Google sees more than 8.5 billion searches each day, while more than 5.4 billion people use social media. But when comparing Google Ads vs social media ads, which platform is right for your business?
Forge Apollo is a top PPC agency in Philadelphia. In this article, we’ll take you through social media vs Google Ads and which is better for your business.
What’s The Difference?
Google Ads helps businesses reach people searching for products or services. The most common ad types are search ads, which appear in Google search results, and display ads, which appear across websites in the Google Display Network.
Social media ads run on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They use visual formats like images, videos, and carousels to reach users as they browse.
Let’s compare social media vs Google Ads.
Google Ads
Targeting Options
Google Ads target people based on what they search for. Businesses can match that intent with dedicated PPC landing pages that encourage users to take the next step.
For example, someone searching for “emergency dentist near me” is probably ready to book an appointment. Someone searching for “best dental practices near me” is still comparing options.
Google Ads also lets you retarget previous website visitors to encourage them to come back and convert.
Format
Google Ads offers fewer ad formats than social media. Search ads are text-based, while display ads can include images and videos.
Placement
Google Search ads appear in Google Search, Maps, Shopping, and other Google products. Display ads appear on millions of websites and apps across the internet.Â
Performance
Recent Google Search benchmarks include:
- Average CTR: 6.66%
- Average CPC: $5.26
- Average Conversion Rate: 7.52%
| Google Ads | Social Ads | |
| Best for | Capturing active demand | Building awareness & reaching new audiences |
| Targeting | Keywords, location & search intent | Interests, location, demographics & behaviors |
| Ad Formats | Search, display & video | Images, video, carousels & Stories |
| User Intent | Higher intent | Lower intent |
| Lead & Conversions | Leads & conversions | Awareness & engagement |
Social Ads
Targeting Options
Social media ads let businesses target people based on interests, age, location, job title, behaviors, and more. This makes them a great option for building brand awareness and reaching new audiences.
You can also retarget people who have visited your website or interacted with your business online.
Format
Social ads offer more creative options than Google Ads. You can use images, videos, carousels, Stories, Reels, and lead forms.
Placement
Social ads appear in users’ feeds while they browse platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Some platforms also let you show ads on partner websites.
Performance
Recent social advertising benchmarks include:
- Average CPC: $0.70
- Average CTR: 1.71%
- Average CPC: $7.20
- Average CTR: 0.65%
Choosing the Best Option for Your Company
Choosing between Google Ads vs Meta Ads or LinkedIn ads depends on your goals, budget, audience, and experience.
Budget & Competition
Every platform has different advertising costs. When comparing Facebook Ads vs Google Ads vs. LinkedIn Ads, consider both your budget and your industry.
For example, LinkedIn ads usually cost more than Facebook ads. If you have a smaller budget, Meta platforms may be a better fit. On the other hand, highly competitive Google keywords can also become expensive.
Audience & Niche
Think about where your audience spends time.
A local dental office may see better results with Google Ads because people are actively searching for those services.
A B2B software company may perform better on LinkedIn, while a travel or tourism business may benefit from visual ads on Facebook or Instagram.
Expertise
Google Ads offers powerful tools, but it takes experience to get the best results.
Working with an experienced PPC agency Philadelphia businesses trust can help improve performance and make the most of your advertising budget.
Social media ads are easier to launch, but they still require testing and optimization to perform well.
Using Them Together
When comparing Google Ads vs Meta Ads, you don’t always have to choose one.
Many businesses see the best results by using both platforms. Google Ads captures people who are actively searching, while social media ads keep your business in front of those users after they visit your website.
For example, someone may click your Google Search ad first. Later, they may see your Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn ad, reminding them to come back and convert.
Contact a Top PPC Agency in Philadelphia
Still deciding between Google Ads vs social media ads?
Forge Apollo is a top PPC agency in Philadelphia that helps businesses build advertising campaigns across Google and social media. Whether you’re starting your first campaign or improving an existing one, our team can help you reach your goals. Contact us today to get started.
