When Not To Boost - Avoid Wasting Ad Spend

Boosting a post can feel like the easiest way to get more reach. One click, set a budget, and suddenly your content is “advertising.” But here’s the truth: not every post deserves to be boosted.

In fact, boosting the wrong post is one of the fastest ways to waste money on Meta. If you’ve ever spent £20 and thought “Well, that did nothing”, it wasn’t your budget - it was the post you chose.

So let’s talk about when not to boost, and what to do instead.

1. Don’t Boost Posts With Low Engagement

If a post didn’t perform organically, boosting it won’t magically make it a hit. All you’ll do is show a weak post to more people. The algorithm already told you it wasn’t resonating.

Instead: choose posts that are already working - ones with strong comments, shares, or saves. Boosting is about amplifying winners, not reviving flops.

2. Don’t Boost Just Because Meta Suggests It

You’ve seen the pop-up: “This post is performing better than 80% of your other posts - boost it now!” Sounds tempting, but remember: Meta wants your ad spend. Their suggestion isn’t always aligned with your business goals.

Instead: set your own strategy. Boost with intention, not because the platform nudged you.

3. Don’t Boost Without a Clear Goal

Boosting a post “just to get more reach” is rarely worth it. Reach without a purpose won’t grow your business.

Instead: ask yourself - do I want more engagement, website traffic, bookings, or sales? Pick one goal per boost, so you can measure success properly.

4. Don’t Boost the Wrong Content Type

Not every kind of post works as a boost. For example:

• Memes and jokes might get reach but won’t convert.

• Random filler posts (like “Happy Friday”) aren’t worth money.

• Low-quality graphics or blurry videos can harm your brand more than help.

Instead: boost content that connects directly to your offer - testimonials, how-tos, limited-time offers, and strong Reels.

Why This Works

• You stop wasting money. Boosts become intentional, not random.

• You amplify what’s proven. The best boosts are posts that already resonate.

• You align with goals. Every pound spent has a measurable purpose.

• You protect your brand. Only your best content gets amplified.

🧠 Expert AI Prompt of the Day

“I run a [insert business type] and I want to know whether to boost a post or not. Based on this caption and image/video idea [paste post here], analyse:
– Whether this post is worth boosting
– If yes, suggest which audience to target and what goal to set
– If no, suggest how I could improve the post before considering a boost”

💡 Refinement tip: Follow up with…

“Now create a checklist I can use before boosting any future post.”

🔧 Tool of the Day

Meta Ads Manager – Skip the “Boost” button and use Ads Manager instead. It gives you full control over targeting, placements, and goals, making your ad spend far more effective.

📣I Can Be Your Social Media Marketing Manager

Boosting doesn’t have to be a gamble. When you know what not to boost, you save money and put your content in front of the people who actually matter. I help businesses create smart boosting strategies that get results without wasting budget. 📩 Message me today and let’s build a plan that works for you.