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Testing Facebook and Instagram ads on a small budget

Daniel Luna
Daniel Luna
Founder, DPC Bookkeeper · November 2026 · 2 min read

Social ads can reach people who aren't looking for a doctor today. That makes the ad itself do more work. Run a small test with a simple message, a clear price and a short video of the doctor.

Targeting

Target by area and age. Pick the zip codes you serve and the ages you want to reach. Keep it broad within that area and let the ad find people.

What to show

Avoid ads that suggest you know something about the viewer's health. Speak to everyone in the area.

Budget and length

Set a monthly budget you won't miss, run it for 60 days, and change only one thing at a time.

Measure it

In a made-up example, $600 over 60 days brings 40 meet-and-greet requests and 4 new members. That's $150 per member. Compare it with what a member is worth and with your other sources. How to track where members come from.

Follow up fast

Reply the same day and follow up a few times. How to follow up with people who aren't ready.

What I'd do this week

Common questions

Is promoting a post the same as running an ad?
Compare boosting and Ads Manager in Meta's help pages before you choose.

Should I use photos or video?
Test both.

What about comments on my ads?
Answer questions in general terms and move health questions to a private call.

Want marketing spend tracked against new members?

We reconcile every account every month and send your P&L and Balance Sheet by the 15th, so you can see what each new member is worth and what it cost to get them. If that's what you need, apply to work with us.