ID3AS Blog

Are you ready to take your advertising to the next level, but are unsure of where to begin? When D3 meets with business owners and decision makers, one of the first questions that comes up is, “Should we run Google or Meta/Facebook ads?” And the answer isn’t always as simple as you’d think. 

The two advertising channels are powerful tools that can help businesses drive sales, reach new customers, and grow their brand. However, they work in different ways. So, which one should you choose? The truth is, it just depends. 

Let’s break down the differences. 

Should I Run Google Ads?

If you’re looking to capture leads, Google Ads are typically the way to go. They are intent-based and capture users who are actively looking for your product or service. Whether they are searching for the “best pizza in Ocean City” or “roof repair near me”, ads appear right where the search is happening, meaning that you are front and center, reaching potential customers at just the right moment.  

What Are The Pros and Cons of Running Google Ads?

Pros: 

• You reach a high-intent audience. 
• Great for generating leads and service-based businesses. 
• Drives awareness for local businesses. 
• Flexible targeting options by keyword, location, interests, etc. 

Cons:

• Ads can be highly competitive and, at times, expensive in some industries. 
• Can be limited in creative formats when compared to Meta ads. 

Should I Run Meta Ads?

Meta ads are amazing at creating demand by interrupting the users' endless scroll. People on Facebook and Instagram aren’t actively searching for your product; they’re scrolling through their feed. But with the right creative and targeting, you can spark that interest and put your business on their radar. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Running Meta Ads? 

Pros: 

• Excellent for brand awareness and audience engagement. 
• Perfect for showing off visuals through photos, videos, and carousels. 
• Can detail audience targeting based on interests and behaviors. 
• Great for nurturing your audience via retargeting. 

Cons: 

• Creative fatigue can set in quickly, so be prepared with various creative sets! 
• Users aren’t always “ready to buy” when they first see your ad. 

Which Is Better, Meta or Google Ads? 

Well, the answer is neither, and also, both! Meta Ads and Google Ads are both set to serve different purposes. Often, the most effective strategy is to use them together for harmonious marketing and targeting different audiences. 

Google Ads captures users who are already looking for or are interested in your product or service. Meta Ads build awareness and keep your business top-of-mind, helping you to reach users who don’t even know that they need you yet! Google Ad and Meta Ads aren’t competitors; they are tools that work together. The real value comes from knowing how and when to use them. 

That being said, using both strategically truly is the key! Running ads on either platform is not as easy as just “boosting” or choosing a few keywords. Meta and Google Ad systems are both complex, competitive, and ever-changing. 

That’s where working with the experts comes in! Working with a full team of professionals who live in these platforms daily will help you to make the right decisions with your goals and budget, optimize campaigns that offer the best return on investment, and craft ad strategies that carefully balance awareness and intent. 

Take the guesswork out of running ads, and work with our team at D3, who can help you design a clear plan for your business goals. 

Ready to get started? Give us a call at 410-213-2400, or contact our team today!