Both Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer businesses amazing opportunities to reach their customers. In fact, you may have used both of these platforms in the past. But, do you really know what the differences are? If not, you’re in the right place. Learn more here.

Similarities Between Google and Facebook Ads

Before getting into what makes them different, it’s smart to first learn what makes them similar.

Both ads have huge networks and a massive reach. After all, Facebook has more than 1.6 billion users and Google has approximately 77 percent of the total global search volume. Some other similarities include:

• Each uses geographic targeting to match searchers with advertisements
• Each network only makes money when people engage with the advertisements
• Due to the auction structure advertisers are forced to create high quality ads to compete

Differences Between Google and Facebook Ads

One of the main differences between Google ads and Facebook ads has to do with user intent. For example, Google ads target users who demonstrate intent when typing into the search box. Facebook does not have this type of intent. Instead, the ads seen on Facebook match with a user’s interests and demographics.

This difference in intent means that the networks are different regarding the type of business goals they are right for. For example, Facebook ads are the ideal option for building and increasing brand awareness. Google ads are perfect for putting a service or product you offer in front of the user who is looking for it.

What does this mean?

• Facebook users are browsing
• Google users have a driven purpose

Facebook ads often serve advertisements to individuals who may or may not be searching for what it is you have to offer, but that match your typical client or customer profile. These ads allow searchers to know you exist and may open up new business opportunities in the future. There is typically less competition to advertise on Facebook than Google, so the cost per click is often cheaper.

On the other hand, when someone searches on Google, they have a purpose to their search. Google takes into consideration the user’s search term to show them relevant, targeted advertisements they are likely to click on. Typically, the cost of advertising on Google is higher due to the amount of competition and the thought that you are advertising to people “in-market” right now, and require a higher budget.

The Bottom Line

Facebook ads are essentially highly targeted at people interested in specific subjects and/or within certain age/income brackets, net worth, etc.,  while Google ads are extremely specific and designed to get people to click because they want what you have to offer. To learn more about advertising on these platforms, contact Brady at Solutions Digital Marketing today at 425-689-7991 or brady@solutionsdigitalmarketing.com.