Choosing between Google Ads and Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram) can feel like comparing apples to oranges. Both work, but the way they work is different—and depending on your business, one may give you better results than the other.
Let’s break it down, simply.
How They Work
Google Ads shows your ads when someone types a relevant keyword into Google Search or browses a site in Google’s Display Network. These people already know what they want—they’re just looking for the right place to get it.
Meta Ads appear in social feeds. People aren’t searching, but they might stop scrolling if something grabs their attention. Meta is more about creating interest, even before a need exists.
So:
Google captures intent.
Meta creates awareness.
Which Platform Suits Which Industry?
Education & Courses
Let’s say you run a digital marketing training institute or law college. Most students and parents search terms like “best law college in Kerala” or “digital marketing course with placement.” That’s why Google Ads is usually more effective here.
We’ve used this approach for our clients, targeting course-related searches with carefully crafted ad copy. Meta can still be useful, especially for remarketing or showcasing student stories. But if you want high-intent leads, start with Google.
E-commerce & Lifestyle
Selling fashion, perfume, or gadgets? That’s Meta’s turf. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for catching the eye with bold visuals and offers. We’ve seen brands get great results just by improving product visuals and targeting the right age groups.
That said, if you’re also running a store with Google Shopping listings, you should run Google Ads in parallel to catch buyers who are already comparing prices or searching for deals.
Local & On-Demand Services
If your business is local—like plumbing, dental clinics, or electricals—Google Ads is your best friend. When someone searches “electrician near me” or “plumber in Malappuram,” your ad shows up at the right time. You don’t have to build awareness—they’re already looking.
We’ve helped several businesses like this grow using local Google Ads campaigns tailored to their service area.
Real Estate & Property Developers
This one’s interesting. You can use Google to target keywords like “flats for sale in Kozhikode”, but Meta is excellent for retargeting—like showing the same user a walkthrough video of the property they just viewed. A mix of both platforms works well for real estate.
Cost and Return: What to Expect
- Google Ads often costs more per click, especially in competitive industries like insurance, finance, or education. But those clicks tend to convert better.
- Meta Ads are cheaper to run and offer higher reach. However, you’ll need strong creatives and good targeting to get actual conversions.
If your budget is limited and you’re trying to build brand awareness or drive traffic, Meta might be the place to start. But if you need results now, Google could be worth the extra cost.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide:
| Industry | Recommended Platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Google Ads | High intent, strong keywords |
| Fashion & Lifestyle | Meta Ads | Visual appeal, audience targeting |
| Local Services | Google Ads | Urgent needs, local search behavior |
| Real Estate | Both | Keyword + remarketing combo |
| Tech Products | Meta Ads | Browsing leads to impulse buys |
What We Recommend
The best results often come from a hybrid approach. You don’t always need to pick one. Many of our clients run both Google and Meta ads—one to attract attention, the other to seal the deal.
The real trick is knowing where your audience is and what they’re doing. Are they actively searching? Or just browsing? That changes everything.