How To Boost a Facebook Post (The Right Way)
If you’ve ever posted on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed the big blue button that says Boost Post. It’s tempting, right? One click, set a budget, and suddenly your content is “advertising.”
But here’s the big question: to boost or not to boost? Some marketers will tell you to never boost a post. Others will say it’s perfectly fine. The truth is somewhere in the middle. Boosting posts can work - if you know how to do it the right way.
Why Business Owners Boost Posts
Boosting is appealing because it’s simple. No Ads Manager, no complicated setup. You just pick a post, set a budget, and go. For many small business owners, that quick exposure feels like a win - more likes, more comments, more eyes on the business.
And sometimes boosting does deliver that. But here’s the catch: if you don’t set it up properly, you’ll end up paying for vanity metrics instead of results that actually help your business grow.
Boosting Posts Has Improved
It’s worth noting that the Boost feature has come a long way. A few years ago, boosting was little more than paying for reach. Now, you have options. You can:
Select different objectives (engagement, website visits, messages, leads, or calls)
Build an audience based on location, age, gender, interests, and behaviors
Collect leads directly from a boosted post using built-in forms
Track basic results so you can see what’s working
This means boosting isn’t automatically a waste… it can serve a purpose if you set it up strategically.
How to Boost a Post the Right Way
If you decide to boost, here are the key steps to do it properly:
Choose the right post. Pick content that’s already performing well organically - a tip video, a customer story, or something engaging.
Select your objective wisely. Engagement is fine for visibility, but if you want leads or sales, go for traffic, messages, or lead generation.
Define your audience. Don’t just leave it as “everyone in your country.” Narrow it down by location, interests, or use custom audiences if you’ve run ads before.
Set a realistic budget and duration. Even $5-$10 per day works, but let it run for at least 5-7 days so Facebook can optimize.
Review settings before you launch. Make sure your objective and audience align with your business goals.
The Limitations of Boosting
Boosting is fine for quick visibility, but it has limits. You don’t get the full control and advanced features that Ads Manager provides - like conversion tracking, detailed placements, or funnel campaigns. Think of boosting as training wheels. It gets you moving, but it won’t take you far.
A Smarter Alternative
If you want ads that actually build your business - leads, sales, and long-term results - you need a system designed for small business owners. That’s where the SMART Ad System comes in. It’s the simplest way to run $1/day ads that increase visibility and start building a proper funnel without wasting money.
People Also Ask
Is boosting a Facebook post worth it?
Boosting can be useful if you set it up correctly. It works best for quick exposure, awareness, or engagement. But if your goal is leads or sales, Ads Manager gives you more control and better results.
What’s the difference between boosting a post and running a Facebook ad?
Boosting is a simplified version of advertising. It’s easy to set up, but limited in targeting and objectives. Ads Manager allows you to build full campaigns, track conversions, and run Top, Middle, and Bottom of Funnel ads.
How much should I spend when boosting a post?
Small businesses can start with $5-$10 per day. The key is to run the boost for at least 5-7 days so Facebook has time to optimize delivery.
Which posts should I boost?
Boost posts that already perform well organically - such as tips, videos, testimonials, or customer stories. Avoid boosting random sales posts, as they often lead to poor engagement and wasted spend.
