Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads: Which One Should You Choose?

2 March, 2025
Docsico
fb-ads vs google-ads

When it comes to online advertising, two of the biggest giants dominate the digital space: Facebook Ads and Google Ads. Both platforms offer powerful tools to help businesses reach their target audience, but choosing the right one depends on your goals, budget, and industry.

In this detailed guide, we'll compare Facebook Ads and Google Ads to help you decide which platform is best for your business.

Facebook Ads vs Google Ads

1. Understanding Facebook Ads & Google Ads+

πŸ“˜ What Are Facebook Ads?

Facebook Ads are paid advertisements that appear on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network. They are best for:

  • βœ… Brand awareness
  • βœ… Social engagement
  • βœ… Visual storytelling (videos, images, carousels, etc.)
  • βœ… Targeting specific interests, behaviors, and demographics

Ad Placements: Facebook Feed, Instagram Feed, Stories, Messenger, Reels, and Audience Network.

🌍 What Are Google Ads?

Google Ads are pay-per-click (PPC) ads that appear on Google Search, YouTube, and Display Networks. They are best for:

  • βœ… Capturing high-intent users (people actively searching for products/services)
  • βœ… Driving website traffic & sales
  • βœ… Competing for top spots in search results

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Facebook Ads are great for demand generation, while Google Ads are ideal for demand fulfillment (capturing people already searching for your product).

2. Key Differences Between Facebook Ads & Google Ads+

Feature Facebook Ads Google Ads
Ad Format Image, video, carousel, story, lead forms Text-based search ads, display ads, shopping ads, video ads
Best For Brand awareness, engagement, social media growth Sales, high-intent traffic, lead generation
Targeting Options Interests, behaviours, demographics, lookalike audiences Keywords, search intent, retargeting
Cost Structure CPC (cost-per-click) or CPM (cost-per-thousand impressions) CPC (cost-per-click), CPA (cost-per-acquisition)
Best Ad Placements Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Audience Network Google Search, YouTube, Display Network, Gmail
Conversion Rate Lower (people are not actively searching) Higher (people are searching for your product/service)
Ad Visibility Feeds, stories, reels Search results, websites, YouTube, shopping

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: : If you're selling an impulse-buy product (e.g., fashion, beauty), Facebook Ads work better. If you're selling a product people actively search for (e.g., legal services, home improvement), Google Ads is better.

3. Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads: When to Use Each+

βœ” Use Facebook Ads If:

  • βœ… You want to build brand awareness.
  • βœ… You have a visually appealing product.
  • βœ… You’re targeting specific demographics (age, interests, location).
  • βœ… You want to drive engagement (likes, shares, comments).
  • βœ… You need cost-effective lead generation.

βœ” Use Google Ads If:

  • βœ… You want to capture people actively searching for your product.
  • βœ… You’re targeting high-intent customers.
  • βœ… You need immediate website traffic.
  • βœ… You’re selling services like legal, real estate, or healthcare.
  • βœ… You want to rank at the top of Google search results.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: :The best strategy is to use both platforms for a full-funnel marketing approach.

4. Cost Comparison: Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads+

Metric Facebook Ads Google Ads
Average CPC (Cost-Per-Click) β‚Ή5 - β‚Ή50 (varies by industry) β‚Ή20 - β‚Ή200 (depends on competition)
Average CPM (Cost-Per-1000 Impressions) β‚Ή100 - β‚Ή500 β‚Ή200 - β‚Ή1000
Best for Small Budgets? βœ… Yes ❌ No (competitive niches are expensive)

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: : If you have a limited budget, start with Facebook Ads. If you have a larger budget and want high-intent traffic, go for Google Ads

5. Performance & ROI: Which One Drives Better Results?+

πŸ“Œ Facebook Ads: Higher reach and engagement, but lower conversion rates. Best for brand awareness and retargeting.

πŸ“Œ Google Ads: Higher conversion rates because it captures users actively searching. Best for sales and lead generation.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: : If your goal is branding & awareness, go for Facebook Ads. If your goal is sales & conversions, go for Google Ads.

6. What type of businesses should use Facebook Ads?+

πŸ“Œ E-commerce, beauty, fashion, fitness, and lifestyle brands work best with Facebook Ads.

7. What type of businesses should use Google Ads?+

πŸ“Œ Legal services, home improvement, real estate, and B2B companies benefit more from Google Ads.

fb-ads vs google-ads

FAQ: Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads

1. Which is better: Facebook Ads or Google Ads?+

It depends on your business goals. Use Facebook Ads for brand awareness and engagement, and Google Ads for capturing high-intent buyers.

2. Are Facebook Ads cheaper than Google Ads?+

Yes, Facebook Ads usually have a lower CPC than Google Ads, making them more affordable for small businesses.

3. Which platform gives better ROI?+

Google Ads generally gives better ROI for sales and conversions, while Facebook Ads are better for awareness and engagement.

4. Can I run both Facebook Ads and Google Ads together?+

Yes! Many businesses use Google Ads for sales and Facebook Ads for retargeting.

5. How much should I spend on Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads?+

πŸ“Œ Facebook Ads: Start with β‚Ή500-β‚Ή2000 per day.

πŸ“Œ Google Ads: Start with β‚Ή2000-β‚Ή5000 per day for competitive industries.

6. What type of businesses should use Facebook Ads?+

πŸ“Œ E-commerce, beauty, fashion, fitness, and lifestyle brands work best with Facebook Ads.

7. What type of businesses should use Google Ads?+

πŸ“Œ Legal services, home improvement, real estate, and B2B companies benefit more from Google Ads.

8. Which platform is better for retargeting?+

Both platforms have great retargeting options, but Facebook Ads work better because of its visual appeal.

9. How long does it take to see results?+

πŸ“Œ Facebook Ads: 1-2 weeks

πŸ“Œ Google Ads: 1-3 days for search campaigns

10. Do I need a website to run ads?+

For Google Ads, yes. For Facebook Ads, you can also use a Facebook Shop or Instagram Shop.

11. Can I run ads without experience?+

Yes, but it’s best to hire an agency like Docsico to optimize your ads for better results.

12. Are video ads better than image ads?+

Yes! Video ads perform better on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

13. Can I sell directly through Facebook or Google Ads?+

Yes! Facebook has Shops & Instagram Checkout, while Google has Shopping Ads.

14. Which is better for lead generation?+

Both are great, but Facebook Lead Ads are easier for collecting contact details without leaving the platform.

15. Which platform works best for local businesses?+

πŸ“Œ Google Ads (local search ads & Google My Business) is best for driving local customers.

Our Partners