We get it — running digital ads can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might be asking yourself, “Is this really working? Should I stop and rethink my strategy?” 

But before you hit that pause button, here’s why we think keeping those ads live could be the best decision for your business.

What to Think About Before Pausing Your Ads

1. Your Audience Isn’t Going Anywhere

You’ve noticed it, right? People are glued to their screens. 

Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, Googling local services, or watching dog videos on Facebook, your audience is out there.

If you’re not showing up, someone else is.

The stats don’t lie: Facebook and Instagram have over 3.8 billion active users (yep, with a b), and half a billion people check Instagram every day. Meanwhile, 8 out of 10 people turn to search engines like Google to find products or services.

Running ads is like opening a shop in the busiest part of town at peak hours — except you’re not just relying on foot traffic; you’re reaching everyone who’s already interested in what you do. 

Take the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, for example. Using targeted Google Ads to promote their Snow Ball event, they reached more than 100,000 people within a 50-mile radius of Brookings, S.D. during the month leading up to the event. This resulted in a 55% increase in traffic to their website and 250 ticket sales!

That’s the kind of impact you can achieve by staying active with your ads and keeping them in line with your overall strategy. 

2. You Can Talk Directly to the People Who Matter

Here’s what’s awesome about digital ads: you’re not shouting into the void hoping someone hears you. These platforms are built to find your ideal audience and show them your stuff.

Whether you want to target people in your neighborhood or someone searching for exactly what you sell, you can customize your ads to hit the right people at the right time.

Plus, even if someone’s not ready to buy right now, your ad keeps you on their radar. And when the time comes, guess who they’ll think of? (Spoiler: It’s you!)

Menholt Auto Group, for example, targeted higher-populated areas near them, turning previously overlooked rural regions into top-selling locations!

How Your Business Can Use GeoFencing

3. You Can See What the People Want

One of the best parts of digital ads? They’re not a guessing game.

You can track everything — from who’s clicking your ads to what they’re buying to how often they’re coming back.

And if something isn’t working? You can tweak it. No waiting weeks to see if your changes worked — you can make adjustments and see results pretty much instantly.

Bottom line: you’re always in control of your budget and your results.

4. Your Competition Isn’t Taking a Break

You know what your competitors are doing, right? Likely, running digital ads. 😉 

Did you know 60% of marketers say paid ads are one of their top ways to drive traffic? Google Ads alone owns 80% of search engine ad traffic, so if you’re not there, you’re leaving the door wide open for your competitors to scoop up your customers.

Running ads consistently helps you stay relevant and remind people that you’re still here, doing your thing, and ready to help.

5. You Have More Flexibility

The best part about digital ads? You can change them anytime. Want to test a new audience? Shift your budget? Try out a fun new trend? Go for it.

Unlike other types of advertising, digital ads let you experiment without locking you into a long-term plan. Small tweaks — like updating your targeting or swapping out a headline — can make a huge difference.

So instead of stressing about what isn’t working, focus on what can work. You’ve got the tools to make your ads better every single day.

[Case Study] Google, Bing and Facebook Ads Boost Used Car Dealership’s First Year

Let’s Keep It Real

Pausing your ads might feel tempting, but here’s the truth: consistency is everything. 

Digital ads aren’t just about getting quick sales; they’re about staying visible, building trust, and being ready when your audience is.

So maybe don’t hit pause. Lean in, test things out, and keep showing up. Your audience is waiting — and your competitors are hoping you’ll step back.

Thinking About Hitting Pause on Your Ads? Let’s Talk First.

Our team specializes in helping businesses make the most of their digital ad campaigns, making sure they stay impactful and cost-effective. 

From fine-tuning targeting to tracking ROI, we’ll help you keep your ads running strong.

Reach out today to get a custom digital marketing proposal, and let’s make sure your ads are doing exactly what they’re meant to: driving results.

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