When I first started exploring ways to make money online, I tried almost everything—affiliate marketing, dropshipping, freelance writing—you name it. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, I was chasing the dream of financial freedom and flexibility. Fast forward to today, I’ve built a thriving six-figure online business that allows me to work on my own terms. But getting here wasn’t a straight path. It was filled with trial and error, learning from failures, and figuring out what works.
So when I came across Sarah Mae Ives’ No Fluff Ads Manager Program, it piqued my interest. As someone who has dabbled in various online side hustles before going full-time, I know the importance of finding a business model with real potential—not just hype. The promise of earning $10k+ per month as a Facebook and Instagram ads manager sounded intriguing, but I also knew that bold claims often come with fine print.
In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on the program—what it offers, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it’s worth the hefty $6,400 price tag. If you’re considering diving into the world of social media ad management or simply curious about Sarah Mae’s mentorship program, stick around. Let’s unpack whether this is the next big opportunity or just another overhyped course.
Table of Contents
- What is No Fluff Ads Manager?
- Who Created No Fluff Ads Manager?
- Who is No Fluff Ads Manager For?
- How is No Fluff Ads Manager Structured?
- Are No Fluff Ads Manager Students Getting Results?
- How Much Does No Fluff Ads Manager Cost?
- Praises for No Fluff Ads Manager
- Criticisms for No Fluff Ads Manager
- Should You Join No Fluff Ads Manager?
- No Fluff Ads Manager Alternative
What is No Fluff Ads Manager?
The No Fluff Ads Manager Program is a mentorship and training course designed to teach aspiring entrepreneurs how to create and manage Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns for businesses. The goal is to equip participants with the skills needed to build their own ad management agencies and earn a substantial income by offering these services. Sarah Mae Ives, the creator of the program, emphasizes that businesses rely heavily on advertising to survive and thrive, which makes ad management a highly in-demand skill.
The program covers everything from the basics of ad creation to advanced targeting strategies. It also provides resources like video lessons, live coaching sessions, Q&A opportunities, and access to a private Facebook group for community support. The idea is simple: if you can help businesses generate significant returns on their advertising spend (ROAS), they’ll gladly pay you thousands of dollars per month for your expertise. According to Sarah, with just a handful of clients, participants can earn $10K or more monthly while working 10–20 hours per week. While these claims are enticing, it’s worth noting that success in this field requires consistent effort, client management skills, and staying updated with platform changes.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Who Created No Fluff Ads Manager?
The program was created by Sarah Mae Ives, a Canadian entrepreneur who transitioned from a traditional 9-to-5 job into running her own Facebook Ads agency in 2017. Her agency quickly gained traction, managing tens of thousands of dollars in ad spend monthly and working with high-profile clients featured on platforms like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Good Morning America. Sarah has since scaled her business into millions in revenue and built a reputation as a mentor for women looking to start their own profitable ad agencies.
Beyond her agency work, Sarah is also the author of The No-Fluff Business: The 90-Day Guide to More Money, Freedom, and Purpose Online. While she’s earned accolades as a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, her book has received mixed reviews—some readers found it overly promotional rather than actionable. Nonetheless, Sarah’s success story and her ability to empower others through her mentorship programs have made her a recognized figure in the digital marketing space.
Who is No Fluff Ads Manager For?
This program is tailored for individuals who want to break into the world of social media advertising without prior experience. It’s particularly aimed at women and mothers seeking flexible work-from-home opportunities that offer financial independence. If you’re someone who enjoys working with numbers, analyzing data, and helping businesses grow through strategic advertising, this program might be appealing.
However, it’s not for everyone. The steep price tag of $6,400 means that participants need to be fully committed to making this investment worthwhile. It’s ideal for those who are serious about building a long-term business rather than dabbling in side hustles. Additionally, while Sarah claims the program is beginner-friendly, succeeding as an ads manager requires patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills—especially when dealing with clients.
In short, if you’re ready to dive into social media ads management as your primary business venture and are willing to put in the work to master this skillset, No Fluff Ads Manager could be worth considering. However, if you’re looking for passive income or less client-focused business models, alternatives like local lead generation might be better suited for your goals.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
How is No Fluff Ads Manager Structured?
The No Fluff Ads Manager Program is designed to guide participants step-by-step through building a Facebook and Instagram ad management business. It’s broken down into several modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of the process. Here’s an overview of the course structure:
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Module 1: Foundations of Facebook and Instagram Ads
Learn the basics of running successful ad campaigns, including how to set up ad accounts, understand the Facebook Ads Manager platform, and create effective ad copy and visuals. -
Module 2: Advanced Targeting and Strategy
Dive into audience targeting, retargeting strategies, and split testing to optimize ad performance for clients. -
Module 3: Client Acquisition and Onboarding
Discover how to find clients, pitch your services, and onboard them effectively to build long-term relationships. -
Module 4: Campaign Management and Scaling
Learn how to monitor ad performance, tweak campaigns for better results, and scale successful ads for maximum ROI. -
Module 5: Building Your Ad Agency
Get insights into creating systems for your business, managing multiple clients, and scaling your agency to six figures or more.
The program also includes live coaching sessions, Q&A calls, and access to a private Facebook group where participants can connect with peers and ask questions. While the course is comprehensive for beginners, some reviews suggest that it may lack depth for those with prior experience in digital marketing.
Are No Fluff Ads Manager Students Getting Results?
One of the biggest selling points of this program is its promise of high income potential. Many students have shared positive testimonials about their experiences:
- Some graduates have reportedly built successful ad agencies earning upwards of $10,000 per month, thanks to the skills they gained in the program.
- The supportive community and live coaching sessions are frequently highlighted as valuable resources that help participants stay motivated and on track.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Some students have expressed dissatisfaction with the program:
- A recurring complaint is the lack of personalized mentorship. Many participants feel that the guidance provided is too generic and that support during coaching calls can be slow or limited.
- Critics also argue that the program’s marketing creates overly high expectations. While some students achieve impressive results, others struggle to find clients or generate consistent income due to the competitive nature of social media advertising.
Ultimately, while there are success stories, it’s clear that results vary significantly depending on individual effort, skill development, and client acquisition strategies.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
How Much Does No Fluff Ads Manager Cost?
The cost of the program is $6,400, making it a significant financial investment. For those who cannot pay upfront, Sarah Mae Ives offers a payment plan divided into three monthly installments. Additionally, if you make a partial payment during your initial strategy call with her team, you may qualify for a $1,000 discount, bringing the total cost down to $5,400.
It’s important to note that there is a no-refund policy, meaning once you commit financially, there’s no turning back—even if you’re dissatisfied with the program. This has been a point of contention for some participants who felt that the course didn’t meet their expectations or deliver on its promises.
Given its high price tag and strict refund policy, this program requires careful consideration. It’s best suited for those who are fully committed to building an ad management business and confident in their ability to make the most of this investment.
Praises for No Fluff Ads Manager
Despite the criticisms, there are several aspects of the No Fluff Ads Manager Program that deserve recognition. Here’s what stands out:
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Comprehensive Training for Beginners
The program is designed to be beginner-friendly, offering step-by-step guidance on how to create and manage Facebook and Instagram ads. For someone new to digital marketing, this structure can be incredibly helpful. Sarah breaks down complex concepts into digestible lessons, ensuring participants don’t feel overwhelmed. -
Supportive Community
The private Facebook group is often praised as a valuable resource for networking and getting support. Participants can exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with others who are on the same journey. This sense of community helps keep motivation high and provides a space for troubleshooting challenges. -
Live Coaching Sessions
Sarah Mae Ives offers live Q&A sessions and coaching calls, which many students find beneficial. These sessions provide an opportunity to get real-time answers to pressing questions and learn directly from an experienced ads manager. -
Proven Business Model
The program focuses on a service-based business model that has high income potential. Managing ads for businesses is a skill in demand, and Sarah’s strategies have reportedly helped some students earn $10K+ per month. For those willing to put in the work, this can be a lucrative opportunity. -
Lifetime Access to Materials
Participants receive lifetime access to training materials, allowing them to revisit lessons at their own pace. This flexibility is ideal for those juggling other commitments or wanting to refine their skills over time.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Criticisms for No Fluff Ads Manager
While the program has its strengths, it’s not without flaws. Here are some of the most common criticisms:
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High Cost with No Refund Policy
At $6,400 (or $5,400 with a discount), the program is expensive, especially for beginners who may not yet have steady income streams. The no-refund policy adds significant risk, as participants cannot recover their investment if they feel the program doesn’t deliver on its promises. -
Overly Sales-Driven Content
Some reviews suggest that the program focuses more on selling the dream of financial freedom rather than teaching actionable strategies. Critics argue that Sarah’s marketing creates unrealistic expectations about income potential. -
Limited Personalized Mentorship
Despite offering live coaching calls, many students feel that the mentorship lacks personalization. The guidance provided can be generic, leaving participants to navigate challenges on their own. -
Unrealistic Income Claims
The marketing materials frequently mention earning $10K–$30K per month after completing the course. While some students achieve these results, others find these claims misleading, especially given the competitive nature of social media advertising. -
Challenges in Client Acquisition
Finding and retaining clients is one of the biggest hurdles in ad management. Critics point out that while the course teaches ad creation and optimization, it doesn’t adequately prepare students for the realities of client acquisition and relationship management.
Should You Join No Fluff Ads Manager?
Deciding whether or not to join the No Fluff Ads Manager Program ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to fully commit to building a Facebook and Instagram ad management business. If you’re someone who is ready to invest both time and money into learning a high-demand skill, this program could be a good fit. Sarah Mae Ives provides a clear roadmap for beginners, and the potential to earn a significant income by managing ads for businesses is real—if you’re willing to put in the work.
That said, there are some important factors to consider before jumping in. The cost is steep at $6,400, and the no-refund policy means you’ll need to be 100% sure about your decision. While the training is comprehensive for beginners, it may not go deep enough for those with prior experience in digital marketing or those looking for advanced strategies. Additionally, client acquisition—a critical part of running an ad management business—can be challenging, and some students feel the program doesn’t provide enough support in this area.
If you’re confident that social media ad management is the right path for you and you have the financial resources to invest, then No Fluff Ads Manager could be worth considering. However, if you’re unsure or looking for a more affordable way to start making money online, there are other options that might suit you better.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
No Fluff Ads Manager Alternative
If you’re looking for an alternative to No Fluff Ads Manager that offers flexibility, affordability, and a proven track record of helping people build successful online businesses, I highly recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate.
Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform designed to teach people how to make money online through affiliate marketing. Unlike No Fluff Ads Manager, which focuses solely on social media advertising, Wealthy Affiliate provides training on building websites, creating content, driving traffic through SEO (search engine optimization), and monetizing your site with affiliate programs. Here’s why I think it’s the best alternative:
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Affordable Pricing
Wealthy Affiliate offers a free starter membership with access to basic training and tools. Their premium membership costs just $49 per month (or $497 annually), making it far more affordable than No Fluff Ads Manager. -
Beginner-Friendly Training
The platform provides step-by-step training that’s perfect for beginners. Whether you have zero experience or some knowledge of online business, Wealthy Affiliate walks you through everything from setting up your website to earning your first commission. -
Diverse Income Opportunities
With Wealthy Affiliate, you’re not limited to one business model. You can promote products in any niche you’re passionate about and earn commissions from affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or private networks. -
Comprehensive Tools and Support
The platform includes everything you need to succeed: website hosting, keyword research tools, live chat support, weekly webinars, and an active community of entrepreneurs who are always willing to help. -
Proven Success Stories
Thousands of members have built successful businesses using Wealthy Affiliate’s training. While results vary depending on effort and dedication, the platform has consistently delivered value for over 15 years.
If managing ads for clients doesn’t appeal to you or if you’re hesitant about investing thousands of dollars upfront, Wealthy Affiliate offers a low-risk way to start building a sustainable online business. It’s how I got my start in affiliate marketing, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best platforms out there for learning how to make money online.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.