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, Apprentice Advocate working 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.