Beginner’s Checklist

Start Smart: The Beginner’s Digital Checklist

Your digital advertising journey starts here. This simple, no-fluff checklist will walk you through your first steps—from setting your goals to launching your first ad. No jargon. Just action.

Tips on How to Use It:

Set Your Goal

Set Your Goal

What do you want your ad to do?

  1. Drive traffic to your website?
  2. Get phone calls?
  3. Increase online sales?
  4. Build awareness?

This helps you pick the right campaign type.

Define Your Audience

Define Your Audience

Who should see your ad?

  1. Location (e.g. Toronto, nationwide)
  2. Interests or search terms
  3. Age, gender, job title
  4. Past behaviour (visited your website)

Targeting helps your ad reach the right people.

Choose Where to Show Your Ad / Pick your platform(s)

Choose Where to Show Your Ad / Pick your platform(s)

Google (Search/Text ads/Display ads)

  1. Facebook / Instagram (Image & Video ads)
  2. LinkedIn (B2B targeting)
  3. TikTok or Pinterest (Visual storytelling)
  4. Or directly on Canadian publisher sites via IAB Canada Media Directory

Choose where your audience spends time.

Create Your Ad

Create Your Ad

Make it short, clear, and visual.

  1. Image or Video
  2. Headline & short message
  3. Call to action (e.g. “Shop Now” or “Call Today”)

Your ad needs to stop the scroll and speak to your audience’s needs.

LAUNCH, Track, Improve

LAUNCH, Track, Improve

Go live and monitor your results:

  1. Impressions = How many saw it
  2. Clicks = Who interacted
  3. Conversions = Who took action
  4. Cost = What you’re paying for each result

Check what’s working. Tweak your message, budget, or audience as needed.

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