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Google Ads vs Meta Ads: where should your budget go?

Google Ads reaches people already searching for what you sell, so intent is high. Meta Ads reaches people who match your customer but were not searching, so it creates demand. Businesses with existing search demand usually start with Google, and visual or impulse offers often do well on Meta.

Google Ads and Meta Ads compared

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Get your growth plan

Step 1 of 3 · Goals

What do you want to grow?

Pick everything that applies.

Google AdsMeta Ads
IntentActively lookingDiscovering
Main skillKeywords and trackingCreative and audiences
FormatsSearch, Maps, YouTubeReels, images, carousels
Best forUrgent or considered servicesVisual products and offers
Measure byCost per lead and ROASCost per result and ROAS

Where to start

People search for it

Start with Google Ads.

It looks good on camera

Test Meta Ads early.

Budget allows both

Capture demand on Google and retarget on Meta.

Frequently asked questions

Which has lower cost per click?

Meta often has cheaper clicks, but a cheap click from someone not ready to buy may cost more per customer. Compare cost per enquiry and return on ad spend rather than cost per click.

Can I run both at once?

Yes. Many businesses use Google to capture people already searching and Meta to retarget visitors and build new demand. With a small budget, prove one channel first, then add the other.