Platform Comparison
Google Ads vs Meta Ads
Understand the key differences between the two largest advertising platforms to make informed decisions about where to invest your marketing budget.
Google Ads
Search, Display, Video, Shopping
Best For
- High-intent search traffic
- B2B and service businesses
- Direct response campaigns
- Product discovery via Shopping
Targeting Options
KeywordsDemographicsLocationDeviceRemarketing
Avg CPC (US)$2.69
Avg CPM (US)$7.19
Average CPC Trends (US)
| Feature | Google Ads | Meta Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Search intent, High purchase intent | Brand awareness, Visual products |
| Average CPC | $2.69 (US) | $1.72 (US) |
| Average CPM | $7.19 (US) | $11.20 (US) |
| Targeting Options | Keywords, Demographics, Remarketing | Interests, Behaviors, Lookalikes |
| Ad Formats | Search, Display, Shopping, Video | Image, Video, Carousel, Stories |
| Minimum Budget | No minimum (recommended $10-50/day) | $1/day minimum |
| Learning Curve | Steeper, more technical | More intuitive interface |
| Conversion Tracking | Advanced with Google Analytics | Pixel-based, iOS 14+ challenges |
Choose Google Ads When...
- You want to capture users actively searching for your product/service
- Your business is B2B or offers professional services
- You have a clear set of keywords that indicate buying intent
- You want to appear in Google Maps and local searches
- You need detailed conversion tracking and analytics
Pro Tip: Use Both Platforms
Most successful advertisers use both Google Ads and Meta Ads as part of a comprehensive strategy. Use Google Ads to capture high-intent search traffic, and Meta Ads to build brand awareness and retarget website visitors. Start with one platform, master it, then expand to the other for optimal results.