Google Ads vs Facebook Ads: Which Is Better for Your Business in 2026?
You know you need to advertise online, but when it comes to Google Ads vs Facebook Ads, which platform is actually better for your business?
It’s a common question we hear from business owners trying to make smart decisions with their marketing budget. And fair enough both platforms can deliver leads, boost sales, and grow your brand, but they do it in very different ways.
So how do you choose the right one for your business?
In this guide, we’ll break down Google Ads vs Facebook Ads, covering the pros, cons, and key differences, so you can decide which platform (or both!) will give you the best bang for your buck in 2026.
1. What’s the Difference Between Google Ads vs Facebook Ads?
Google Ads: Intent-Based Search
Google Ads targets people who are actively looking for something. Think searches like “plumber near me” or “book a physio in Sydney.”
That means the person is already problem-aware and ready to take action, making Google a great place to show up with the right offer at the right time.
Facebook Ads: Interest-Based Discovery
Facebook (and Instagram) Ads work differently. Instead of waiting for someone to search, you target them based on their interests, behaviours, and demographics.
People aren’t necessarily shopping, they’re scrolling. But a well-placed ad with great creativity can stop the scroll and plant a seed of interest.
2. Pros and Cons of Google Ads
Benefits
High intent, better quality leads
Excellent for service-based businesses and local searches
Fast visibility at the top of search results (even ahead of competitors)
Challenges
Costs can add up quickly in competitive industries like finance, legal or health
Requires solid keyword research and landing pages that convert
You pay per click even if they don’t become a customer
3. Pros and Cons of Facebook Ads
Benefits
Incredibly precise audience targeting (location, age, job title, interests)
Visually engaging formats to build brand awareness
Ideal for ecommerce, time-limited promotions, or retargeting
Challenges
People aren’t necessarily in buying mode more passive discovery
Ads can fatigue quickly if the creative gets stale
Apple’s iOS updates have impacted audience tracking and targeting accuracy
4. Google Ads vs Facebook Ads: Which One Is Better for Your Business?
It depends on your goals, offer, and who you’re trying to reach.
Choose Google Ads If
You provide a service people are actively searching for
You need enquiries quickly
You have a direct, action-focused offer (e.g. “Book a Free Quote”)
Choose Facebook Ads If
You’re looking to build brand awareness or run a promo
You have engaging visuals or a compelling story
You want to stay top-of-mind with your audience
5. Can You Use Both? (Yes, and Here’s How)
Google for Capture, Facebook for Nurture
A smart strategy in 2026? Use Google to capture demand for people ready to act. Then use Facebook to nurture interest, retarget past visitors, and build long-term visibility.
Real-World Examples
A trade runs Google Ads for emergency plumber Brisbane and Facebook retargeting for people who visited their site but didn’t call.
An online retailer uses Google Shopping for high-intent buyers and Facebook Ads to promote bundles or limited-time offers.
A coach uses Facebook video ads to build trust and Google Ads to convert warm leads who search their name or service.
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing between Google Ads vs Facebook Ads doesn’t have to be guesswork.
At The Search Republic, we help businesses build smart, cost-effective digital ad strategies that actually deliver results. Whether it’s one platform or both, we’ll help you make your marketing spend go further.
Book a free ads strategy chat or get in touch to optimise your ad spend.