Boosting Posts Is Not Running Ads — Stop Wasting Money

Let’s be honest —

You posted a reel. Instagram flashed that blue button:

“This post is doing better than 90% of your posts. Boost it!”

And you clicked. ₹500 gone.

Result:
A couple of likes. Some profile visits. Zero leads. Zero sales.

And then you wonder —

“Ads don’t work…”

But. You didn’t run an ad. You just boosted a post.

Related article: Is Your Social Media Strategy Falling Short? Avoid These Mistakes!

 Boosting ≠ Real Paid Ads

Let’s clear this:

Boosting is like saying, “Show this post to more people.”

But it has limited targeting, no funnel, and no conversion setup.

Instagram decides: “Okay. Show it to random people who might like it.”

You get:

• Likes
• Views

But no real action: No website clicks, no leads, no purchases.

Related article: Social Media Marketing Ideas Every Small Business Should Try!

 How Real Ads Are Different (Meta Ads Manager)

When you run proper ads via Facebook Ads Manager, you can:

Select goals:

Like what you intend is Website traffic, Leads, Sales, App installs, Engagement — your choice.

Do detailed targeting:

Everyone is not your audience. You have to filter the most precise.

That is based on location, behaviour, interests, and custom audiences.

Exclude people:

Some may feel naturally and logically not interested in your ads or product, so exclude irrelevant users.

Create funnels:

First ad for awareness → Second for offer → Third for conversion.

Install Meta Pixel:

Track who visits your website, who adds to the cart, who buys, and retarget them.

Example Time — A Website Design Agency

Let’s say you run a website design company.

You post a cool reel:

“Why ugly websites kill sales.”

Instagram says — “Boost it!” You pay ₹800.

Result:

• 100 likes.
• 4 saves.
• No client.

But if you use Ads Manager instead:

Set campaign: Lead Generation

Target: Business owners in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai

Funnel:

1. First ad — Show a reel about bad website mistakes.
2. Second ad — Offer: “Get a free website audit.”
3. Third ad — Show a testimonial or success story.

Result:

Actual leads in inbox.

Clients are booking calls.

Read also: Social Advertising vs. Organic Engagement: Which is Better for Your Business

 Boosting = Awareness. Ads = Growth.

If your goal is just:

“I just want likes.” → Boost it.

But if your goal is:

“I need clients. I need leads. I need sales.” → Run proper ads.

 Final Word

Stop giving free money to Instagram, thinking boosting is marketing.

Boosting is a shortcut for visibility — not for sales.

Because if you want some ROI on ads, it is better to

• Run strategic paid ads.
• Set real goals.
• Use targeting, retargeting, and conversion tracking.

Because honestly —
“A boosted post is not an ad. It’s just an expensive like