Facebook vs. Instagram: Where Should You Be Showing Up More?

Facebook:
The Community Bulletin Board

Facebook is like your town’s old-school bulletin board at the diner or gas station—except now it’s digital and full of memes.

✅ Best for:

• Local businesses

• Events, sales, and updates

• Longer posts with stories or details

• Folks who like to chat in the comments (you know who they are)

✅ Use it if you…

• Want to build a local community or serve an older audience (40s+ still hang out here daily)

• Like writing longer posts or sharing links

• Run a business like home services, food trucks, repair shops, boutiques, or anything community-based

🚫 Skip it if: You’re allergic to writing or hoping for fast growth purely on aesthetics. Facebook likes depth, not flash.

Instagram:
The Digital Storefront Window

Instagram is like the big front window of your business. People scroll by, peek in, and if it looks good—they come inside.

✅ Best for:

• Visually appealing businesses (makers, bakers, stylists, crafters)

• Quick hits: photos, reels, stories

• Behind-the-scenes, packaging orders, and storytelling through video

✅ Use it if you…

• Have a product or service that looks good in action

• Want to reach a younger crowd (20s–40s)

• Are open to showing your face and sharing quick, casual updates

🚫 Skip it if: You don’t want to mess with photos, reels, or trends—or if tech gives you a headache.

So… Facebook or Instagram?

🟡 If you're service-based + local?
➡️ Focus on Facebook first, then sprinkle in some IG when you can.

🟣 If you're product-based + visual?
➡️ Go all in on Instagram, but share important updates to Facebook too (easy cross-post).

🟢 If you're just starting out and feeling overwhelmed?
➡️ Pick one and do it well. Don’t burn yourself out trying to be everywhere. I can tell you, you will get burned out within a week if you try to do all platforms. Pick one. One only.

Bottom Line:
Go Where Your People Are

You don’t need to master both platforms overnight. Just figure out where your ideal customers hang out—and show up there regularly like you would at your favorite small-town coffee shop.

Show up. Be helpful. Be real.
That’s the kind of marketing that works around here.