Google Ads vs Facebook Ads
Intent vs Interest. Demand Capture vs Demand Generation. We help you decide where to put your first ₹50,000.
Quick Overview
Google Ads captures people who are actively searching for your service ('Demand Capture'). Facebook Ads find people who might be interested based on their demographics and behavior ('Demand Generation').
Head-to-Head Comparison
The Core Difference
Answer the Question
You only pay when someone ASKS for you. If I search 'Emergency Dentist', I need one NOW. Google Ads puts you there.
- High intent triggers
- Text-based predominantly
- Performance focused
Stop the Scroll
You interrupt someone's day. If I see a cool gadget ad while scrolling, I might buy it. I wasn't looking for it.
- Visual disruption
- Interest-based targeting
- Brand building focus
Creative Fatigue
Set & Forget (Mostly)
Text ads on Google can run for months or years without 'fatigue'. As long as the keyword is relevant, the ad works.
- Low creative pressure
- Focus on copywriting
- Long shelf-life
The Content Hamster Wheel
Facebook/Instagram ads die fast. Users get bored of seeing the same image after 3 days. You need a constant stream of new designs.
- Ad fatigue in <1 week
- Need video/design team
- High creative burn rate
Google Ads Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Captures existing demand
- • Higher conversion rate
- • Immediate ROI
- • Measurable intent
Cons
- • Expensive CPCs in competitive niches
- • Limited by search volume
- • Strict policy restrictions
- • Text-heavy aimed
Facebook Ads Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Cheaper traffic
- • Massive reach (Insta + FB)
- • Visual storytelling
- • Powerful lookalike audiences
Cons
- • Lower lead quality
- • Ad fatigue (need new creatives weekly)
- • iOS privacy tracking issues
- • Users hate interruptions
Which is Right For You?
Common scenarios where one clearly wins.
Plumber / Doctor / Lawyer
No one browses Facebook for a lawyer. They search Google when they are in trouble.
Fashion / Jewellery / Decor
Visual products need visual ads. People don't know they want your specific design until they see it.
SaaS / B2B Software
Use Google to catch 'best crm software' searches. Use LinkedIn/FB for retargeting demographics.
5 Ad Budget Killers
Using Facebook for 'Emergency' Services
Running ads for 'Car Towing Service' on Instagram. No one whose car broke down is scrolling Reels.
Put 100% of emergency budget into Google Search Ads.
Google Ads without Negative Keywords
You pay for clicks on 'free', 'jobs', 'course'. E.g., 'SEO Agency Jobs' instead of 'Hire SEO Agency'.
Add 'free', 'course', 'salary', 'jobs', 'definition' to your negative keyword list immediately.
Weak Visuals on Facebook
Using stock photos of men in suits shaking hands. Users ignore this 'ad blindness'.
Use UGC (User Generated Content), unpolished real videos, or high-contrast designs.
Selling High-Ticket on First Interaction
Trying to sell a ₹50,000 course on a cold Facebook ad. Trust is too low.
Use ads to get a lead (Webinar/PDF). Nurture them via email. Sell later.
Ignoring 'Message' Ads in India
Sending mobile traffic to a slow website form.
Use 'Click-to-WhatsApp' ads. They convert 50% better in India than website forms.
The India Ad Market Context
WhatsApp is the closer
In India, the 'Click-to-WhatsApp' objective on Facebook/Instagram is the highest converting ad type for small businesses. Google also offers 'Message Extensions'.
Reels are king
India consumes more Reel/Shorts content than almost any other nation. If your FB/Insta ads aren't vertical videos, you are losing money.
Cost Per Lead (CPL) benchmarks
Real Estate: ₹300-800. Education: ₹150-500. Fashion: ₹200-600 (CPA). General B2B: ₹500-1500.
Truecaller impact
Many Indians block unknown numbers. If you collect leads, call them IMMEDIATELY (within 5 mins) or message on WhatsApp first. Cold calling 3 days later fails.
Real Estate Developer (Pune)
Real EstateThe Challenge
Spending ₹1L/month on Facebook Ads targeting 'Home Buyers'. Getting 500 leads but 95% were junk (people just clicking images). Sales team was wasting time.
The Solution
Shifted budget: 70% to Google Ads (Intent: '3BHK in Baner price') and 30% to Facebook (Retargeting only).
"We stopped chasing cheap leads on Facebook and started chasing actual buyers on Google. Quality over quantity saved our sales team."
Key Results
- Lead volume dropped by 60% (from 500 to 200)
- Site visits increased by 40%
- Qualified Site Visits (people typically buying) went from 5/month to 28/month
- Conversion rate soared because Google leads had 'Buying Intent'
- Facebook retargeting kept the brand top-of-mind during the 6-month decision cycle
Search for Needs, Social for Wants
If you sell something people NEED (services, utilities, urgent help), Google Ads wins 100%. If you sell something people WANT (lifestyle, fashion, gadgets, courses), Facebook/Instagram Ads win. For growth, you eventually need both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start with ₹10,000?
Yes, on Facebook. On Google, ₹10k might only get you 100-200 clicks in a competitive niche, which isn't enough data.
Which is better for B2B?
Google Ads (Search) and LinkedIn Ads. Facebook is great for B2B retargeting but harder for cold acquisition.
Do Facebook Ads work for boring industries?
Surprisingly yes, if you use 'Lead Magnets' (e.g., Free PDF Guide) instead of direct 'Buy Now' ads.
Stop Guessing.
Start Growing.
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