Google Ads Campaign vs Social Media Ads: Which Works Best?
Are you trying to get more people to see your business? Maybe you’re wondering whether to use Google Ads or social media ads. Both are great ways to grow your business, but they work in different ways. Let’s explore both options and find out which one might be best for you.
What is a Google Ads Campaign?
Let’s say that you want to find the best pizza restaurant near you. You take out your phone and go to Google. You then type “pizza near me.” A list of places appears on Google, while you notice there are several ads at the top.
Those are Google Ads! They help your business show up when someone is searching for whatever it is that you sell or do.
Google Ads are essentially like a digital sign that appears when someone is looking for something specific. If you have a bakery and someone searches for “birthday cakes,” your ad would show up on google, if you put the correct search terms into Google Ads.
Google Ads operates as “search advertising”, and if done correctly can be very effective, as you are providing a service or product to an individual that is already interested in your skills.
What are Social Media Ads?
Social media ads are different. They appear on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. These ads can be pictures, videos, or stories that pop up while people are scrolling through their feeds. They’re like posters or signs in a busy mall, catching people’s attention as they go about their day.
For example, if you sell cute toys, you can create a colorful picture or video of your toys and show it to parents or kids on social media.
These ads help you tell a story or show what makes your business special. They’re great for building awareness and reaching new customers who might not be searching for your business yet.
Which One is Better?
There’s no simple answer. It depends on what you want to do and who your customers are.
- Google Ads are best if your customers are searching for your product or service. If someone needs a plumber or a flower shop, they’re likely to search online. Google Ads put your business in front of them when they’re already looking.
- Social media ads are best if you want to introduce your business to new people or connect with a specific group. If you sell sports gear for teenagers or handmade jewelry for women, social media helps you reach those groups easily.
Benefits of Social Media Ads
| Aspect | Google Ads | Social Media Ads | How to Use Both |
| Targeting | Reaches people already interested when they search for your product or service. | Targets specific groups based on age, location, interests, or behavior. | Combine both to reach active searchers and targeted audiences. |
| Cost Efficiency | Pay only when someone clicks on your ad (pay-per-click model). | Can quickly generate awareness with a broad audience at a relatively low cost. | Use Google for conversions, social media for brand awareness. |
| Tracking & Analytics | Easy to track impressions, clicks, and conversions. | Track engagement, likes, shares, and follow-ups. | Use insights from both to refine your marketing strategy. |
| Reach & Engagement | Reach people actively searching for your offerings. | Reaches many users quickly with engaging visuals and stories. | Maximize reach and engagement by combining targeted ads with engaging content. |
| Content Type | Primarily text-based ads with some display options. | Visual content like videos, images, stories. | Use Google for direct response and social media for brand storytelling. |
Tips for Getting Started
- Think about your customers. Are they searching for your product or service? If yes, start with Google Ads.
- Do your customers spend a lot of time on social media? If yes, try social media ads.
- Set a small budget first. Try both and see which gives you the best results.
- Keep track of your ads. Check what works best and adjust your ads to get better results.
Conclusion
Both Google Ads and social media ads are very effective ways to grow your business. They are often most effective when they are used simultaneously, as they advertise to different types of customers at different times.
Just like growing a garden, advertising will take time, and you need to be strategic and patient to grow your online presence and your business.
If you’re still uncertain of where to begin, don’t be! There are many professionals who can help design the perfect ad strategy for your business. Remember, success comes from trying, learning, and applying what you discover along the way.
Wishing you great results with your online advertising!
Don’t waste your ad spend guessing what works.
Let Tech Support Plus guide you in choosing between Google Ads and Social Media Ads or using both for the best results.
We’ll help you reach the right people, at the right time, with the right strategy. 🚀
Contact us today for a free Social Media strategy consultation.
