Paid ads · 6 min read
Running paid ads as a young marketer: what to charge, how to deliver
A young UK marketer's guide to running Meta and Google Ads for clients - pricing, scope, reporting and how to actually deliver ROI.
By Jack Frampton, Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 10 July 2026
Paid ads pay better than almost any other young-marketer skill because outcomes are legible. Here's how I structure engagements.
Pricing that scales
Management fee: 15–20% of spend, minimum £500/month. Setup fee: £500–£1,500. Below £5k/month spend, charge a flat retainer instead.
Scope patterns
One platform, one funnel, one primary conversion. Avoid the "run everything" trap - it dilutes attention and creative quality.
Creative is the lever
In 2026 targeting is largely automated. Winning accounts win on creative. Ship 3–5 new creatives every 2 weeks.
Reporting that clients read
One-page monthly: spend, leads, cost-per-lead, ROAS, and one paragraph on what changed. Nobody reads 40-page PDFs.
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I charge to run Meta Ads as a young marketer?
- 15–20% of spend or £500–£2,000/month flat, depending on complexity.
- Which platform is easiest to start with?
- Meta Ads - faster feedback loop, cheaper testing, more forgiving.
- How do I get paid ad clients?
- Case studies, LinkedIn content, and referral from your first 2–3 wins.
- Do I need a Google Ads certification?
- Helpful but not required. Portfolio and case studies close deals; certifications get past the first filter.
Explore more on this site
- Apprenticeship Hub →Free mentoring, vacancy help and guides for school leavers, parents and employers.
- Marketing Portfolio →Campaign design, sports graphics, editorial work and photography from Queen's College, Taunton.
- Video →Behind the scenes video and short-form apprenticeship content.
- About Jack Frampton →Marketer, apprenticeship advocate and Taunton keynote speaker.
About the author
Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Apprenticeship advocate
Jack Frampton is a marketer at Queen's College, Taunton, working across digital marketing, SEO, design, content and photography. He came through the apprenticeship route himself, founded the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening and speaks in schools across Somerset and the South West about apprenticeships as a route into marketing. He offers free mentoring for school leavers, parents and employers.
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