Facebook Ads for Beginners: How Therapists Can Grow Their Audience Without Wasting Money with Natalie Alaimo

Ever thought, “Facebook ads are just a fancy way to light my money on fire”?
If the idea of opening Business Manager, setting a budget, or seeing a giant $0 in your results column makes your armpits sweat, this episode is for you.

Today, I'm joined by Facebook Ads and Funnel Strategist Natalie Alaimo—the magical unicorn who actually makes ads feel doable (and dare I say, a little bit fun?).
With over a decade of real-world experience helping course creators, coaches, and service providers, Natalie’s here to spill the tea on how therapists can use Facebook ads to grow their audiences without blowing their budget or losing their minds.

We're pulling back the curtain on Facebook ads—what they really are, why they’re not as scary (or expensive) as you think, and how you can use paid ads to grow your programs, memberships, and impact in a way that actually feels aligned and strategic.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why Facebook ads feel terrifying for therapists (and how to reframe that fear)
• The biggest myths about running ads—and the truths therapists need to know
• How Facebook ads can actually feel ethical, intentional, and aligned
• The foundations you need in place before running your first ad (no guesswork!)
• How even a $5–$10/day budget can grow your audience and email list
• Why your funnel, messaging, and creative matter more than your targeting
• How to use ads to build visibility and nurture trust (not just sell)
• What it looks like to make your ad spend pay for itself (yes, really)

This episode is an invitation to see Facebook ads differently: not as a last resort or a "risky gamble," but as a powerful tool to help you connect, grow, and serve in bigger ways.

Whether you’ve been ads-curious for a while or you’re ready to stop relying solely on organic marketing, this conversation with Natalie will help you ditch the fear, demystify the tech, and finally feel confident pressing publish.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Join Natalie Alaimo’s Paid Ads Challenge to start running your first Facebook ads with confidence.
• Ready to create, sell, and scale your first online program? The Therapists Rising Incubator is where the magic happens.
• Connect with Natalie on Instagram - @natalie_alaimo
• Follow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly for therapist biz real talk, launch behind-the-scenes, and the occasional pep talk (or puppy photo).

*Disclosure: Please note this episode contains an affiliate link, and we may receive a small commission if you sign up for the Paid Ads Challenge using our link. However, we only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe in and/or use ourselves.