
 The Art of Online Course Creation #49 Meta Ads That Actually Build an Audience with Zach Spuckler
You’ve got a course. You’ve got testimonials. But no one’s seeing it.
If you’ve ever felt like your incredible offer is just sitting in a corner of the internet gathering dust, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Zach Spuckler, marketing strategist and host of Not Your Average Online Marketing Podcast, who pulls back the curtain on what actually works when it comes to running Meta ads to build your audience and grow your course-based business.
Zach brings 10+ years of experience and breaks down the difference between ads that waste money and ads that grow an email list of the right people - without needing a $10K funnel or a million views.
We get into the realistic starting budgets, how to know if your leads are quality, when to DIY and when to hire, and why the long game is your best bet.
🔍 In this episode:
- Why boosting a post is not the same as running an ad, and what to do instead
 - The three types of ads (and why course creators should start with lead gen)
 - How to tell if your ad leads are actually worth the money
 - A behind-the-scenes look at real numbers: ad spend, list size, conversion windows
 - When it’s too early to hire an agency, and what to know before you do
 - Why email lists beat social media algorithms when it comes to selling your course
 - What not to believe about $37 funnels and the myth of passive income
 
📌 Mentioned in the episode:
- Zach’s Bootcamp – A 5-day experience for creating your first Meta ad campaign
 - Not Your Average Online Marketing Podcast – Zach’s podcast, including his take on the passive income myth
 - The Build Lab – Shannon’s community for course creators who want to build high-quality, high-impact programs
 - Zach Spuckler on Instagram
 - Zach's website - Heart Soul Hustle
 
🎧 Listen now if you’re:
- Wondering whether ads are worth it (especially with a small list or tight budget)
 - Tired of being invisible online and want to build a consistent audience
 - Thinking about hiring help but aren’t sure if you’re ready
 - Curious about how real course creators use ads to grow their email list and community
 
Your course deserves to be seen. This episode will help you get it in front of the people who need it without wasting your time or money.
➡️ Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tag @shannonlboyer with your biggest takeaway!
Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.
To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.
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This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co
