Digital advertising is one of the most effective ways for small and family-owned businesses to grow their customer base and compete online. Whether you’re promoting services locally or selling products nationally, paid ads can put your brand in front of the right audience at the right time.
Choosing the right platform is critical. Google Ads and Facebook Ads each offer unique advantages, but their targeting methods, audience behavior, and campaign outcomes are very different. Google Ads taps into user intent—people actively searching for solutions—while Facebook focuses on discovery and reaching people based on their interests and demographics.
Working with a trusted Google PPC advertising agency like OK7 can help you navigate the nuances of each platform and build a strategy that works for your business.
In this post, we’ll break down how Google Ads and Facebook Ads work, compare their strengths, share common use cases, and explain how OK7 helps businesses make smart advertising decisions that generate real results.
How Google Ads Work
Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning you only pay when someone clicks your ad. These ads appear in Google’s search results, as well as across its Display Network and Shopping platform. For businesses that want to reach people actively looking for a product or service, this approach is especially powerful.
Google Ads is intent-driven. If someone types in “emergency plumber near me” or “best hiking boots,” they’re already in a buying mindset. Your ad shows up at the top of their search results, giving you a direct line to high-intent customers.
There are several types of Google Ads:
- Search Ads show up in Google’s search results when users type in relevant keywords
- Display Ads appear as banners across websites in Google’s Display Network
- Shopping Ads showcase product images, prices, and reviews directly in search results
Partnering with a Google PPC advertising agency gives your business a strategic edge. Agencies like OK7 handle keyword research, bid strategies, ad copy, and landing page optimization to ensure your budget is spent efficiently and your ads drive real return on investment.
How Facebook Ads Work
Unlike Google Ads, which rely on user search behavior, Facebook Ads are based on audience interests and demographics. Facebook (and Instagram, which is part of the same platform) allows advertisers to target users based on age, location, hobbies, behaviors, job titles, and more.
This discovery-based model is ideal for building awareness, reaching new audiences, and engaging customers before they even realize they need your product or service. Whether you’re promoting an event, selling online, or growing a local following, Facebook’s targeting tools offer a lot of flexibility.
Common Facebook ad types include:
- Image Ads for simple promotions or brand awareness
- Video Ads for storytelling and product demonstrations
- Carousel Ads that showcase multiple products or features
- Lead Generation Ads with built-in forms for collecting emails or booking consultations
Working with a Facebook ads management company helps you get the most from your campaigns. OK7 helps businesses create compelling visuals and copy, build precise audiences, and test different creative strategies to find what drives results. From setup to reporting, we manage the entire process so you can focus on running your business.
Google Ads vs Facebook Ads: Key Differences to Consider
While both platforms can deliver great results, Google Ads and Facebook Ads function very differently. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right approach based on your business goals and audience.
Search Intent vs Discovery
Google Ads targets people who are actively searching for a specific product or service. These users have intent and are often closer to making a decision. Facebook Ads, on the other hand, are designed for discovery—reaching people based on interests, behavior, and demographics before they start searching.
Cost Per Click and Budget Control
Google Ads can have a higher cost per click, especially in competitive industries, but the quality of traffic is often stronger due to search intent. Facebook Ads generally offer a lower cost per click, making it easier to reach larger audiences on a modest budget. Both platforms offer full control over daily and campaign-level budgets.
Audience Targeting Options
Facebook’s strength is in its targeting. You can build audiences based on detailed user data, such as interests, behaviors, and even custom audiences from email lists. Google’s targeting is based on keyword search behavior, location, and some demographic factors, which is effective for capturing active buyers.
Visual vs Text-Based Ads
Google Search Ads rely heavily on headlines and descriptions, while Facebook’s strength lies in visual storytelling—images, videos, and carousels that engage users as they scroll. If your brand relies on visuals or product demonstrations, Facebook may be the better fit.
Timeline for Results
Google Ads can deliver faster results if your keywords are well targeted and your landing pages are optimized. Facebook Ads may take longer to optimize as they rely on testing and learning how your audience engages. Long-term, both platforms can be effective, but the path to success looks different.
The key is aligning your platform choice with your business objectives. A local service provider may benefit more from Google Ads, while a lifestyle brand or new product launch might perform better on Facebook. In some cases, combining both is the best approach.
When to Use Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Both
The best advertising platform depends on what you’re selling and who you’re trying to reach. Each platform has strengths that make it a better fit for certain goals and industries.
When Google Ads Makes Sense:
- Local services like plumbers, electricians, or accountants
- High-intent searches like “best divorce attorney near me”
- Product listings for online stores via Shopping Ads
- Urgent or time-sensitive needs
When Facebook Ads Work Well:
- Brand awareness campaigns
- Product launches, events, or community promotions
- Visual-first businesses like salons, boutiques, or restaurants
- Nurturing leads with storytelling and long-form engagement
When to Use Both Together:
Many businesses benefit from combining Google and Facebook Ads into a full-funnel strategy. For example, you might capture leads with Facebook Ads and then retarget those users through Google Display Ads. Or you might use Google Ads to capture high-intent search traffic and run Facebook campaigns to build trust and stay top of mind.
At OK7, we help clients determine which platform—or combination of platforms—makes the most sense based on their goals, audience, and budget. We tailor each strategy to maximize performance and make sure your ad spend is working as hard as you are.
How OK7 Provides the Best Online Advertising Services for Small Businesses
At OK7, we specialize in helping small and family-owned businesses succeed with digital advertising. We don’t offer cookie-cutter campaigns. Instead, we take the time to understand your goals and create strategies that align with your business and your budget.
Our services include:
Campaign Setup and Optimization
We build campaigns from the ground up, selecting the right ad types, setting goals, writing copy, and adjusting settings for performance from day one.
Creative Development
From ad graphics and videos to compelling copy and headlines, we create high-performing assets that capture attention and convert.
Landing Page Design
We design and optimize landing pages that align with your ads, improve user experience, and increase lead conversions.
Audience Testing and Reporting
We continually refine targeting and test different creative strategies, while providing transparent reporting so you can see what’s working and why.
We bring expertise in both Google and Facebook platforms and are committed to delivering the best online advertising services to small businesses that want real results without inflated costs.
Want to learn more about our advertising services? Contact OK7 today for a free consultation.
FAQs About Online Advertising for Small Businesses
Which is cheaper: Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
In general, Facebook Ads tend to have a lower cost per click compared to Google Ads. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Google Ads often deliver higher-intent traffic, which can result in better conversion rates. The most cost-effective option depends on your industry, goals, and audience.
Do I need a big budget to see results?
No. While bigger budgets allow for more testing and scale, even small budgets can produce results when campaigns are well-structured and optimized. The key is spending wisely and using the right platform for your business goals.
How long does it take for ads to start working?
Some campaigns, especially those on Google, can generate clicks and leads almost immediately. Facebook Ads may take a bit longer as the platform tests different audiences and creative. In either case, consistent monitoring and optimization are essential for long-term success.
Can I run ads myself or should I hire a team?
You can run ads on your own, but there is a learning curve. Without experience, it’s easy to waste money on ineffective targeting, poor creative, or bad settings. Working with a professional team like OK7 can help you avoid costly mistakes and get better results faster.
What makes OK7 a reliable partner for ad campaigns?
We focus on small and family-owned businesses, and we understand how to make every dollar count. Our team handles strategy, creative, optimization, and reporting—so you’re never left guessing. We’re hands-on, transparent, and committed to helping you grow.
Find the Right Ad Strategy for Your Business
Both Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer powerful ways to reach your audience. Choosing the right one—or combining both—can help you generate more leads, drive sales, and grow your business. The key is starting with a clear strategy, the right tools, and a team that knows how to get results.
At OK7, we bring years of experience helping small businesses succeed online through thoughtful planning, targeted campaigns, and smart execution.
Want help choosing the right ad platform? Contact OK7 today for a free consultation.