What Makes a Great Paid Ads Subcontractor for Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn Campaigns
Running paid ads is one of the fastest ways to generate leads and drive growth—but it’s also one of the easiest ways to burn through cash if done wrong. That’s why many bootstrapped founders and small business owners turn to subcontractor Paid Ads Specialists to manage their campaigns.
But not all ad specialists are created equal.
If you’re hiring a freelance media buyer to handle your Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn campaigns, here’s what separates the average contractor from the ones who truly move the needle.
Why Hire a Paid Ads Subcontractor?
Paid ad platforms are powerful, but they’re also complex and ever-changing. Subcontractors offer:
- Expertise without a full-time salary
- Speed to market with campaigns
- Fresh perspective and industry insight
- Lower cost per acquisition (CPA) when optimized correctly
But to get results, you need the right person running the show.
The 7 Traits of a Great Paid Ads Subcontractor
1. Platform-Specific Expertise
A great subcontractor doesn’t just “run ads”—they specialize. They understand the nuances of the platform they’re managing, whether it’s:
- Google Search Ads (including keyword match types, extensions, and Quality Score)
- Facebook & Instagram Ads (audience segmentation, creative testing, retargeting)
- LinkedIn Ads (targeting by job title, ABM strategies, lead gen forms)
Red flag: They say they “do all platforms” but can’t show specific wins or certifications.
2. Data-Driven Mindset
Great ad specialists live in the numbers. They:
- Know how to set up conversion tracking and events (using tools like GTM, Meta Pixel, or LinkedIn Insight Tag)
- Monitor and optimize key performance metrics (like CTR, CPC, ROAS, CPA)
- Use split testing (A/B) to iterate and improve campaigns over time
Green flag: They proactively send reports and insights—not just screenshots.
3. Strong Strategic Thinking
The best subcontractors don’t just press buttons—they think critically about your business goals.
They’ll ask:
- Who is your ideal customer?
- What’s your unique value proposition?
- What’s the right funnel strategy for paid traffic?
They may suggest running a lead magnet campaign first instead of going straight for the sale—because they know cold traffic needs nurturing.
4. Solid Creative Judgment
Even the best targeting won’t work without scroll-stopping creative. Great ad specialists know:
- How to write strong headlines and ad copy
- What creative formats perform best on each platform
- How to collaborate with designers or use Canva/Figma templates
Pro tip: Ask for samples of previous ad creative and results.
5. Great Communication & Transparency
Paid ad campaigns evolve quickly. You want someone who:
- Communicates consistently (weekly updates are a must)
- Flags issues or opportunities early
- Explains what’s working and what’s not in plain English
Avoid “black box” freelancers who just say “trust me”—you want a collaborator, not a magician.
6. Experience with Your Business Type or Industry
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it helps if they’ve worked with:
- Similar B2B or B2C funnels
- Your vertical (e.g. SaaS, DTC, personal services, coaching)
- Similar audience targeting needs (e.g. geographic targeting, local service ads, etc.)
They’ll bring pre-tested ideas and reduce your experimentation costs.
7. Proactive Testing & Learning Mindset
A strong subcontractor won’t “set it and forget it.” They’ll:
- Propose new audience segments to try
- Recommend ad variations based on performance data
- Experiment with offers, CTAs, and landing page tweaks
Paid ads are never a “one and done.” The best subcontractors are always optimizing.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Paid Ads Subcontractor
Here are a few great interview questions to help you separate the pros from the posers:
- Can you show me 2–3 past campaigns and walk me through the strategy and results?
- What’s your process for onboarding a new client?
- How do you test and optimize creative?
- What tools do you use for reporting?
- Have you worked with a similar business model or budget?
Where to Find Great Paid Ads Subcontractors
Top places to start your search:
- Upwork – Search by platform specialization and past client reviews
- LinkedIn – Ask for referrals in your network or browse freelancers with media buying experience
- Facebook Groups – Try groups like “Facebook Ad Hacks” or “SaaS Growth Hacks”
- Fiverr Pro – Higher-end, pre-vetted freelancers
- Word of Mouth – Some of the best hires come from founder Slack groups, indie communities, or mastermind circles
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be the Ad Expert—Just Hire One
Paid ads can accelerate growth—but only if you have the right strategist behind the scenes.
A great subcontractor Paid Ads Specialist brings:
Tactical platform knowledge Creative and analytical thinking Clear communication Constant testing and improvement
Whether you’re spending $500 or $50,000 per month, investing in the right partner can mean the difference between frustration and fast growth.
