relationships create lifelong customers.”

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

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Website

In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with professional wakeboarder and four-time world champion Sean Murray to discuss how social media has transformed his career and the wakeboarding industry. From VHS tapes to viral content, Sean shares his journey through decades of evolution in content creation, sponsorships, and brand-building.

As a professional athlete, YouTuber, and coach, Sean has leveraged platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to reach a global audience—far beyond what was possible in the days of DVDs and print magazines. He discusses how businesses and athletes alike can harness social media’s power to grow their influence and income while staying authentic and engaging with their audience.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The shift from traditional media (VHS, DVDs) to digital platforms (YouTube, Instagram).

• Why authenticity and consistency matter more than viral content.

• How businesses and personal brands can adapt to changing consumer behavior.

• The power of YouTube for education, brand awareness, and monetization.

• Why Sean left his long-time sponsor to pursue independent content creation.

Sean’s journey proves that embracing change is essential for long-term success—whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or business owner.

🚀 Want to grow your business with social ads? Connect with Jason Smith and his team to learn how to scale with precision.

“Social media changed the game—now we can reach people directly, no middleman required.”

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

Facebook

Website

In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with SEO expert Tyler from Session Interactive to uncover the crucial connection between SEO, paid social media, and business growth. While many businesses rely solely on paid advertising for quick wins, Tyler explains why SEO is the long-term strategy that builds sustainable traffic, brand authority, and higher conversions.

Tyler shares his insider strategies for making SEO and paid media work together, explaining how businesses can own their traffic instead of renting it. He breaks down the three pillars of SEO—on-page, technical, and off-page—and why content optimization, backlinks, and search engine-friendly websites are the secret weapons behind high-ranking brands.

Jason and Tyler also discuss the SEO myths that keep businesses stuck, the biggest mistakes companies make with paid media, and the realistic timeline for SEO success. If you’ve ever wondered how SEO can make social media ads more effective, why Google’s algorithm rewards certain brands over others, or how a strong content strategy can drive more leads, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• The biggest misconception about SEO and why it’s not just about keywords

• How SEO and paid social ads complement each other for long-term growth

• The role of backlinks, technical SEO, and user experience in search rankings

• Why relying only on ads without SEO is a costly mistake

• How brands can track SEO success without waiting years for results

🔊 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Truth About Social Ads—and if you’re ready to scale your business with the right mix of ads and SEO, share this episode with your team today!

“Running ads without SEO is like pouring water into a leaky bucket—fix the leaks first.”

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

Facebook

Website

In this special episode ofThe Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith dives into a lively discussion with agency experts Steve and Cassie about when hiring an agency is the best move to grow your paid ad strategy. Together, they tackle the big question: “Is it time to switch from in-house or an all-in-one agency to specialized experts?” With years of experience running successful ad campaigns, they share real-world insights into what makes or breaks paid ad success.

Key takeaways include:

• Why scaling effectively often requires specialized expertise.

• The pros and cons of in-house teams versus hiring an agency.

• Why “all-in-one” agencies might not deliver the best results.

• The critical role of trust and communication in building long-term partnerships.

• How understanding your MER (Media Efficiency Ratio) can revolutionize your ad strategy.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and hard-hitting truths about scaling paid ads. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a mid-sized brand, you’ll learn what it takes to create a laser-focused, results-driven paid ad strategy that gets real ROI.

Tune in to learn how to stop wasting time and resources on ineffective approaches and start scaling your business with confidence.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode—subscribe now and discoverThe Truth About Social Ads!

“You can’t be good at everything. If you want results, hire specialists who live and breathe paid ads every day.” - Jason Smith

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

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In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith welcomes ad copy specialist and Director of Creatives, Hugo, for a deep dive into the art and science of crafting high-converting ad copy. With over 18 years of experience, including seven years with Spotlight Social, Hugo brings his expertise to the table, revealing the strategies behind writing ad copy that grabs attention and drives results.

Hugo shares his journey from writing email and blog content to mastering the nuances of Facebook ads. He explains why Facebook ad copy demands a different approach—balancing simplicity, hooks, and a conversational tone that resonates with audiences. Listeners will learn about the critical role of research, understanding customer pain points, and creating variations to test and optimize ad performance.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of crafting hooks that stop the scroll and spark interest.

• How Facebook ad copy differs from other writing styles, such as blogs and emails.

• Practical tips for using emojis and creative elements to make ads feel organic.

• The value of research, audience insights, and testing multiple variations for maximum impact.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or agency owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your ad game. Don’t miss Hugo’s expert advice and Jason’s offer to share Spotlight Social’s onboarding templates.

Ready to transform your ad campaigns? Don’t miss this episode of The Truth About Social Ads! Subscribe now to gain insider tips, proven strategies, and expert guidance from Jason and Hugo. Your breakthrough starts here—hit that subscribe button today!

“Facebook ad copy is all about simplicity—if your audience has to read it twice, you’ve already lost them.”

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

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Website

In this engaging episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith welcomes Dr. Jeremy Weiss, co-founder of Rise25. The conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of building a successful podcast agency and reveals how to create a business development strategy that generates real ROI. Jeremy shares his unconventional journey from chiropractor to podcasting entrepreneur, offering insights on networking, collaboration, and the power of giving to others.

Listeners will gain practical advice on how to plan, launch, and sustain a business podcast that serves as a referral pipeline and positions them as authorities in their industries. Jason and Jeremy discuss the importance of consistency, how to identify the right content strategy, and why aligning passion with purpose is the key to long-term podcasting success.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Strategy: How a six-to-12-month podcast plan can transform your business development efforts.

• Value-Driven Content: Why focusing on others rather than self-promotion drives engagement on platforms like LinkedIn.

• Dream Guest Tactics: Jeremy’s “non-stalking stalking method” for securing high-profile podcast guests.

• Podcasting ROI: How to leverage episodes for time savings, client relationships, and professional credibility.

• Networking Gold: Tips on using events and introductions to expand your influence.

If you’re ready to explore the intersection of podcasting and business growth, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiring anecdotes.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Truth About Social Ads for more tips on scaling your business!

“Podcasting is not just about downloads; it’s about meaningful connections that open doors to opportunities.”

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

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In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Michael Nanula from Three Chord Bourbon for an insightful conversation about branding, scaling, and navigating the challenges of the spirits industry. Unlike other podcasts, Jason brings on a current client to explore their journey, providing listeners with a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Three Chord Bourbon has grown into a distinctive brand with a passionate following.

Michael shares the story behind Three Chord Bourbon, a brand born from Neil Giraldo’s vision to merge the worlds of music and whiskey. Listeners will hear about the company’s grassroots approach to marketing, the power of authenticity in a crowded market, and how partnerships and creative branding have helped Three Chord Bourbon stand out. From overcoming the challenges of launching a whiskey brand during COVID-19 to leveraging Facebook and Instagram ads for targeted growth, this episode dives into the practical and personal sides of building a successful business.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of aligning branding with a deeper mission.

• How targeted Facebook ads can amplify a brand’s reach and engagement.

• Why authenticity and transparency matter more than celebrity endorsements in niche markets.

• The benefits of full-funnel advertising to convert curious consumers into loyal customers.

• Insights into the creative process behind Three Chord’s standout packaging and collaborations.

If you’re looking to elevate your brand’s marketing game or just love hearing the intersection of music and entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to The Truth About Social Ads and leave a review! Want to grow your business with impactful social media strategies? Connect with Jason Smith and his team for expert advice and proven results. 

“Authenticity and genuine quality are what matter most in the whiskey industry, not celebrity endorsements.” - Michael Nanula

Learn more about Michael Nanula through the following links:

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Facebook

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

Facebook

Website

In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, Jason Smith dives deep into the critical topic of audience segmentation and explains why it’s a game-changer for successful ad campaigns. While it may not seem like the most exciting topic, Jason makes a compelling case for why audience segmentation is one of the most crucial elements in driving ad performance. Whether you’re running campaigns for eCommerce, lead generation, or any other business model, this episode is packed with practical advice for getting your ads in front of the right people at the right time.

Jason kicks off by reviewing the concept of full-funnel ads—discussed in the previous episode—and explains how audience segmentation works hand-in-hand with this strategy. He takes listeners through the three stages of the funnel: Top of Funnel (TOF), Middle of Funnel (MOF), and Bottom of Funnel (BOF), detailing what types of audiences belong in each. From lookalike audiences built from high-intent data to precise exclusions that avoid audience overlap, Jason breaks down the nuances of targeting that can elevate your return on ad spend (ROAS).

For marketers still grappling with the technicalities of audience building, Jason offers practical insights on using Ads Manager effectively to set up clean, non-overlapping segments. He also highlights common pitfalls—such as lumping different audience types together—and how they can lead to skyrocketing costs and poor performance. Whether you’re managing a $1,000 monthly budget or a million-dollar campaign, his step-by-step advice ensures you can make audience segmentation work for your business.

In the episode, Jason also tackles the myths surrounding the impact of iOS privacy updates on middle and bottom-of-funnel strategies. Contrary to what some marketers believe, these stages of the funnel remain highly effective when executed correctly. Jason shares his tried-and-true methods for crafting audience lists, segmenting days for optimal recency, and ensuring personalized engagement across all stages of the buyer’s journey.

Listeners will leave this episode with a clear understanding of why audience segmentation is indispensable, how to execute it correctly, and why this approach is far superior to relying solely on Advantage+ campaigns. If you’ve ever wondered how to better structure your ads for long-term success, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now to learn how audience segmentation can transform your ad campaigns and drive exceptional results for your business!

“Top of funnel is all about reaching people who’ve never heard of you. Keep it cold, keep it logical.” - Jason Smith

Key Takeaways:

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

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In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, Jason Smith dives deep into the concept of full funnel ads and why they’re essential for any successful ad strategy. Whether you’re in e-commerce, lead generation, or any other business that relies on digital advertising, understanding and implementing full funnel campaigns can make the difference between lackluster performance and exceptional results.

Jason breaks down the three key stages of full funnel advertising: top-of-funnel (TOF), middle-of-funnel (MOF), and bottom-of-funnel (BOF). He explains how each stage serves a specific purpose in the customer journey, from building brand awareness to nurturing engagement and ultimately driving conversions. Using real-world examples and insights from ad account audits, Jason highlights common mistakes brands and agencies make, such as over-reliance on Advantage+ campaigns and neglecting retargeting strategies.

One of the standout takeaways from this episode is the importance of tailoring your ad copy and creative to each stage of the funnel. Jason stresses that speaking to a first-time visitor the same way you would a repeat customer is not only ineffective but could also harm your brand’s credibility. He offers actionable tips for segmenting audiences, crafting personalized messages, and optimizing the frequency of your ads to avoid overwhelming or frustrating potential customers.

For listeners eager to level up their ad game, Jason provides a compelling case for why thinking like a consumer is key. He challenges traditional approaches, urging marketers to move beyond surface-level tactics and embrace a logical, customer-centric perspective. If you’re looking for practical advice to improve your ad performance and better align with your audience’s needs, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now to learn how full funnel advertising can transform your campaigns and deliver better results for your business. Don’t miss Jason’s expert advice and real-world strategies for scaling with purpose!

“If you’re not using top, middle, and bottom-of-funnel ads, you’re missing out on the customer journey.” - Jason Smith

Key Takeaways:

Learn more about Jason Smith through the following links:

Facebook

Website