We get it…boosting a post feels easy. One tap of the “Promote” button, pick a budget, and boom, instant visibility, right?
Not quite.
While boosted posts look like a quick win, there are a few things going on behind the scents that make them a lot less powerful (and more expensive) than they first appear. Especially if you’re boosting from an iPhone.
Here’s the truth no one tells you:
Apple takes a cut:
If you’re boosting posts from the Facebook or Instagram app on an iPhone, Apple takes a 30% service fee on top of your budget. Yep, 30%.
So if you’re spending $100, only $70 is actually going to your ad. That’s a third of your budget gone before your ad even hits someone’s feed.
Want that money working harder for you? Run your ads through Meta’s Ads Manager on desktop instead. No Apple tax involved!
Boosted posts = limited targeting:
Boosting a post gives you a handful of audience options. Usually just interests, location, and age range.
It’s like trying to use a butter knife when you really need a scalpel.
With full ad campaigns in Meta Ads Manager, you can:
- Retarget people who’ve visited your website
- Build lookalike audiences based on your website
- Split test different creatives and audiences
- Track way more detailed performance metrics
In short: You’re not just throwing money at a post and hoping for the best. You’re making data backed decisions that actually move the needle.
Boosting – engagement, ads – strategy
Boosted posts will give you likes, potentially comments, and reach without giving much thought to who your target audience is. But if your goal is leads, sales, and actual conversions, you need to be targeting your audience better.
A proper ad campaign allows you to:
- Choose specific objectives (like website clicks, conversions, or leads)
- Send people to optimised landing pages
- Build long term marketing options that turn viewers into buyers, not just one-off visibility
Think of it like this: Boosting a post is like shouting into a crowd. Running a full campaign is like calling the right people and having an actual conversation.
the bottom line?
Boosting posts might feel easy, but they’re often a band-aid solution and can end up costing you more than you realise.
If you’re ready to level up your visibility and actually grow your business, it’s time to ditch the “Boost” button and go for a proper strategy.
Need help setting up your campaign? That’s what we’re here for.
DM or email us to get in touch. We’ll help you spend smarter, not harder.
