Did I Waste Money on TikTok & Reddit Ads? S12EP16
The $300 Ad Audit: TikTok, Google & Reddit
Show Notes & Resources: Is it worth paying to boost your content? In this episode, Zulf shares the results of a $378 advertising experiment. We look at the raw data from TikTok’s “Promote” feature and whether the spike in views actually leads to long-term business success.
Beyond the ads, we dive into the “Director’s Mindset”managing the pressure to be constantly productive, hitting tax deadlines, and the specific podcast gear (Sennheiser, Roadcaster, Zoom H5) that powers a modern studio. If you’re planning your marketing budget for 2026, this is a must-listen.
Director’s Note: “I spent $110 in a single day on TikTok to hit 1,000 followers. Was it a waste? If I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t have learned the lesson to share with you.” Listen to the audio below.
Jump to the relevant section
The Ad Experiment Results
Listen to the Episode
Catch Season 12, Episode 16 on your preferred platform:
Listen Now on Podcast AppStudio & Strategy
Zulf discusses the infrastructure of a creative business.
Inside the Studio:
- Audio: Roadcaster Pro, Zoom H5, and M-Audio interfaces.
- Monitoring: Sennheiser headphones for acoustic accuracy.
- Content: Bulk-recording sessions to maintain a consistent release schedule.
- Marketing: Linking blog posts directly to podcast episodes for SEO longevity.
Coach’s Summary: Spending money on ads is a shortcut, but the gear and the content are the long game. Always have a clear goal (like live-streaming access) before hitting “Promote.”
Sovereignty Toolbag
Resources & Recommendations:
- Small Business Safari: A podcast by Chris Lalamoya and Alan Wyatt on scaling business.
- TikTok Promote: The specific function used for this $110/day experiment.
- ZulfTalks.com: Your hub for the full ad breakdown and resources.
Ready to Scale?
Whether you’re testing ads or upgrading your studio, do it with a plan. Join our mailing list for the “Ad Spend Blueprint.”
Get the Ad Blueprint →Episode Chapters
0:51 – Breaking down the $378 total spend
1:54 – Setting up the new podcast studio: Roadcaster & Zoom H5
2:31 – Year One Tax: The Jan 31st Limited Company deadline
3:13 – The Productivity Loop: Breaking away with “The Office”
4:31 – Podcast Pick: Small Business Safari
5:53 – TikTok Promote vs. Reddit & Google Ads
7:30 – The Follower Goal: Unlocking TikTok Live
