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Meta Ads or Google Ads: which should your business use first?
Both can bring you customers, but they reach people at different moments. The right place to start depends on what you sell and how people look for it.
The main difference
Google Ads reach people who are already searching for something, such as a service they need right now. Meta Ads on Facebook and Instagram reach people while they scroll, based on who they are and what they are interested in.
Put simply, Google catches demand that already exists, and Meta can help create demand for something people were not looking for yet.
When Meta Ads are often a good start
Meta works well when your product or service is easy to show with a picture or a short video.
- Restaurants, salons, fashion and lifestyle brands
- New businesses that need people to know them
- Offers and events with a clear visual idea
- Businesses that take enquiries through WhatsApp or Messenger
When Google Ads are often a good start
Google works well when people already search for what you offer and are ready to act.
- Urgent or specific services people search for by name
- Business-to-business services
- Products people compare before buying
- Businesses with a good website or landing page to send visitors to
Why many businesses end up using both
The two work well together. Meta can make people aware of your brand, and when they later search for you, Google can be there to catch them. If your budget is small, start with one channel, learn what works, then add the other.
Before you spend on any ads
Ads bring people to you, but they cannot fix a weak offer or a slow reply. Check these first:
- A clear offer that is easy to understand
- Good photos or video
- A page, website or WhatsApp number ready for enquiries
- Someone who replies quickly
- A way to count enquiries and sales from the ads
Questions
How much should I spend on ads at the start?
There is no single right number. Start with an amount you can afford to test with for a few weeks, watch what it brings in, and increase it only when you can see what is working.
Do I need a website to run ads?
Not always. Meta Ads can send people to WhatsApp or Messenger. Google Ads usually work better with a website or landing page, because that is where people expect to go after a search.
Want help with this?
Book a short strategy call. We'll understand your goals and come back with a plan and a quote.