Have you ever boosted a Facebook post, watched the likes roll in, and thought, “This is it — customers will start coming in any minute now” … only to hear crickets?
You’re not alone.
Many Aussie business owners spend money on Facebook ads that look busy — full of thumbs-ups, hearts, and comments — but their phones never ring. The problem isn’t that Facebook doesn’t work. It’s that most ads are built to collect likes, not leads.
If your ads aren’t bringing real customers through the door, this guide is for you. Let’s walk through five simple steps to fix the leaks in your Facebook ads — so you stop wasting money on “digital applause” and start seeing real returns.
Step 1: Speak to the Right People — Not Everyone
One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is trying to talk to everyone at once. It’s like shouting across a crowded market — no one really listens.
Instead, you need to speak directly to the people most likely to buy from you.
For example, if you own a local café, focus on people who live or work nearby, not everyone in Sydney. If you’re a plumber, reach homeowners in your service area, not renters scrolling for entertainment.
When your ads speak to the right crowd, you spend less and earn more — because your message hits home.
Step 2: Offer Something Worth Responding To
Let’s be honest — most people scroll through Facebook without a second thought. To stop that scroll, you need to give them a real reason to click.
Most ads offer the same thing: “Book now”, “Free quote”, or “Contact us today.” The problem? Everyone says that.
Instead, think about what your customers truly value. What would make them say, “That’s worth my time”?
- A gym could offer a “Free 7-Day Trial to Get Summer-Ready”
- A salon might say, “Get $20 Off Your First Visit — This Week Only”
- A tradie could offer, “Free Safety Check Before the Holidays”
These offers feel real, useful, and personal. You’re not just asking for attention — you’re earning it.
Step 3: Make It Effortless to Enquire
Ever filled out a long online form and thought, “Forget it, I’ll do this later” — and never did?
That’s exactly how your customers feel when your ad makes them jump through too many hoops.
Keep things simple and friendly. Ask for only the basics — name, phone number, maybe email. The easier you make it, the more people will complete it.
And don’t make them wonder what happens next. If they click, tell them clearly what’s coming: “We’ll call you within the hour” or “Check your inbox for your free voucher.”
People trust businesses that respect their time and make things easy.
Step 4: Get in Touch Fast — While They’re Still Interested
Imagine someone walking into your shop, asking a question, and you tell them, “I’ll get back to you tomorrow.” They’d probably walk away, right?
That’s exactly what happens when you don’t follow up quickly on your Facebook leads.
When someone shows interest, they’re at their warmest — maybe even ready to buy. Waiting even a few hours can turn a hot lead cold.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Reply fast. A quick call or message can double your chances of making the sale.
- Be personal. Mention their name and refer to their enquiry.
- Be helpful. Offer advice on next steps, not just a sales pitch.
Think of it this way: speed shows you care. And when people feel cared for, they buy.
Step 5: Keep an Eye on What’s Working — and What’s Not
You don’t need to be a marketing expert to know whether your ad is working. You just need to look at the results that matter to your business.
Ask yourself:
- Are enquiries turning into customers?
- Are new customers mentioning they found you on Facebook?
- Are you spending less to get more people through the door?
If something’s not working, don’t panic. Try a new image, reword your offer, or adjust who sees your ad. Small tweaks often make a big difference.
The goal isn’t to become a Facebook expert — it’s to make sure every dollar you spend brings something back.
A Quick Real-World Example
A small gym in Brisbane once spent hundreds each month on Facebook ads. The posts looked great — full of likes and comments — but hardly anyone signed up.
After a quick review, they made three small changes:
- Offered a “7-Day Free Trial” instead of just “Book Now.”
- Simplified their enquiry form to three quick questions.
- Called every new lead within 30 minutes.
In just a month, their new memberships jumped by nearly half — without increasing their ad budget.
That’s the difference between chasing likes and building trust that converts.
The Bottom Line: Likes Don’t Pay the Bills — Customers Do
At the end of the day, Facebook ads are only as good as the customers they bring in.
It’s time to stop worrying about how many people “liked” your post and start focusing on how many walked through your door, called your number, or made a booking.
When you talk to the right people, make it easy to respond, and follow up with care; your ads stop being a gamble and start becoming a reliable growth tool.
So before you hit “boost” again, ask yourself:
- Would I click on this ad if I were my own customer?
- Does this make me want to act — or just scroll past?
Because the best ads aren’t the flashiest — they’re the ones that make people trust you enough to take the next step.
