Do you need Google or Facebook ads? Your quick guide

Aug 17
4 min read

Updated: Aug 20

In the world of digital marketing, a frequently asked question remains for store owners and small businesses:

The answer is not the same for everyone. Each platform has its own method, audience, and methods. The wrong choice may mean wasting the budget without results.

In this post, we will provide you with a simple, practical guide to help you make the right decision, based on your project type and goal.

First: What is the fundamental difference between Google and Facebook?

Comparison

Google Ads

Facebook and Instagram ads

How to reach the public

User is searching for you (ready intents)

You target him according to his interests and behavior

Ad appearance time

When the user searches for specific words

While browsing the platform

Ad format

Text and links + the ability to display products (Shopping Ads)

Pictures, videos, stories, publications

Fast results

Yes, because the customer is really looking for the solution

It takes time to build awareness and interest

Best use

For services or products that people are searching for directly

To build a mental image, visual marketing, attract attention

Second: When do you use Google Ads?

If your project serves a need Clear and direct, like:

Mobile phone maintenance shop
Dentist or clinic
Selling devices or spare parts
A restaurant people search for its location
A well-known product that people search for by name

✅ Example: A person writes on Google “the best fish restaurant in Jeddah”📍 This person is ready to buy now, and your ad appears for him at the right moment.

🎯 Google is perfect for attracting customers who are already “searching” for your service.

Advantages of Google Ads:

Target purchase intent directly
Instant results If the advertisement is executed correctly
Suitable for service sectors and express products
It supports your appearance on: search engines, maps, news sites, YouTube, Gmail

When is it not better to just use Google?

If your product is completely new and unknown
If you want to build a long-term audience
If people are not primarily searching for the product (entertainment products - gifts - special designs)

Third: When do you use Facebook/Instagram ads?

If your goal is:

Attract attention For a new or unknown product
Building brand awareness
Persuade a target audience based on their interest
Interact with content Or collect customer data

✅ Example: You sell a new skin care product that no one is searching for by name yet.

📱 In this case, Facebook and Instagram are the perfect place to create curiosity and turn it into demand.

Advantages of Facebook/Instagram ads:

Attractive visual design (photo/video)
Precise targeting according to: age - location - interests - behavior
Perfect for building an audience and page followers
You can direct the customer directly to WhatsApp messages or a registration form

When is it not preferable to use only Facebook?

If the product is a consumer based on immediate intention
If you rely only on a quick sale and not on building a relationship
If you don't have visually appealing content

Fourth: Which is cheaper?

The always popular question: Which one is more plentiful?

✴️ Google Ads: The price is determined according to the “keyword”, and some words are very expensive (legal services, clinics…).

✴️ Facebook Ads The cost is low in the beginning, but you need strong content and continuity.

🧮 Truth: The most affordable is the one who brings real results at a good conversion price The important thing is not the number of clicks, but the number of orders.

Fifth: What about combining the two platforms?

The best solution is to combine the two platforms intelligently.

🎯 Example of a smart plan:

Launch a campaign on Facebook to attract attention
Then a retargeting campaign on Google
Or vice versa: a search campaign on Google + a follow-up campaign on Instagram

📈 This way, you are guaranteed to appear more than once in the customer journey.

Sixth: How do you choose the appropriate platform for you?

Ask yourself:

Question

If the answer is "yes"

The most suitable platform

Are people searching for your product on Google?

Yes

Google Ads

Is your product new or unknown?

Yes

Facebook and Instagram

Is your goal to collect followers or engagement?

Yes

Facebook/Instagram

Is your goal direct sales?

Yes

Google (and sometimes Facebook)

Do you have attractive visual content?

Yes

Facebook/Instagram

Do you want to create a campaign based on location?

Yes

Both are appropriate, depending on the goal

Seventh: How do you start step by step?

If you choose Google:

Identify important keywords
Create a landing page or clear link
Use ad extensions (location - contact - offers)
Monitor performance and continually adjust the campaign

If you choose Facebook:

Define the target group precisely
Create an attractive visual ad (video or strong design)
Use a clear call (CTA): order, book, communicate
Follow conversations and replies instantly
Test more than one ad copy

Eighth: A realistic example

Activity: New sweets shop

🎯 Goal: Attract new customers in your area 💡 Smart plan:

Facebook and Instagram campaign with an opening offer + attractive images
Google Maps ad with the phrase: “The best cheesecake in Riyadh”
A retargeting campaign for visitors who entered the page but did not purchase

📊 Result: More than 300 visits within two weeks and achieving the first real sales.

Ninth: Tools that help you make decisions

Tool

Use

Google Trends

To know whether people are searching for your product or not

Facebook Audience Insights

To understand your audience on Facebook/Instagram

Keyword Planner (Google)

To choose the most requested keywords

Canva or CapCut

To design attractive visual content

WhatsApp Business

To deal quickly with those interested

Conclusion:

There is no absolute “best”… there is a “best” for you.

The better you know your audience and your goal, the clearer your decision will be, and the more successful your campaign will be.