Comparison · Marketing
Meta Ads vs Google Ads
Facebook and Instagram ads or Google Ads? Compare intent, targeting, creative, cost and the businesses each works best for.
The short answer
Google Search ads capture people already looking for what you sell. Meta ads (Facebook and Instagram) create demand by showing your offer to people likely to want it. Use Google when there's search demand; use Meta for visual products, new offers and building audiences.
Side by side
| Feature | Meta Ads | Google Ads |
|---|---|---|
| How people find you | You interrupt their scroll | They search for you |
| Intent | Lower; you create interest | High; they're actively looking |
| Targeting | Interests, behaviours, lookalikes, retargeting | Keywords, location, audiences |
| Creative | Images and video essential | Text ads, plus visual formats |
| Works best for | Fashion, beauty, food, events, consumer products | Services people search for: clinics, repairs, legal, B2B |
Updated October 2026. Products and prices change; check official sites for current details.
Which is best for you?
Meta Ads
Visual products, launches, and audiences who don't search for you yet.
Google Ads
People already search for your service in your area.
Retarget on both
Most buyers don't convert on the first visit. Retargeting people who visited your site is often the most efficient spend on either platform.
Where EmmaForYou fits
We run Meta and Google campaigns tied to real conversions (calls, WhatsApp, bookings, sales), not just clicks.
More comparisons
Good to know
How much should I spend?
Enough to collect meaningful data on one offer and audience before judging results. We set budgets after looking at your margins and goals.