Google Ads vs Meta Ads

Google Ads vs Meta Ads: Which Is Best for Your Business?

When it comes to online advertising, two big names dominate the scene — Google Ads and Meta Ads (formerly Facebook Ads). Both can help your business reach new customers, boost sales, and build brand awareness. But which one is right for you?

At Abbey Marketing in York, we work with both platforms every day. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand how they work and which might suit your business best.

What Are Google Ads?

Google Ads are the adverts you see at the top of Google search results or across websites in the Google Display Network.

They work by showing your ad to people who are already searching for something related to your business. For example, if someone types “plumber in York” into Google, your ad can appear right at the top of the page.

Best for:

• Local services (like trades, salons, or restaurants)

• Businesses that want quick leads

• People ready to buy now

Pros:

• High intent (people are actively searching)

• Quick results

• Great for local businesses

Cons:

• Can be expensive in competitive industries

• Requires ongoing optimisation to perform well

What Are Meta Ads?

Meta Ads cover Facebook and Instagram. Instead of targeting people searching for a specific thing, Meta lets you reach people based on their interests, behaviour, and demographics.

You can show ads to people who might not know your business yet, but who are likely to be interested in what you offer.

Best for:

• Brand awareness campaigns

• E-commerce and product-based businesses

• Growing social media presence

Pros:

• Excellent audience targeting

• Visually engaging (great for images and videos)

• Great for retargeting website visitors

Cons:

• Not everyone is ready to buy straight away

• Performance can depend on creative quality

Which Platform Should You Choose?

In truth, the best platform depends on your goals.

• Want immediate leads or calls? → Go for Google Ads.

• Want to build your brand and reach new audiences? → Try Meta Ads.

• Want the best of both worlds? → Use both together for maximum impact.

At Abbey Marketing, we often combine the two. For example, Google Ads can bring in hot leads, while Meta Ads keep your brand front of mind and nurture potential customers over time.

Final Thoughts

Both Google and Meta Ads have their strengths. The key is knowing how to use them effectively — and that’s where we come in.

If you’d like help setting up or managing your ads, Abbey Marketing is here to help businesses in York and across the UK get better results from their digital marketing.

👉 Get in touch today to see how we can grow your business with smart, effective advertising strategies.