Running your first sales campaign is a bit of a head scratcher for new brands. In this quick Help Hub article, we’ll break down the variables as to why new brands, especially small business brands, face many pitfalls and challenges related to audience engagement.
And by engagement, we’re going to focus on 1) engagement with the actual ads (clicks, video views) and 2) engagement on landing pages (time on page, conversion rates).
Here’s a quick list of those challenges and pitfalls as a headsup, and if you’re short on time, I’ve written a bullet key takeaway section for you.
The challenges and pitfalls:
- High bounce rates where you earn clicks but not website traffic.
- Good engagement from the ads but low engagement on the website.
- Low to NO conversions on landing pages.
- Ad policy issues.
Decoding Low Engagement: 5 Common Pitfalls
1. Lack of Brand Recognition
- Unfamiliar Brand Name: The brand name might not be instantly recognizable to potential customers, especially when compared to established brands.
- Limited Brand Awareness: Without significant marketing efforts or a strong social media presence, the brand’s visibility might be limited.
Together, these points explain why brand recognition and awareness are crucial for the success of sales ad campaigns.
Building a strong brand foundation through consistent marketing efforts is essential for new e-commerce brands or B2B brands to compete effectively and achieve their advertising goals.

2. Weak Value Proposition
If potential customers can’t quickly grasp what sets the brand apart or what specific benefits they will gain, they may not see the value in spending time or making a purchase.
This lack of clarity can result in lower engagement rates and fewer conversions from ad campaigns.
- Unclear Unique Selling Point (USP): If the brand’s unique selling proposition isn’t immediately clear, customers may not see the value in spending time on the page.
- Insufficient Product Differentiation: If the coffee offerings are similar to those of competitors, customers may not perceive a compelling reason to choose this new brand.

3. Poor Website User Experience
When a website takes too long to load, visitors often lose patience and leave before the page fully appears.
To start, look at the Pagespeed. Then get a pro to analyze the website for potential performance issues:
- Slow Page Load Times: A slow-loading website can deter visitors and lead to higher bounce rates.
- Cluttered or Confusing Layout: A poorly designed website can make it difficult for users to find information and complete desired actions.
- Mobile-Friendliness Issues: If the website isn’t optimized for mobile devices, it can lead to a poor user experience and higher bounce rates.
4. Ineffective Ad Targeting
- Incorrect Audience Segmentation: If the ads are not targeting the right audience, they may not resonate with potential customers.
- Irrelevant Ad Copy and Visuals: If the ad creative doesn’t accurately reflect the brand’s value proposition or appeal to the target audience, it may not drive clicks or conversions.
5. High Expectations Set by the Ad
Essentially, low engagement rates on landing pages could mean the ads are awesome, the product is not. And if the product is good, maybe the brand is not good (at least, not well-developed).
- Overpromising in the Ad: If the ad creates unrealistic expectations, customers may be disappointed when they visit the website and find that the reality doesn’t match the hype.
- High Bounce Rates: If visitors click on the ad expecting something extraordinary and then realize the product or service does not live up to the hype, they are likely to leave the website quickly.
- Customer Trust Erosion: When customers feel that the ad has exaggerated the benefits or features of the product, their trust in the brand diminishes.
With this list of 5 pitfalls and challenges for your first ad campaigns, what is a new brand to do?
Don’t worry, I got you covered.
Like white on rice.
First Steps To a Stronger Brand and Better Results from Sales Campaigns
Now that we’ve laid out the challenges and pitfalls of running your first sales campaigns, let’s explore the solutions.
Trust me when I say, these are not unproven. In fact, dozens of recent client case studies revealed this works.
But it takes time, investment, and effort.
Strengthening Brand Awareness
First and foremost, strengthening brand awareness is crucial. Investing in social media marketing and influencer partnerships can significantly boost your brand’s visibility. Additionally, utilizing targeted advertising campaigns can help you reach the right audience more effectively. Creating high-quality content, such as blog posts and videos, is also essential, as it can educate and engage potential customers, making them more likely to explore your website and products.
See More:
User Experience
Enhancing the website user experience is another key aspect to focus on. Optimizing website speed and performance ensures that visitors have a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience. Improving website design and navigation can make it easier for users to find what they are looking for and encourage them to stay longer. Creating a strong brand story and value proposition can help differentiate your brand from competitors. Offering exclusive promotions and discounts can also entice visitors to return and make repeat purchases.
See More:
- These Missed Website Basics Can Cost Thousands of Dollar if Skipped
- It’s the Sales Page that is Responsible for Conversions
Audience Targeting and Copywriting
Finally, refining ad targeting and creative is critical to the success of your campaigns. Using data-driven insights can help you identify the most effective target audience for your ads. Creating compelling ad copy and visuals that highlight your brand’s unique selling points can capture the attention of potential customers. Testing different ad formats and messaging can help you determine what works best for your audience and optimize your campaigns for better results.
See More:
- How Audience Targeting, Advertising, and Sales Processes Connect
- Optimizing Business Offerings Based on Audience Insights from Competitors
