Instagram Post Boosts 101: A Small Business Owner's Guide

Ever wonder how some posts just seem to pop up everywhere on Instagram, even from accounts you don't follow? Or maybe you've tried posting your amazing products or services, only to feel like your message is whispering into an empty room? You’re not alone. Getting your brilliant content seen on Instagram can feel like a uphill battle, especially with so much noise out there.

But what if I told you there’s a simple, straightforward way to give your best posts a superpower, helping them reach new customers beyond your immediate followers? Enter Instagram post boosts. This isn't some complicated digital marketing technique. It's a fundamental tool that every small business social media strategy should consider. Think of it as putting a little fuel in your post's tank to make it go further, faster. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what boosting is, why it matters for your business, and how to do it without breaking a sweat (or the bank).

What exactly is an Instagram post boost?

At its core, boosting an Instagram post means paying a small amount of money to show your existing post to more people than it would organically. Instead of just your followers seeing it in their feed, Instagram will display your post to a targeted audience you define. It’s a quick and easy way to turn a regular post into a mini-advertisement, right from within the app.

Unlike more complex ad campaigns you might set up in Facebook Ads Manager, boosting is designed for simplicity. You pick a post, choose your audience and budget, and let Instagram do the heavy lifting of putting your content in front of relevant eyeballs.

Why should your small business care about boosting posts?

You're busy, we get it. So why add "boosting Instagram posts" to your already overflowing to-do list? Because the benefits for your small business:

Expand your reach

Organic reach (how many people see your posts for free) on social media platforms is constantly shrinking. Boosting allows you to break free from the confines of your follower count. Want to reach new customers who live near your shop or have expressed interest in products like yours? Boosting makes it possible. It’s like turning your quiet sidewalk presence into a bustling billboard on a main street.

Target the right people

This is where the magic happens! Instagram doesn't just show your post to anyone. When you boost, you can define your ideal audience based on demographics (age, gender), interests (e.g., "yoga," "handmade jewellery"), and even location. This means your message is seen by people who are genuinely more likely to care about what you offer. No wasted impressions here!

Drive specific actions

Whether you want more website visits, more profile views, or even just more messages, boosting lets you choose a specific goal. This focused approach means your investment is directly tied to a measurable outcome, helping you promote Instagram content in a way that aligns with your business objectives.

How to boost an Instagram post

Ready to give it a shot? Here’s a super simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Pick your post wisely

Not every post is boost-worthy. Choose a post that has already performed well organically (good engagement, saves, shares), or one that clearly showcases a product, service, or message you want to amplify. High-quality visuals are key!

Step 2: Define your goal

After tapping the "Boost Post" button (you'll find it below your post on your profile), Instagram will ask you what you want to achieve. Options usually include:

• More Profile Visits

• More Website Visits

• More Messages

• More Leads

Step 3: Choose your audience

This is crucial for effective Instagram advertising. You can let Instagram create an "Automatic" audience based on your followers, or, for better results, create your own "Custom Audience." When creating custom, think:

•   Locations: Your city, a specific radius around your business.

•   Interests: Keywords related to your niche (e.g., "baking," "dog lovers," "local food").

•   Demographics: Age range, gender.

The more specific you are, the better your chances of reaching the right people.

Step 4: Set your budget & duration

Decide how much you want to spend and for how long. Even a small budget, like $5-$10 over a few days, can make a noticeable difference. Instagram will give you an estimated reach based on your choices. Start small, experiment, and see what works!

Step 5: Go live!

Once everything looks good, tap "Boost Post." Instagram will review your post to ensure it meets their guidelines, and then your boost will go live! You can monitor its performance right from your Instagram app.

Pro-tips for success

• Test, test, test: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Try boosting different types of posts with different audiences and see what resonates best.

• High-quality content is essential: Boosting won't save a post. Make sure your images and captions are compelling and professional.

• Have a clear call to action: Tell people what you want them to do! "Shop Now," "Visit Our Website," "DM Us for Details."

• Don't forget your bio: Ensure your Instagram bio is optimized to convert those new visitors into followers or customers.

Boosting Instagram posts is an incredibly accessible and powerful tool for any small business looking to expand its footprint and reach new customers. It's a key part of effective Instagram advertising without needing a degree in digital marketing. Give it a try, learn from your results, and watch your brand grow!

Looking for help with social media help? Book a free consultation with MORE TO COME Business Services Inc., an easy, affordable marketing agency for growing small businesses in Canada.

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