Ever tapped that shiny “Boost Post” button on Instagram or Facebook and thought, “Cool, I’m running ads now!”? You’re not alone. (And hey, no shame, it’s tempting!)
But here’s the thing: Boosted posts and true ad campaigns are not the same thing.
If you’re serious about growing your business through social media advertising in 2025, you’ve got to know the difference, and when to use each.
Let’s break it down. ????
What is a Boosted Post?
Boosting a post is the social media version of “shouting louder” about something you’ve already posted. It’s super quick and easy, just a few taps and you’re done.
Pros:
- Great for beginners.
- Good for getting more likes, comments, and post views.
- Simple setup.
Cons:
- Limited targeting options.
- Limited control over placement and optimization.
- Not built for bigger goals (like leads or website sales).
Best for:
- Brand awareness.
- Getting more engagement on an already great post.
- Promoting special events or announcements.
What is an Ad Campaign?
An ad campaign is created through Meta Ads Manager — the “control center” where you can build powerful, targeted ads.
Pros:
- Custom targeting (by interests, behaviors, locations, and more).
- Goal-specific campaigns (traffic, sales, leads, app installs, etc.).
- Better budgeting and bidding control.
- Multiple creative options and A/B testing.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve.
- More setup time needed.
Best for:
- Driving traffic to your website.
- Generating leads and sales.
- Growing your email list.
- Scaling your business with predictable results.
So… Which One Do You Actually Need?
If you just want a quick boost of attention on a great post? Boost away.
If you’re serious about growing your business, getting real results, and making sure your ad dollars actually go somewhere smart? You need a true ad campaign.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
At The Social G Co., we help small businesses turn confusing ad chaos into clear, simple strategies that actually work — and we’d love to help you too.
???? Book a Meta Ads Strategy Session with The Social G Co. today!
