Have you found yourself in a dilemma? Should you do a boost post on social media? That is, you saw that this option exists, but you don't know anything about it. Some say it should be done, others do only that, and others know nothing about it. You are in the right place - find out everything about boosting posts, whether you should do them or not.
Ever scrolled through your feed and seen a post with a little "Boost Post" button?
Did you want to do it or not?
Social media boosting is tempting, mainly because it promises to catapult your content to the top of people's newsfeeds.
But is it worth the hype?
Here's the thing - boosting can be a powerful tool, but it isn’t an all-purpose one.
Let's see if boosted posts are worth your time.
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer is - it depends.
Boosting can be a great way to achieve specific goals, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Before you hit that little button, you need to unpack the mechanics of boosting, weigh the pros and cons, and craft a strategy that aligns with your social media goals.
Boosting essentially throws some (paid) fuel on your existing post.
You set a budget, target an audience, and Facebook or Instagram prioritises your post in their feeds.
It's a form of social media advertising but on a smaller scale.
We'll keep it simple. Imagine your post is a party invitation. Boosting is like hiring someone to distribute flyers to spread the word in specific neighbourhoods (your target audience).
But here's the twist: a social media algorithm also plays a role. The algorithm is like a very large party guest bouncer, and he's very picky.
So, even with a boost, if your content isn't engaging, the algorithm might not show it to everyone on your list.
That's why understanding your audience and crafting high-quality content is crucial.
Boosting can cost anywhere from a few euros to hundreds, depending on your goals and target audience.
But don't just throw money at the problem! Set a clear budget and track your return on investment (ROI) to see if boosting is paying off.
We know it, you know it - social media is (over)crowded.
Boosting can help you cut through the crowd and get your message seen by more people. But that's not all.
Boosting is like breaking through the crowd's noise with a megaphone.
It amplifies your voice and ensures your message reaches a broader audience, especially those who might not have seen the post organically.
Remember the flyer guy with specific neighbourhoods? Boosting lets you target your ideal audience with laser focus. Boosting offers a relatively quick and easy way to see results.
Need to promote an event or drive sales fast? Boost can do that.
Boosting isn't a magic solution, and there are some downsides to consider.
Let's get to know the potential pitfalls before you hit boost.
Boosting excels at short-term goals like event promotion or sales pushes.
But organic growth strategies are the right way to go for long-term brand building and audience engagement.
Think of it like building a house: boosting is renting a crane to lift the roof, but organic growth is laying a solid foundation.
Boosting can get expensive, especially if you're not targeting effectively or your content isn't resonating.
Like any investment, you need a clear plan and realistic budget to avoid blowing your social media marketing cash.
Here's the trap: your organic growth might suffer if you rely solely on boosting for reach. The algorithm might prioritise boosted posts, making it harder for your content to gain traction naturally.
Strive for a healthy balance between organic and paid reach.
Now that we've weighed the pros and cons, let's find out how to craft a social media strategy that effectively uses boosting.
Before you boost anything, define your goals. Understand what you want to achieve.
Do you want more website traffic, brand awareness, or event registrations?
Having clear goals will guide your boosting decisions.
Who are you trying to reach? Do an audience analysis. You must know your followers inside and out.
Understanding your audience demographics, interests, and online behaviour is crucial for crafting targeted boosts that resonate.
No amount of boosting can save bad content. Have quality content. Content is not for nought named the king of the digital marketing realm.
High-quality, engaging posts are the foundation of any successful social media strategy. Before you boost, make sure your content is top-notch.
Set a realistic budget for boosting. Allocate your resources wisely. Do your budget based on your goals and overall marketing strategy.
Remember, boosting is a tool, not a replacement for a well-rounded social media plan.
Building a loyal following takes time and effort, but the rewards are long-lasting.
These are the 3 fundamental organic growth strategies:
Social media is a two-way street. Build genuine relationships with your followers.
Respond to comments, host live Q&As, and run contests to foster engagement. The more you interact, the stronger your connection with your audience.
Craft posts that resonate with your audience. Share informative and entertaining content that is of some value to your followers. Use a mix of formats, such as images, videos, and stories, to keep things interesting.
Use the power of networking on social media platforms. Constantly work on building your community. Collaborate with influencers, participate in relevant conversations, and join online groups. Building relationships within your niche can organically boost your reach and brand awareness.
Ready to boost your posts? Here are some pro tips to maximise your impact.
There are optimal times to post depending on your audience, and generally speaking, those are mornings and evenings.
Mornings are best around 9 am to noon as people often check social media during commutes or breaks.
Evenings are best to post around 7 pm because people are winding down and spending more leisure time online.
Experiment and track your results to see when boosts generate the most engagement.
Test different targeting options, budgets, and creatives to see what works best. A/B testing allows you to refine your approach and get the most bang for your boost buck.
Don't boost blindly!
Boosting posts is just one piece of the puzzle.
Track your results using Facebook Ads Manager or Instagram Insights. Analyse data like reach, engagement, and clicks to see if your boost is performing as expected.
So what's the catch?
It's in finding the right balance between organic and paid reach. Boosting can be a strategic tool to amplify specific content or achieve short-term goals.
But organic growth, fuelled by high-quality content and audience engagement, is fundamental for long-term success.
Even with boosting, don't lose sight of your brand's voice and authenticity.
People connect with genuine brands, so be sure your boosted content aligns with your overall brand personality.
Social media is constantly evolving, and so are boosting strategies. Stay informed about new features, targeting options, and audience trends.
So, are you ready to boost your social media presence? With the right approach, you have nothing left but to watch your audience grow and their engagement increase.
Need help with your social media presence or want to learn some basics yourself?
Contact us and set up a meeting with our digital marketing agency.