If you’re a small-town entrepreneur, you’ve probably seen that tempting little “Boost Post” button on Facebook. It seems easy—click, pay, and customers will come rolling in. But if you don’t have a plan, you might as well be throwing money into the wind.
Before you hit that button again, here are a few no-nonsense ad tips to make sure your online ads actually work for your Midwest business.
Know What You’re Trying to Achieve
“More business” isn’t a clear goal. Are you trying to:
- Get more people to visit your website?
- Drive phone calls?
- Sell a specific product?
- Grow your email list?
The clearer your goal, the smarter your ad setup.
Insider Tip from Cassandra Row: “Start with one goal. Just one. When you try to do too much, your message gets lost.”
Target the Right People (Not Just “Everyone Nearby”)
Facebook ads let you go beyond zip codes. You can target people based on:
- Interests (home improvement, outdoor cooking, boutique shopping)
- Job titles (contractors, teachers, parents)
- Behaviors (frequent online shoppers, small business owners)
This way, your ad speaks directly to your ideal customer, not just anyone who lives within 15 miles.
Make Sure Your Website Is Ready
Don’t send people to a messy or confusing website. Ask yourself:
- Is your website mobile-friendly?
- Is the ad sending them to the right page (not just your homepage)?
- Can they quickly find what you promised in the ad?
If your site is slow, outdated, or missing key info, you’re paying to lose potential customers.
Start Small and Test
You don’t need a $1,000 budget to get started. Run two versions of the same ad with slight differences:
- Different images
- Different headlines
- Different calls to action
See which one performs better. Then put your money behind the winner.
Cassandra’s Advice: “Treat your first $20 like research. It’s worth more than guessing with $200.”
Measure Results That Matter
It’s easy to get excited about likes and shares. But clicks, calls, and actual sales are what matter. Use Facebook’s ad reporting to track:
- Cost per click (CPC)
- Click-through rate (CTR)
- Conversion rate (if set up with your site)
Even a basic understanding of these numbers can guide your next move.
Wrap-Up: Boost Smart, Not Fast
There’s no shame in boosting a post—as long as you do it with purpose. The best online ads feel personal, clear, and intentional.
CJR Marketing Services works with Midwest entrepreneurs just like you to make online advertising less intimidating and more effective. Because out here, every dollar counts—and your business deserves better than a blind boost.