Why Do Boosted Posts Get Rejected? A Comprehensive Guide
Boosting a post on Facebook seems like a quick and easy way to reach a larger audience. However, many users find their boosted posts getting rejected, leaving them frustrated and confused. The core reason boosted posts get rejected is the same as for rejected ads: they violate Facebook’s Advertising Policies and Community Standards. These policies are designed to ensure a safe and positive experience for all users, and any content that falls outside these guidelines will be rejected by Facebook’s automated and manual review systems. This can include prohibited content, restricted content, or issues with how the ad is presented, targeted, or directed to a landing page. It’s crucial to understand these often intricate rules to avoid rejection and make the most of your Facebook marketing efforts. Let’s delve deeper into why this happens and what you can do about it.
Understanding Facebook’s Review Process
Facebook uses a rigorous review process to check all ads and boosted posts before they’re shown to users. This process includes both automated systems that scan for violations and manual reviews conducted by human reviewers. The system checks multiple elements of your post including the text, image, video, targeting, and landing page, if applicable.
Common Violations
The most frequent reasons for rejection typically fall under these categories:
- Prohibited Content: This includes content that is completely banned on Facebook, such as the promotion of illegal drugs, weapons, adult products, gambling services, and discrimination.
- Restricted Content: These are items that are not outright banned but require special permissions or restrictions, like alcohol, regulated financial products, or health-related content.
- Misleading or Deceptive Content: Facebook disallows posts that make false claims or are misleading, including those with exaggerated promises or unrealistic results.
- Community Standards Violations: Content that is offensive, hateful, violent, or that violates other community standards is strictly prohibited. This includes content that promotes hate speech, bullying, or misinformation.
- Poor Ad Creative: This includes low-quality images or videos, poor grammar, excessive use of capitalization or exclamation points, and text that is difficult to read.
- Targeting Issues: Targeting the wrong audience or not being specific enough can sometimes cause rejection. Similarly, violating Facebook’s rules on targeting sensitive attributes can lead to a rejection.
- Landing Page Discrepancies: If the content or functionality of your landing page doesn’t match the claims made in your boosted post, it can lead to a rejection.
- Technical Issues: Sometimes your boosted post can get rejected due to a technical glitch on Facebook’s end.
Why Ads Get Approved Then Rejected
Sometimes, an ad or boosted post can initially be approved, only to be rejected later. This can be due to several factors:
- User Feedback: If users hide, block, report, or otherwise provide negative feedback about your ad, it can trigger a second review and lead to a rejection.
- Policy Updates: Facebook’s advertising policies can be updated from time to time. An ad that was previously compliant may become non-compliant after a policy change.
- System Updates: Facebook’s review system is constantly being updated and improved. A change to the system may result in an ad being flagged for review that was previously overlooked.
- Manual Review: An ad that was approved by the automated system may later be selected for manual review and potentially be rejected by a human reviewer if they spot a violation.
What To Do When Your Boosted Post is Rejected
When your boosted post is rejected, the best course of action is to review the notification you received from Facebook. It usually provides a specific reason for the rejection. Then, carefully examine your post, image, video, targeting and landing page (if applicable) to identify and fix the issue.
Once you’ve made the necessary edits, resubmit your post for review. Remember, your post might be reviewed again by the system. If you’re still having trouble, you can try contacting Facebook’s support.
FAQs About Boosted Post Rejections
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about boosted post rejections on Facebook, providing more in-depth insights and solutions:
1. What are the most common reasons for boosted post rejection?
The most common reasons include promoting prohibited or restricted content, violating Community Standards, using misleading or deceptive claims, having poor ad creative, facing targeting issues, and inconsistencies between the ad and landing page.
2. Can using certain words cause my boosted post to be rejected?
Yes, certain words can trigger rejections, especially those associated with sensitive topics, get-rich-quick schemes, profanity, or using first names. Avoid excessive use of caps lock and exclamation points.
3. Why is my boosted post not reaching anyone even after approval?
If your boosted post shows zero reach, it’s likely still in the approval queue, especially if it’s your first time boosting a post. Sometimes, duplicating the post and starting over can help.
4. How long does it take for Facebook to review a rejected boosted post?
Most ads are reviewed within 24 hours, though it can sometimes take longer. Remember, ads may be reviewed again even after they are live.
5. What is the difference between boosted posts and Facebook ads?
Boosted posts focus on website clicks, engagement, and local promotions, while Facebook ads in Ads Manager provide advanced objectives like leads, app promotion, and sales. Ads Manager offers more comprehensive targeting and optimization options.
6. Can my boosted post be rejected if I’m targeting the wrong audience?
Yes, incorrect or overly broad audience targeting can lead to rejection. Ensure your target audience aligns with your product/service and adheres to Facebook’s policies on targeted attributes.
7. What types of content are prohibited on Facebook?
Prohibited content includes items like illegal drugs, weapons, adult products, gambling services, body parts and fluids, and content that promotes discrimination or violates community standards.
8. How can I ensure my boosted post is compliant with Facebook’s policies?
Thoroughly review Facebook’s Advertising Policies and Community Standards. Ensure your post, image/video, text, targeting, and landing page (if applicable) adhere to all rules.
9. Why does Facebook keep restricting my ads account?
Repeated or severe violations of Facebook’s policies can lead to advertising restrictions on your Business Account, ad account, Page, or user account. Additionally, suspicious activity, like rapid spending or hacking, can also lead to restrictions.
10. Is it common for Facebook to restrict accounts for using fake profiles for ads?
Yes. Fake profiles are against Facebook’s terms and conditions. Using such profiles for advertising will definitely result in account restrictions.
11. What if my post is rejected because of a technical issue?
If the problem is on Facebook’s end, try duplicating the ad and resubmitting it after a while. Contacting Facebook Support can also help resolve technical glitches.
12. How can I improve my ad creative to avoid rejections?
Use high-quality images and videos, ensure your text is clear and concise, use proper grammar and punctuation, avoid excessive capitalization or exclamation points, and make sure your message aligns with the landing page content.
13. What should I do if my boosted post gets rejected repeatedly?
If your post is rejected repeatedly, re-evaluate the content, targeting, and landing page to identify the root cause of the violations. Try making small changes each time to isolate the problematic areas. Consider using a different creative or copy.
14. How long should I boost a post on Facebook for?
It depends on your specific goals and budget. It is generally advised not to boost a post for more than 7 days. Consider using Facebook Ads Manager for longer, more focused campaigns.
15. Are boosted posts worth it?
While they are useful for building brand awareness, boosted posts are not as effective as Facebook ads for converting customers because they have fewer targeting options. Use Ads Manager for more specific and conversion-driven campaigns.
By understanding Facebook’s guidelines and taking proactive measures to ensure compliance, you can significantly increase your chances of your boosted posts being approved and achieving your desired reach. Remember, a strategic approach and careful attention to detail are essential for successful Facebook marketing.