Is it worth running Facebook ads for your café or barbershop?

“I boosted a post once for £20 and got nothing.”

I hear this all the time. And it’s true: boosting posts is usually a waste of money. But that doesn’t mean Facebook and Instagram ads don’t work.

When done right, they are one of the cheapest ways to get new customers through the door.

The difference between “Boosting” and “Advertising”

Boosting a post just shows it to more people who look like your followers. It gets you “likes”.

Proper advertising (using Facebook Ads Manager) lets you target people who live within 2 miles of your shop, are interested in what you sell, and are likely to buy. It gets you customers.

What works for local businesses?

Don’t try to sell immediately. Instead, offer something low-risk to get them in the door.

• Barbers: “50% off your first cut”
• Cafés: “Free coffee with any cake”
• Gyms: “7-day free pass”

The visual matters

Stop using stock photos. A shaky video of your barista pouring latte art or a timelapse of a haircut will outperform a generic “We are open” graphic every single time.

Retargeting is the secret weapon

Ever looked at a pair of shoes and then seen them following you around the internet? You can do that too. Show ads to people who have visited your website but haven’t booked yet. It’s a gentle reminder that brings them back.

So, is it worth it?

Yes, if you have a plan. Don’t just throw money at the “Boost” button. Set up a proper offer, target your local area, and measure how many people actually come in.