The good news? There’s a better way to advertise on Instagram (and Facebook) with precision: Facebook Ads. Here’s why switching to Facebook Ads can transform your marketing strategy—and how to get started.

The Problem with Instagram Boost for Small Businesses

Instagram Boost lets you promote posts to a broader audience, but its targeting is basic. You can only choose:

• Age
• Gender
• Location

For startups or small businesses, this lack of granularity means your ads might reach people outside your ideal audience. Imagine promoting luxury skincare to teens or local bakery ads to users in another state—it’s not cost-effective.

The Solution: Facebook Ads (And How to Use Them for Instagram)

Instead of boosting directly on Instagram, link your Instagram and Facebook accounts and run ads through Meta Ads Manager. Here’s why this approach wins:

1. Advanced Targeting Options

Facebook Ads allow you to target users based on:

• Interests (e.g., fitness enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists)
• Behaviors (recent purchasers, device usage)
• Demographics (income level, job titles)
• Custom Audiences (retarget website visitors or email subscribers)
• Lookalike Audiences (reach people similar to your best customers)

This precision ensures your budget is spent on users most likely to convert.

2. Cost Efficiency & Flexibility

With Facebook Ads, you control bids, budgets, and schedules. Plus, A/B testing lets you refine ads for better performance.

3. Unified Campaigns Across Facebook & Instagram

Create one campaign that runs on both platforms. Your Instagram posts will appear seamlessly in users’ feeds or Stories, while also leveraging Facebook’s powerful ad tools.

4. Better Analytics

Meta Ads Manager provides detailed insights—click-through rates, conversions, engagement, and more—to measure ROI and optimize future campaigns.

5. Retargeting Capabilities

Turn warm leads into customers by retargeting users who interacted with your brand but didn’t convert.

How to Set Up Facebook Ads for Instagram (Step-by-Step)

1. Create a Facebook Business Page (if you don’t have one).
2. Link Your Instagram Account to Facebook via Meta Business Suite.
3. Open Meta Ads Manager and choose your objective (e.g., traffic, conversions, leads).
4. Define Your Audience using detailed targeting options.
5. Design Your Ad with eye-catching visuals and persuasive copy.
6. Set Budget & Schedule, then launch!

Why Small Businesses Should Skip Instagram Boost

While Instagram Boost feels easy, it lacks the tools to strategically grow your business. Facebook Ads give you control, clarity, and scalability—key for startups working with tight budgets.

The post Why Facebook Ads Are the Smarter Choice Over Instagram Boost for Small Businesses appeared first on Viper Media.

The Client’s Experience with a Scam Marketing Agency

Loss of Google Business Profile Access

One of the most significant issues our client faced was losing access to their Google Business Profile. The previous marketing agency gained owner access using a random spam email, making it difficult for our client to regain control when they decided to switch to our agency. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining control over your business profiles and being cautious about who you grant access to.

Domain Registration Issues

The agency registered our client’s business domain under their own name, making it legally challenging to reclaim. They demanded a hefty sum to transfer the domain back, claiming legal ownership. This tactic is a common scam where agencies exploit their clients’ lack of knowledge about domain registration processes.

Virtual Number Setup

The agency set up virtual numbers for call tracking across various platforms, including the Google Business Profile and local business directories. When our client wanted to change agencies, they found it impossible to edit the phone numbers, as they did not own the domain. This created a significant barrier to transitioning to a new agency and maintaining business continuity.

Hidden Fees and Lack of Transparency

The agency charged our client for various services without clear disclosure of management fees. They claimed that all charges were included in a package, but there was no transparency regarding the actual costs. This lack of transparency is a red flag for potential scams, as it makes it difficult for businesses to understand what they are paying for.

Selling Useless Services

The agency created and sold useless services, such as charging for specific keywords to improve search rankings. This practice is a common scam, as it promises unrealistic results and preys on the client’s desire for quick success.

Other Common Scams by Digital Marketing Agencies

Fake Leads and Bot Traffic

Some agencies send fake leads to your sales team or even bot traffic, making it seem like your marketing efforts are generating results when they are not.

Black Hat SEO

Agencies may use black hat SEO techniques, such as keyword stuffing and cloaking, which can lead to penalties from search engines and harm your website’s ranking in the long run.

Guaranteed SEO Results

Beware of agencies that promise guaranteed SEO results within a specific time frame. SEO is a gradual process that takes time, and any agency promising quick results is likely trying to scam you.

Inflated PPC Costs

Some agencies inflate pay-per-click (PPC) advertising costs to improve their profit margins. They may also remove transparency from reporting, making it difficult for you to track the actual performance of your ads.

Fake Social Media Followers

Agencies may offer to increase your social media following quickly, but these followers are often bots that do not engage with your content or convert into customers.

How to Protect Your Business from Marketing Agency Scams

Vetting Potential Agencies

Before hiring a marketing agency, thoroughly vet their credentials and past performance. Look for reviews, case studies, and references from previous clients. Ensure that the agency has a proven track record of delivering results and is transparent about their processes and fees.

Maintaining Control Over Business Assets

Always maintain control over your business assets, such as your Google Business Profile and domain registration. Be cautious about granting access to these assets and ensure that you have the ability to revoke access if necessary.

Understanding Contracts and Agreements

Carefully read and understand all contracts and agreements before signing. Look for hidden fees, management charges, and any clauses that could lock you into long-term commitments. Ensure that the agency is transparent about their pricing and services.

Regularly Monitoring Performance

Regularly monitor the performance of your marketing campaigns and request detailed reports from your agency. This will help you identify any discrepancies and ensure that you are getting the results you paid for.

Educating Your Team

Educate your team about common scams and how to identify them. Encourage open communication and create a culture of vigilance within your organization. This will help prevent scams and ensure that everyone is aware of potential risks.

Conclusion

Protecting your business from marketing agency scams in India requires vigilance, education, and careful planning. By thoroughly vetting potential agencies, maintaining control over your business assets, understanding contracts, regularly monitoring performance, and educating your team, you can safeguard your business from deceitful practices and ensure a smooth transition between agencies.

The post Protecting Your Business from Marketing Agency Scams in India appeared first on Viper Media.

Understanding Double Taxation in Digital Advertising

Double taxation in digital advertising occurs when GST is applied twice: once when a startup hires a marketing agency and again when the agency spends the budget on digital platforms like Google or Meta Ads. This double taxation can significantly reduce the actual amount spent on advertising, leading to inefficiencies and reduced campaign effectiveness.

How Double Taxation Affects Your Budget

Let’s break down the impact of double taxation with an example. Suppose a startup has a budget of ₹50,000 for digital advertising.

1. Initial GST on Marketing Agency Invoice:
   • The marketing agency charges 18% GST on their invoice.
   • GST amount: ₹9,000 (18% of ₹50,000).
   • Remaining budget: ₹41,000 (₹50,000 – ₹9,000).
2. Management Fee:
   • The marketing agency charges a 30% management fee.
   • Management fee: ₹15,000 (30% of ₹50,000).
   • Remaining budget: ₹26,000 (₹41,000 – ₹15,000).
3. GST on Digital Ad Spend:
   • When the marketing agency spends the remaining budget on Google or Meta Ads, another 18% GST is applied.
   • GST amount: ₹4,680 (18% of ₹26,000).
   • Final amount left for ads: ₹21,320 (₹26,000 – ₹4,680).

In this scenario, the startup effectively loses ₹23,680 (₹9,000 + ₹4,680 + ₹15,000) to GST and management fees, leaving only ₹21,320 for actual advertising. This double taxation can severely impact the reach and effectiveness of your digital marketing campaigns.

Solutions to Optimize Your Advertising Budget

Solution 1: Partner with a Non-GST Registered Startup Marketing Agency

One effective solution is to partner with a marketing agency that is not registered under GST. This approach can help you avoid the initial 18% GST on the marketing agency’s invoice. However, you will still incur the 18% GST when the agency spends the budget on digital platforms.

• Budget Allocation: ₹50,000.
• Management Fee: ₹15,000 (30% of ₹50,000).
• Remaining Budget: ₹35,000 (₹50,000 – ₹15,000).
• GST on Digital Ad Spend: ₹6,300 (18% of ₹35,000).
• Final Amount for Ads: ₹28,700 (₹35,000 – ₹6,300).

This solution saves you the initial 18% GST, allowing more of your budget to be allocated to actual advertising.

Solution 2: Use Your Own Google Ads Account

Another effective solution is for the client to use their own Google Ads account while the marketing agency manages it. This approach allows the client to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the GST paid, provided the client is registered under GST.

• Budget Allocation: ₹50,000.
• Management Fee: ₹15,000 (30% of ₹50,000).
• Remaining Budget: ₹35,000 (₹50,000 – ₹15,000).
• GST on Digital Ad Spend: ₹6,300 (18% of ₹35,000).
• Final Amount for Ads: ₹28,700 (₹35,000 – ₹6,300).

In this scenario, the client can claim ITC on the ₹6,300 GST paid, effectively reducing the overall cost and maximizing the advertising budget.

Conclusion

Double taxation in digital advertising can significantly impact your budget and campaign effectiveness. By understanding the implications of GST and implementing the right strategies, you can optimize your ad spend and achieve better results. Whether you choose to partner with a non-GST registered agency or use your own Google Ads account, these solutions can help you make the most of your digital advertising budget.

The post Double Taxation in Digital Advertising: How to Optimize Your Budget appeared first on Viper Media.