Boosting a Post vs. Running a Targeted Ad: Which One Should You Choose?
You’ve likely seen the “Boost Post” option pop up after one of your Facebook or Instagram posts gets decent engagement.
It’s a simple way to put some dollars behind your content, but is it really the best strategy? Or should you take the plunge into full-blown ad campaigns using Facebook Ads Manager? Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your business.
Boosting a Post: Quick and Easy but Limited
Boosting a post is a one-click advertising option designed for simplicity. If you want to get more eyes on a post without diving into advanced ad settings, this is the way to go. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Boost a Post?
- Simplicity: No need for advanced setup. Just pick your audience, budget, and duration.
- Quick Post Amplification: Great if you want more likes, shares, and comments on content that’s already performing well.
- Basic Targeting: Allows you to choose audience interests, age, and location but lacks deeper segmentation options.
Limitations of Boosting a Post
- Limited Ad Objectives: Boosting primarily focuses on engagement, reach, or website visits. If you need conversions or lead generation, you’re out of luck.
- Less Control Over Placement: You get fewer options for where your ad appears (e.g., Stories, Messenger, Audience Network).
- Not Ideal for Sales Funnels: If you’re running a strategic ad campaign, boosting a post won’t cut it.
Running a Targeted Ad Campaign: Full Control & Better ROI
If you want more than just engagement, a targeted ad campaign through Facebook Ads Manager is the better option. It requires a little more effort, but the payoff is worth it.
Why Run a Targeted Ad Campaign?
- Full Control: Customize your audience by age, location, interests, behaviors, and more.
- Multiple Placements: Ads can run across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and even external websites.
- Diverse Objectives: Whether you want brand awareness, website traffic, conversions, or lead generation, Ads Manager lets you choose a goal that aligns with your strategy.
- Advanced Analytics: Get insights on cost per lead, click-through rate, and return on ad spend (ROAS).
When to Boost vs. When to Run a Targeted Ad
Still not sure which one is right for your campaign? Here’s a quick guide:
When to Boost a Post
- ✅ Your post is already getting good organic engagement, and you want to expand its reach.
- ✅ You need a quick, low-effort way to increase brand visibility.
- ✅ You have a small budget and just want to test the waters.
When to Launch a Targeted Ad Campaign
- ✅ You have a specific goal, like increasing website traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales.
- ✅ You need detailed audience targeting and control over ad placements.
- ✅ You want to track performance in-depth and optimize based on results.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Strategy for Your Goals
Boosting a post is a quick and easy way to get more eyeballs on your content, but it has limitations.
If you’re serious about reaching the right audience and maximizing ROI, running a targeted ad campaign is the smarter move.
Need Help Choosing the Best Ad Strategy?
Not sure whether to boost or go full campaign mode? Let’s map out a paid ad strategy that aligns with your growth goals. Contact our team today!
