The Difference Between Boosted Posts and Facebook Ads

Written by Polka Dot Marketing

August 25, 2021

The Difference Between Boosted Posts and Facebook Ads

The Internet is one of the most powerful tools that a business can take advantage of. More specifically, you can leverage it to develop a high-quality advertising strategy. While most people are familiar with the fact that you can advertise on Facebook, not everyone understands the difference between boosted posts and Facebook ads.

This information is crucial to keep in mind so that you can make the decision best for you. Let’s dive in.

Facebook Ads

Interestingly, many people are unaware of the fact that Facebook ads tend to look like typical Facebook posts.

This is primarily because they appear directly in the newsfeed. This also means that users will see ads alongside content that has been posted by people they follow.

It’s possible to differentiate ads from regular posts by looking for the “sponsored content” text that is always included alongside them. However, this text is easy to miss, and the nature of Facebook ads can make them easily blend in with organic posts. This attribute is one of its most notable, as there is nothing about a Facebook ad that blatantly conveys that it is part of a marketing strategy.

The primary difference between Facebook ads and boosted posts, however, is how you can manage them. More specifically, Facebook ads provide access to comprehensive analytics that you can use to refine your Facebook marketing. You can easily see how users are engaging with your ads, view your progress in meeting your campaign goals, etc.

Additionally, Facebook ads allow you to target individuals based on a large variety of criteria. This includes:

  • Age
  • Geographic location
  • Time zone
  • Annual income
  • Primary languages/ethnic background
  • Hobbies/interests

You’ll also be pleased to learn that Facebook ads have a variety of formatting options.

These include slideshow ads, carousel ads, and canvas ads. More often than not, you will be able to choose the perfect one for your campaign.

Including a call-to-action button within these ads can also significantly boost your conversion rate.

Boosted Posts

As you might guess, boosted posts are not quite as comprehensive as Facebook ads are.

The good news is that this means they are easier to work with. As the name suggests, boosted posts are regular Facebook posts that are pushed to a greater number of people, thereby increasing the overall exposure of the post.

The amount of money you pay is directly related to the exposure the post gets. However, there is a point where your returns begin to diminish.

This means that you can’t infinitely throw more money at a post and have it reach more and more people. You can, however, target specific demographics in a way like Facebook ads.

For those who consistently post content that appeals to certain audiences, this can be a great option. For those who are unaware, boosted posts are still considered ads.

This is since they require funding in order to reach a larger audience. It’s also important to note that boosted posts become more effective when you have more information about your target audience.

So, this means that you shouldn’t attempt to run a boosted posts campaign without first researching your audience.

So, What Is the Difference Between Boosted Posts and Facebook Ads?

The primary difference between the two is how they function. Boosted posts are typically more suited for audience research. By increasing the number of people who see certain content, you can then gauge how they interact with it and refine your marketing strategies.

Facebook ads are meant for more comprehensive campaigns where all the fine details have already been figured out. Additionally, Facebook ads come with much greater potential in terms of reaching your goals. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll need to set the appropriate budget.

Overspending or underspending will prevent you from reaching your goals. A situation like this could easily impact your overall revenue.

So, be sure to conduct the appropriate amount of planning and research before starting a campaign.

How Do I Decide Which Is Best for Me?

This will depend on what metrics you need to hit. If you simply wish to learn more about your audience, boosted posts may suffice. For generating sales, making conversions, and driving brand awareness, Facebook ads are superior.

For those who wish to incorporate both, you could run a short a boosted ads campaign at first. This will help you gain insight into how your target audience reacts to your content. With this information, you could then create a Facebook ads campaign.

Working with Facebook ads can be a complex process for those who are unfamiliar with it. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to collaborate with a professional who can help get you started on the right path. Otherwise, we run the risk of encountering obstacles you could have otherwise avoided.

When looking for a company to work with, consider their past reputation. Researching the experiences previous customers had will help you get a grasp of the results you can expect.

Choosing the Right Option Is Essential

Otherwise, you might not get the results that you desire. The good news is that understanding the difference between boosted posts and Facebook ads will help you make the right decision.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.

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