Understand the crucial differences to know when to hit 'Boost' and when to use the powerful Ads Manager.
It's the most common question we get: 'Why should I pay an agency when I can just click the blue Boost button?' The answer lies in the engine under the hood. Boosting is like riding a bicycle; Ads Manager is flying a jet. Both move you forward, but one is built for speed and scale.
The Boost Button (Lite Mode)
Boosting is designed for simplicity. It takes an existing post and shows it to more people. It is restricted in its capabilities.
- Limited Objectives: Usually just Reach, Engagement, or simple clicks.
- Basic Targeting: You can only target broad interests and demographics.
- No Creative Control: You can't A/B test headlines or images easily.
Ads Manager (Pro Mode)
Ads Manager is the professional cockpit where billion-dollar brands run their campaigns. See our Ultimate Guide to Facebook Ads for a deep dive.
- Full Funnel Objectives: Conversions, Leads, Catalog Sales, Store Traffic.
- Advanced Targeting: Lookalike Audiences, Custom Audiences (email lists), Retargeting pixels.
- Creative Testing: Test 5 headlines against 5 images to find the winning combo automatically.
When Should You Boost?
Use 'Boost' when you want likes, comments, or brand awareness for a specific post. It's great for social proof.
When Should You Run Ads?
Use Ads Manager when you want SALES, LEADS, or BOOKINGS. If you need a measurable ROI (Return on Investment), you must use Ads Manager.
Stop Burning Money
Boosting is often a vanity expense. If you want to grow your business revenue, you need to graduate to professional ad campaigns.
