What Does Boosting Posts Mean?
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen a post marked “Sponsored,” chances are, it was boosted. To boost posts on Instagram means you’re paying to promote a specific post to a larger or more targeted audience.
Boosting is Instagram’s version of a “quick ad.” Unlike creating a full ad campaign through Meta Ads Manager, boosting allows users—especially beginners—to amplify the visibility of existing posts directly from the Instagram app. It’s perfect for restaurants looking to increase exposure for a popular dish, upcoming event, or user-generated content.
This Instagram boosting guide is ideal for anyone new to advertising on the platform. Whether you’re a Las Vegas restaurant looking to get more local eyes on your brunch special or a bar promoting happy hour, boosting can help drive real engagement fast.
Steps to Boost on Instagram
Knowing how to boost on Instagram is simple. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to get started directly from your Instagram app.
Selecting a Post
- Choose Your Post
Go to your Instagram profile and pick a post with high engagement or strong visuals. This could be:
- A stunning food photo
- A behind-the-scenes kitchen reel
- A carousel showing your latest seasonal menu
- A stunning food photo
- Tap “Boost Post”
You’ll see this blue button beneath your post. Tapping it opens the boosting workflow. - Set a Goal
Instagram offers three options:
- More Profile Visits: Ideal for increasing followers
- More Website Visits: Great for driving reservations or orders
- More Messages: Encourages DMs for bookings or inquiries
- More Profile Visits: Ideal for increasing followers
Defining the Audience
This is one of the most important steps when you boost posts on Instagram. You can choose:
- Automatic Audience
Instagram uses its algorithm to target users similar to your followers. This is a good option for Instagram boosting beginners. - Custom Audience
Define:
- Location: Target users in Las Vegas or nearby neighborhoods
- Interests: Foodies, brunch lovers, wine enthusiasts
- Age & Gender: Align with your ideal customer profile
- Location: Target users in Las Vegas or nearby neighborhoods
- Budget and Duration
Set your spend and how long the boost will run. Starting with $5–$10 over 5–7 days is a safe way to test performance. - Review & Boost
Preview how your post will look, then click Boost Post to launch it.
Tips for Better Results
To get the most from your investment, follow these tips for more effective boosts:
1. Choose Visually Strong Posts
Instagram is a visual platform—select posts with high-quality images or videos that grab attention.
2. Add a Clear Call-to-Action
Your caption should direct users: “Book now,” “Click to view our menu,” or “Reserve your table today.”
3. Time It Strategically
Boost when your audience is most active. For restaurants, this might be Thursdays and Fridays before the weekend rush.
4. Use Insights
Check your Instagram Insights before boosting. Pick posts that are already performing well organically for better ROI.
5. A/B Test Different Audiences
If you’re unsure about who to target, run multiple small boosts with different audience settings to see what performs best.
Conclusion
Learning how to boost posts on Instagram is one of the fastest ways to increase your visibility and engagement—especially if you’re new to social media marketing. This Instagram boosting guide is designed to keep things simple, so even beginners can start seeing real results.
At Strattz, we help Las Vegas restaurants and hospitality brands amplify their reach with smart, targeted content strategies—including when and how to boost posts effectively. From selecting the best visuals to optimizing audience targeting, we make sure your dollars are well spent.
