Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads: Which Is Right for Your Business?
At Wayne Media, we don’t throw money around hoping something sticks. If you’re going to spend money on ads, they better be tied to a real goal and bring in results.
So when someone asks, “Should I run Google Ads or Facebook Ads?” here’s the short answer: it depends on what you’re selling, who you’re selling to, and how your business makes money.
Here’s how to figure it out.
Get Clear on the Goal
Too many people run ads without knowing what they’re actually trying to get. They say things like “I want more traffic” or “I want more awareness,” but that’s not specific enough.
Do you want phone calls? Online sales? Booked jobs? Walk-ins?
If you don’t know the outcome you’re aiming for, don’t run ads yet. You’ll waste your budget.
At Wayne Media, we look at ROI. Not clicks, not likes. Dollars in, dollars out. If you're spending $2,000 a month, you better be making at least $8,000 to $10,000 back. Otherwise, what's the point?
When to Use Google Ads
Google works best when people are already looking for what you offer. If someone types in “plumber near me” or “estate attorney Brighton,” they’re ready to take action. Your job is to show up when they search.
Google is great for:
Local service businesses
Emergency or urgent needs
Clear, high-intent keywords
But Google only works if your campaign is set up right. You need good keywords, a fast website, and a system to follow up on leads. If any of that is broken, Google will burn through your money fast.
Don’t run Google Ads if people don’t know they need your service yet. You’ll just pay to be ignored.
When to Use Facebook Ads
Facebook and Instagram are different. People aren’t searching. They’re scrolling. If you want their attention, you need to earn it. That means your ad has to be interesting, helpful, or emotional enough to stop the scroll.
Facebook is great for:
Building awareness
Showing off your brand or story
Retargeting people who already know you
It works well for businesses with strong visuals. Think home design, clothing, coaching, wellness, and restaurants. It takes time and testing. You won’t always see leads right away.
If you don’t have good creative or a clear message, Facebook won’t work. It’s not a shortcut. It’s part of a longer play.
What I Tell Clients
Most businesses don’t need both platforms at once. Pick one. Start small. Test it. Look at the results. Then scale when it works.
If your customers are already looking for your service, go with Google. If you need to tell your story or warm people up first, go with Facebook.
Don’t just copy what your competitor is doing. Don’t chase trends. Know your numbers and be honest about what your business needs.
If you want help figuring that out, that’s what we do.
Let’s build something that actually works.