Google Ads vs Social Media Ads: Which One Should You Invest In?

Posted on April 27, 2025 in Blog

When it comes to digital marketing, the question always comes up: Should I invest in Google Ads or Social Media Ads?
The answer isn’t as black and white as you might hope — and honestly, the best strategy might involve both. But if you’re looking to prioritize one over the other, it’s critical to understand the strengths, differences, and where each platform shines.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Google Ads?

Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords) are intent-driven ads. They show up when people are actively searching for something — like “best injury lawyer near me” or “buy natural dry shampoo.”

You are meeting people at the moment they are looking for a solution.

Google Ads typically include:

• Search Ads (text ads that appear on Google search results)
• Display Ads (visual banner ads across Google’s network)
• Shopping Ads (for eCommerce products)
• YouTube Ads (video-based)

When done right, Google Ads can deliver high-intent traffic that converts.

What Are Social Media Ads?

Social Media Ads (like those on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.) are interest-driven. You are targeting people based on their demographics, interests, behaviors, or even job titles — not necessarily based on what they are searching for right now.

Think of it as putting your brand in front of the right people before they even realize they need you.

Social Media Ads typically include:

• Image or Video Ads in feeds
• Carousel Ads (multiple images or videos)
• Story or Reel Ads
• Lead Forms and Messenger Campaigns

With the right creative, social ads can build demand, create brand loyalty, and drive sales.

Key Differences: Google Ads vs Social Media Ads

Factor	Google Ads	Social Media Ads
User Intent	High (active search)	Low to Medium (passive discovery)
Targeting	Keywords, search terms	Interests, demographics, behaviors
Best For	Capturing demand	Creating demand, brand awareness
Speed to Sale	Faster (users are ready to act)	Slower (users need nurturing)
Creativity Focus	Minimal (text ads need to be sharp and clear)	High (visuals and videos matter more)
Cost per Click (CPC)	Typically higher	Typically lower, but varies by platform
Remarketing	Available	Available and often very powerful

So, Which One Should You Invest In?

If you need leads now:
Start with Google Ads.
You are reaching people who are ready to take action. They are already searching for your service or product — you just need to show up when they do.

If you are building a brand or expanding reach:
Lean into Social Media Ads.
They are perfect for creating brand awareness, driving engagement, and reaching new audiences that may not know you yet.

If you have the budget to build a full funnel:
Use both.

• Capture the bottom-of-funnel demand with Google Ads.
• Fill the top and middle of your funnel with Social Media Ads.

Together, they create a full customer journey: awareness, consideration, and conversion.

What We See at Drive Creative Agency

At Drive Creative Agency, we have launched campaigns across industries — personal injury law, eCommerce, manufacturing, professional services — and the trend holds:

• Google Ads perform best when there is clear search intent (think legal services, home repairs, B2B industrial solutions).
• Social Media Ads perform best when we need to grow awareness, build loyalty, or educate an audience about a new product or service.

The best-performing campaigns use them together to maximize impact.

When we partner with clients, we help map where your audience is in the buying cycle — and build the right paid media strategy around it. No guesswork. No wasted spend.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Choosing between Google Ads and Social Media Ads depends on:

• Your goals (sales now vs brand growth)
• Your budget
• Your timeline
• Your audience’s behavior

Need help figuring out what is right for you?
Let’s talk. We will help you find the smartest path forward — and make sure your ad dollars actually do something.