Google Ads vs. Meta Ads: Which Is Better for Your Business?

Trying to figure out the best place to spend your ad budget? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get at Engage360 is: “Should I run Google Ads or Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram)?”

The truth is: they’re both powerful, but they serve very different purposes. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, your audience, and what stage of the funnel you’re targeting.

Let’s break it down.

1. Google Ads: Catching the Buyer in Action

Google Ads are intent-based.

Meaning your customer is actively looking for what you offer. Think: “best real estate agent near me” or “custom kitchen design Jacksonville.” If you show up first, you’re instantly in the running.

Google Ads are great for:

• Local services (e.g., med spas, landscapers, HVAC, lawyers)

• Emergency/need-based solutions

• High-ticket purchases that start with research

Why we use them:

• You're showing up when the buyer is already in the mood to buy

• You can target based on exact keywords

• Great for driving immediate traffic to landing pages or booking forms

2. Meta Ads: Creating Curiosity and Building Demand

Meta Ads (Instagram + Facebook) are interruption-based.

They catch people mid-scroll. That’s not a bad thing, though. With strong creative, you can grab attention, spark curiosity, and generate new interest in your brand.

Meta Ads are ideal for:

• Brand awareness + engagement

• Visually appealing offers or products

• Cold audiences that don’t know they need you, yet.

Why we use them:

• Lower cost per impression (great for visibility)

• Precise audience targeting (interests, behaviors, lookalikes)

• Opportunity to build a full funnel (awareness → nurture → convert)

3. How We Use Both (And Why You Should Too)

At Engage360, we don’t treat Google and Meta like either/or, we use them together to build smart funnels that convert.

Here’s how it works:

• Meta Ads: Drive curiosity and get new eyes on the brand

• Google Ads: Catch the same user when they go searching later

• Retargeting Ads: Stay top of mind until they take action

It’s not about choosing the best platform; it’s about building a strategy that leverages the strengths of both.

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If you're only running one type of ad, you're leaving money on the table. Google Ads help you catch the buyer when they’re ready to take action. Meta Ads help you build demand before they even realize they’re a customer.

At Engage360, we build cross-platform ad funnels that generate leads, drive conversions, and scale smart.

Ready to stop guessing and start converting? Book a free consultation with Engage360 and let’s plug into your business.