“Should I be on Facebook or Google?” It’s one of the most common questions we get.
The answer depends on how your customers find you. Both platforms are powerful. They just do very different jobs. Here’s how to think about it.
What’s the difference between Meta and Google ads?
Google shows ads to people actively searching. Meta (Facebook and Instagram) shows ads to people scrolling, based on who they are and what they’re into.
Google catches demand that already exists. Meta creates demand by putting you in front of people who didn’t know they needed you yet. See how we run them as a Meta ads agency in Brisbane.
- People search for what you do
- The need is urgent
- Customers compare local options
- You want to show up on Maps
- People need a nudge to start
- Your business is visual
- You have a great offer to show
- You want to build a local following
Which works better for gyms?
For most gyms, Meta leads, because people decide to get fit before they search for a gym. Google then catches the people already looking.
A great video ad of your club in someone’s feed can spark the decision. When they then search “gym near me”, you want to be there too.
Which works better for service businesses?
It depends on the service. Urgent services lean on Google. Lifestyle and wellness services often do well on Meta.
Nobody scrolls Instagram hoping to find an emergency plumber. But plenty of people see a physio’s video about back pain and think, “that’s me”.
Should we run both?
Most businesses get the best results from both working together, with the budget split based on what the numbers show.
We test, measure and shift the budget towards whatever brings in customers at the best cost. The split is a starting point, not a rule.
Meta and Google working together.
Campaigns across fitness and service businesses.
Let’s find your mix.
We run Meta, Google and AI search campaigns together. See our paid marketing page.
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