Blog Post

What's the Difference Between Social Media Ads and Posts?

Lindsay Walker • Apr 18, 2019

Understanding the difference between ads and normal social media posts can be tricky when developing your own social media marketing strategy. While the general branding should stay consistent with your posts (logos, colors, etc.), there are subtle differences.

Social media posts are any types of content that are published on your company’s different pages like Instagram or Facebook. This includes status updates, pictures, videos and GIFs. These posts just exist on your page and are visible to only to those who follow or take a look at your pages’ public profile.


On the other hand, social media ads are “boosted” so that the content is shown to more people on the platform. When a post is boosted on Facebook, for example, the post will appear as sponsored on someone’s Newsfeed even though they have not yet liked that business’ page. Depending on the ad type you choose, there will be the option to like the page or an additional CTA like “Learn More”.


Another major difference between social media posts and ads for small businesses is the intent with the which the posts were created. Normal social media posts should create regular engagement between you, your customers and your community. On the other hand, ads should be categorized into one of three categories: awareness, consideration or conversions.

#1 Awareness Ads – Raise general awareness about your small business, so there is less focus on deeper engagement.


#2 Consideration Ads – Arouse a deeper interest in your business and get social media users to take action


#3 Conversion Ads – Increase sales as well as store visits.


The largest differences between normal social media posts and ads for small businesses are targeting and a specific Call-to-Actions (CTAs). CTAs like “Sign up now” or “Click here” for 50% are great for conversion ads while something such as “Learn more” is perfect for an awareness ad.

Targeting your ads is a huge part of your success. Make sure to narrow your audience to around 400,000 people for the best results on Facebook.


Does your business need help to develop a social media marketing strategy? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the BusySeed team for advice and guidance!

Tech Trends Transforming NYC Marketing Agencies in 2024

By Michael Brooker • 18 Mar, 2024
Embark on the tech-driven evolution of NYC marketing agencies in 2024, delving into the dynamic intersection of innovation and marketing practices. From AI-driven personalization to immersive AR experiences, discover how cutting-edge trends reshape strategies. Join us in exploring the future, where NYC agencies embrace transformative tech, setting the stage for a new era in marketing excellence.

Digital Trends: What Sets Apart New York Marketing Agencies

By Michael Brooker • 11 Mar, 2024
Break into cutting-edge digital trends that distinguish New York marketing agencies. From immersive experiences to data-driven campaigns, uncover how these agencies lead innovation. Whether you're a marketer or business owner, decode trends shaping the future of NYC marketing.

Breaking Through the Basics: Advanced Tactics of Marketing Agencies in New York City

By Michael Brooker • 04 Mar, 2024
Explore the sophisticated strategies propelling New York City's marketing agencies beyond the basics. Uncover advanced tactics, from cutting-edge digital approaches to innovative offline campaigns, that set these agencies apart. Whether you're a business owner seeking inspiration or a marketer staying ahead of the curve, this guide unveils the secrets to achieving marketing excellence in the dynamic landscape of NYC. Join us in unraveling the strategies that elevate the game of marketing in the heart of the Big Apple.

Behind the Scenes: Advertising Agencies in New York City and Their Impact

28 Feb, 2024
New York City - it's the city that never sleeps. The concrete jungle where dreams are made. The Big Apple is one of the most competitive, fast-paced business environments in the world. With over 9 million residents and tourists visiting daily, trying to stand out from the crowd as a brand can feel next to impossible.

Beyond Keywords: Mastering Local SEO for NYC Markets

By Michael Brooker • 26 Feb, 2024
Step into the realm of advanced SEO strategies tailored specifically for the vibrant markets of New York City. In this exploration, we go beyond the basics and delve into the intricacies of mastering local SEO. Uncover the secrets to optimizing your online presence for NYC audiences, from location-based keywords to geo-targeted content. Gain insights into the nuances of local search algorithms and discover how to leverage them to elevate your brand in the city that never sleeps. Whether you're a local business or aiming to establish a strong presence in NYC, this guide will empower you to navigate the complexities of SEO and make your mark in the bustling markets of the Big Apple.

Local Flavor, Global Reach: Tailoring Marketing Strategies for NYC Businesses

By Michael Brooker • 26 Feb, 2024
Immerse yourself in the dynamic fusion of local essence and global impact as we explore the art of tailoring marketing strategies for businesses in the heartbeat of commerce – New York City. Uncover the unique challenges and opportunities of catering to the diverse NYC market. From embracing cultural nuances to leveraging the city's international appeal, this guide will illuminate the path to creating campaigns that resonate locally while reaching audiences on a global scale. Join us in decoding the strategies that empower NYC businesses to harness their local flavor and extend their reach beyond city limits. It's a journey into the intersection of local identity and global influence in marketing.

Navigating the Advertising Landscape: Insights into New York Advertising Agencies

21 Feb, 2024
Are you thinking about working with one of the top marketing agencies in the US? New York City is home to some of the most creative, innovative, and influential agencies around. In fact, New York is considered the advertising capital of the world!  In this in-depth post, we’ll give you an inside look into what makes New York advertising agencies so special. Our goal is to help you better understand the NYC agency landscape so you can find the perfect partner for your brand.

NYC Marketing Firms: Unveiling the Secrets to Their Success

17 Feb, 2024
There’s something special about New York City. The vibrant energy, the hustle and bustle, the determination that oozes from each block. This energetic essence seeps into the DNA of the top marketing agencies in the US, fueling their relentless drive to push boundaries and achieve success.

Rising to the Top: What Makes BusySeed the Best Marketing Agency?

17 Feb, 2024
In the United States alone, there are over 63,000 "agencies" — not to mention countless New York advertising agencies — all claiming to be the best agencies for digital marketing. You might be surprised to learn that 95% of them are freelancers and small firms with little to no experience.
Show More
Share by: