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JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries

Understanding the Algorithm: Organic Posts vs Ads for Small Businesses

If you run a small business and feel like social media isn’t working, you’re not alone. You might wonder why videos get more views than photos, why your posts don’t get much traction, or whether you should invest in ads at all.

Let’s keep it simple and clear.

What Organic Posts Actually Do

Organic posts are unpaid content. They don’t usually drive big numbers, but they serve an important purpose. They show that your business is active and real. Most people will check your Instagram or Facebook before they visit or buy. Have an account but no posts? That’s often a red flag.

Even if only a few people see your content, those few may be the ones who are most interested. Consistency helps build trust.

Why Video Beats Static Posts

Video content performs better because Meta’s algorithm prioritizes this type of content. It holds people’s attention longer, which makes the platform happy. Short videos, behind-the-scenes clips, or even good edited photos turned into video are more likely to show up in feeds than a single image.

If your static posts aren’t working, try turning them into motion. The same message in video form often travels further.

Use Local Collaboration to Boost Content

If you’re in Kingston, there’s a lot of value in teaming up locally. A café working with a nearby coffee roaster isn’t just a smart business move—it’s great content. It shows real community connection, which people like and respond to. These kinds of posts also give you something fresh to share without starting from scratch.

What the Algorithm Actually Cares About

The Meta algorithm has changed. A lot. Reach depends less on how many followers you have, and more on what kind of content you’re posting.

It rewards engagement—comments, saves, shares—not just likes. It also prefers fresh, relevant, and video-based content. So even your most loyal followers might not see your post unless it checks these boxes.

That’s why relying only on organic posts limits your growth.

Why Ads Still Matter

If one of your posts is doing well, that’s a sign to boost it. Adding even a small budget helps you reach people outside your current followers. And that’s the goal—your next customer might not follow you yet.

Ads let you target specific age groups, locations, or interests. You don’t need a huge budget to start seeing results. Even $20 can make a difference if the content is strong.

Start With This

This week, take one post—ideally a video—and boost it. Watch who it reaches, how many people click, and what kind of response you get.

Social media is less about having a big audience and more about reaching the right people.

For more such tips follow JBC on social media.

If you’re unsure how to boost posts or target the right people, we can help. At JBC, we coach small business owners to understand what works—and why. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Book a free 15-minute chat with us. We will work together to get your social media doing what it should: helping your business grow.

Are you ready for digital marketing support that fuels meaningful growth?

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Jennifer Baker Consulting Team