Why Facebook Ads "one up" Boosted Posts Every Time

Maximise Your Social Media ROI with a Strategic Approach to Facebook Advertising

When it comes to promoting your business on social media, hitting the "Boost" button on a Facebook post might feel like a quick win. It’s easy, instant, and gives you that little dopamine hit of “I did marketing today!” But here’s the truth: while boosting a post might give your content a gentle nudge, running a proper Facebook Ads campaign is like giving it a turbo-charged push in the right direction. Don't believe us - just take a look at the image below.....

Facebook Ads vs. Boosted Posts: What’s the Difference?

Imagine you’re fishing. Boosting a post is like throwing a line into the water with a piece of bread on the hook—you might catch something, but it’s mostly down to luck. Running Facebook Ads, on the other hand, is like using a top-of-the-line fishing rod with the perfect bait, a depth finder, and a pro fisher guiding you to the best spot. You’re not just hoping for a nibble—you’re strategically setting yourself up to catch the big one.

1. Advanced Targeting: Aim at the Right Audience 

How Facebook Ads Help You Reach Your Ideal Customers 

When you boost a post, you get a few basic targeting options. But with Facebook Ads? The possibilities are almost endless. You can create custom audiences based on specific behaviors—like people who’ve visited your website or engaged with particular content. Plus, you can build lookalike audiences to find more people just like your best customers.

Real-world example: Imagine you own a fitness studio in Auckland. With advanced targeting, you could zero in on locals who are already into fitness topics, gyms, or even specific exercise programs. Instead of casting a wide (and expensive) net, you’re only reaching those who are most likely to book a class.

2. Varied Ad Formats: Get Creative with Your Content 

The Benefits of Carousel and Video Ads 

A boosted post is just that—one post, pushed a bit further. But with Facebook Ads, you can go wild with creativity! Carousel ads let you showcase multiple products, and video ads can tell your brand’s story in a way that static images simply can’t. The sky’s the limit!

Real-world example: If you’re running a restaurant, imagine a carousel ad showing off different dishes, each with its own call to action. One ad, many chances to make your audience’s mouth water.

3. Tailored Campaign Objectives: Focus on What Really Matters 

Aligning Facebook Ad Campaigns with Your Business Goals 

When you boost a post, you’re usually just aiming for likes, comments, or shares. But what if your goal is to drive sales, generate leads, or boost website traffic? Facebook Ads let you set specific objectives that align with your actual business goals—so every dollar you spend is working towards a bigger purpose.

Real-world example: An online store could set up an ad with a “conversion” objective, aiming to turn clicks into actual purchases. A simple boost could never offer that level of impact.

4. Custom Ad Placements: Show Up Where It Matters 

Expand Your Reach Beyond the Facebook Feed 

Boosting a post mostly keeps your content on the Facebook feed, but Facebook Ads let you explore beyond that. Your ads can appear on Instagram, in Messenger, and even across the Facebook Audience Network—meaning you can reach people wherever they’re hanging out online.

Real-world example: A beauty brand might choose to shine on Instagram Stories, while a B2B service could thrive through the Facebook Audience Network’s more niche placements.

5. Optimisation and Tracking Tools: Work Smarter, Not Harder 

How Facebook Ads Provide Better Insights and Control 

The best part about Facebook Ads? You get real, in-depth analytics and optimisation tools. You can track how many people clicked through to your site, how many purchases were made, and even adjust your campaigns in real-time. A boosted post? Not so much.

Real-world example: One of our small business clients discovered through ad tracking that their video ads resonated best with a specific age group. We adjusted their campaign, and their return on investment skyrocketed.

The Empower Your Social Difference: We Make Ads Work for You 

At Empower Your Social, we know that running Facebook Ads can feel a bit like trying to read an instruction manual in a different language. But you don’t have to go it alone!

We offer two ways to make sure your ads go the distance:

1. Full Campaign Management: Sit back and relax—we’ll handle everything from strategy and creation to analysis and optimisation.

2. Facebook Ads Tutorial: If you’d rather DIY, we’ve got a super easy-to-follow tutorial that’ll guide you through setting up and running ads like a pro.

We’re Here to Help You Go Beyond Boosting! 

If you’re ready to take your ads from “just boosted” to “strategically smashing it,” let’s get this social party started! Whether you want us to do the heavy lifting or empower you to run your own ads, we’re here to support you every step of the way.