Facebook Ads vs Google Ads: Which Is Better for Small Business

In today's world, where everything is digital, small businesses often have the same problem: they don't have enough money to market themselves. There are many places to advertise, but Facebook Ads and Google Ads are the two that come up the most. But the real question is, which one should a small business owner who wants real results without spending a lot of money choose?

What are ads on Facebook and Google?

Facebook Ads are paid advertisements that appear on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and the Audience Network. These ads are based on interests, which is great for getting people to know about your brand, getting leads, and building a community.

Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords, appear in search results, on YouTube, and on websites within the Google Display Network. These ads are based on what people want, so they only show up when someone searches for something specific, like "best budget smartphone near me."

Who wins at targeting?

Facebook ads are excellent if you know who your target audience is, what they like, their age, gender, and other factors. You can reach people who are into fitness, love to travel, or follow skincare influencers. For instance, a gym in the area can use Facebook Ads to reach people in their city between the ages of 18 and 30 who like fitness and health pages.

If you aim to connect with individuals who are actively searching for a product or service, Google Ads is the ideal choice. An individual searching for "best protein powder under ₹1000" on Google is likely interested in making a purchase; your presence is essential.

Tip for keywords:

Use search terms that are long-tail and have a low keyword difficulty (KD), such as

1. strategy for affordable fitness ads

2. Tips for Google Ads for Local Businesses

3. Ads on Facebook vs. Google for New Businesses

Which one costs less?

Facebook Ads offer a lower cost per click , but they may need longer campaigns to engage more people.

It may cost more per click to use Google Ads, but people who click on them are more likely to buy.

If you own a local cake shop, for example, you could run a Facebook ad showing mouthwatering cakes to people in your area. This will make them want to buy them. You can target "custom birthday cake near me" on Google, which goes right to the sale.

Low-KD keyword to go after:

1. cheap Google Ads for a bakery

2. Facebook cake ad ideas

Simple to set up and use

If you're just starting out:

Facebook Ads Manager seems more creative and visual, especially for products that are based on photos or videos.
If you're comfortable with keywords and bidding strategies, Google Ads is better because it has more data and is more technical.

Real Example:
One of our clients, a new travel gear company in Himachal Pradesh, spent ₹5,000 on Facebook Ads to reach people who like adventure. They got more than 200 new followers and 23 direct product inquiries in just 7 days. They later switched to Google Ads and focused on search terms like "buy trekking bag online India." This got them fewer clicks but more visitors who were ready to buy.

Results and return on investment: Which one works better?

It all depends on what you want to do with your business:

1. Want quick traffic and buzz for your brand?- Facebook Ads

2. Want leads that are ready to buy and direct conversions?- Google Ads

The best results come from using both. Use Google to get people who are really interested in what you have to offer and Facebook to raise awareness and retarget people.

Pro Tip:
Use Google Tag Manager and Facebook Pixel to keep track of conversions and make your next campaigns better.

Last Thoughts

There is no one right answer for digital ads. The best platform for you will depend on your goals, budget, and audience. Instead of picking one over the other, think about a hybrid approach that uses the best parts of both platforms.

Your business is unique. Your ad strategy should be too