Paid marketing, also known as paid advertising, is a strategy where businesses invest money to promote their products or services. It encompasses various channels, including search engines, social media, display networks, and more. The core idea is to reach a targeted audience by purchasing ad space or placements.

Popular paid marketing methods include pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, where advertisers pay a fee each time their ad is clicked; social media ads, which appear on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; and display ads, which are visual ads shown on websites. Additionally, businesses might use retargeting, which involves showing ads to users who have previously interacted with their brand.

The benefits of paid marketing include precise targeting, measurable results, and the ability to generate immediate traffic and leads. By setting specific budgets and goals, businesses can track the performance of their campaigns and optimize them for better ROI. Effective paid marketing requires understanding the target audience, crafting compelling ad content, and choosing the right platforms to ensure that the investment translates into tangible business results.