Google Search Adverts Vs Facebook Adverts
Have you ever wondered what the difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads is?
- Ever wondered which one is right for you?
- Or should you be running adverts at all?
The simple answer is, that there is no simple answer.
I’m gonna try to give you a quick overview and help you understand the difference.
Should You Be Running Google or Facebook Adverts?
Before diving into which is better, let's address whether you should run ads at all.
The simple answer is YES! Running ads is always beneficial, but do it with clear goals and a set budget.
Decide what you want to achieve, how much to spend, and what to promote. Are you offering a discount on all products or just one? Creating a special package or deal?
Different ads attract different customers, so think about what will work best. Sometimes, even without an offer, an ad can attract new customers.
Ads should benefit you by selling your services, products, or gathering valuable information. Once you know your objective, you'll need to understand the differences between Google and Facebook ads, which I'll explain next.
Finally, monitor your ad spend and results closely.
Keep Them In Check
Google and Facebook are two very different and very large players in the advert's game. Both can get you results when managed properly, and both can get expensive when they're not.
Keep an eye on them every couple of days.
Google Adverts
There are two main types. 1) Search 2) Display Network.
GOOGLE DISPLAY NETWORK
These are adverts that appear on Google's partner websites. You've seen them on websites from ITV and YouTube. These are all over and they are a lot cheaper to run than Search Ads. These are displayed to people within your target audience and the results can vary. Running these types of adverts really depends on the product and how your advert looks. If you run these they will need to be monitored and tweaked.
Remember these ads are being shown to people while they're doing something else. If the advert is not compelling enough you won't get their attention!
GOOGLE SEARCH ADS
Google displays adverts to people actively searching for something. A user will either enter a word or a phrase into a Google Search or ask Siri. The results are displayed with the relevant adverts at the top and bottom of the page. The people then choose which to click. These are what I would suggest running if you want results quickly. They cost more and you pay per click (PCP). Google lets you check these costs before you go live and you can set your daily limit depending on your monthly spend. Costs per click vary from 10p to £12+ depending on how competitive keywords are. Spend a lot of time in the Keyword Tool to find low cost keywords and you could be a winner here.
Facebook Adverts
Firstly let me tell you that Facebook collects an unprecedented amount of data and knows a lot about its users. All the adverts on Facebook are shown to a Facebook Audience. If you don’t create your own Facebook Audience then Facebook will automatically create one for you.
Facebook Audiences Explained
Picture a theatre or cinema layout. It’s usually a room with a stage or screen at one end and seats all the way to the other. The seats represent your audience. The stage is where you display your advert. You only allow people into the theatre that meet your chosen requirements. T
That’s how Facebook runs its adverts. The better the audience the better the results. Making sure that you create the right audience is a crucial part of getting results with Facebook Adverts.
Facebook ADS A/B Testing
Luckily you can use A/B testing to refine your audience by running two adverts at the same time with the same graphics and text but showing them to two different audiences. This will help you improve your audience. The same goes for your graphics and test.
Using Facebook's A/B testing allows you to refine and test different elements that in the long run help you to get better results.
So Which Is Better FACEBOOK OR GOOGLE?
Choosing the Right Platform: Facebook vs. Google Ads
When deciding between Facebook and Google ads for your business, it's not always clear-cut which is more suitable. Often, the best approach is a combination of both. To make an informed decision, it's crucial to understand how each platform works.
Understanding Google Ads
Google Ads is all about intent. When people use Google, they are actively searching for something specific. This makes Google Ads perfect for capturing potential customers right when they are looking for your product or service. For example, if you run a plumbing business, your ad can appear when someone searches for "emergency plumber near me."
Understanding Facebook Ads
Facebook Ads, on the other hand, excel in targeting and engagement. People on Facebook aren't necessarily looking for your product, but you can target ads based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. This makes Facebook ideal for creating brand awareness and reaching new audiences. For instance, if you own a boutique clothing store, you can target fashion enthusiasts in your area with visually appealing ads showcasing your latest collection.
Examples and Scenarios
- E-commerce Store: If you run an online store, using Google Ads can help capture search-driven traffic looking for specific products, while Facebook Ads can create interest and drive traffic through targeted promotions and engaging content.
- Local Service Business: For a local service like a dentist or a gym, Google Ads can attract customers actively searching for services in their area, while Facebook Ads can build a local presence and encourage word-of-mouth through community engagement.
- Event Promotion: If you're promoting an event, Facebook Ads can target people with specific interests related to your event, while Google Ads can capture those searching for things to do in your area.
Making the Right Choice
The answer isn't always straightforward, and what works best often depends on your business goals, target audience, and budget. That's where I come in.
I help clients navigate these choices, determining whether Google or Facebook—or a mix of both—will best achieve their marketing objectives. By understanding your unique business needs, I can tailor a strategy that maximizes your advertising efforts.
Let's Connect
Choosing the right platform can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Give me a call, and together, we can determine the best advertising strategy for your business. With the right approach, you can reach your target audience effectively and achieve your marketing goals.