Which is better for advertising in Pakistan: Facebook Ads or Google Ads?

Lots of businesses are struggling with the question as to what is better for them to go for Google vs Facebook advertising when it comes to their campaigns. The digital world here is booming, with more and more people using the internet and the e-commerce sector growing. But then you have to choose between Google Ads and Facebook Ads. It’s like picking between nihari and biryani. Both are great, but they satisfy different cravings.
Google is all about catering to the queries of users.
How it works
The main way Google Ads works is by using keywords. When people search for keywords that are relevant to your products or services, your ads show up. This includes:
Search ads are the text-based ads that you see at the top (and sometimes bottom) of Google search results. FB ads vs Google ads both have their unique market value.
Shopping Ads:
These are pictures of products that show up right in search results. They’re great for online stores.
Google vs Facebook Advertising for Display Ads
Ads that show up on a lot of websites and apps that work with Google.
YouTube ads are video ads that play before, during, or after YouTube videos.
Google is the best place to look for something specific because millions of people search for things on it every day. Google Ads can put your business right in front of people when they are making a decision if it solves an immediate problem or offers a product that people are actively looking for. Google ads tend to do well because people are already searching for them.
Good for: businesses that need quick fixes (like plumbers and electricians), niche products, local services, and e-commerce stores that want to sell directly to people who are looking for them.
Facebook Ads: Making People Want It
Now, think about someone in Islamabad looking at their Facebook or Instagram feed. They’re probably reading updates from friends, watching funny videos, or seeing what their favourite influencer is up to. They aren’t actively looking for a new pair of shoes, but if they see an ad for some trendy trainers that look good, it might catch their eye and make them want to buy them. Facebook Ads is best at making people want something and helping them find it. When it comes to Facebook ads vs Google ads, it’s a different intent.
How it works
Facebook (and Instagram, since they’re both owned by Meta) uses very specific targeting based on things like a user’s age, interests, behaviours, and even their friends.
Ads in your stories are a great way to lure customers.
Good for: businesses that want to get more people to know about their brand, make products that look good (like fashion, food, and lifestyle), get leads, and reach certain groups of people.
What to Think About When It Comes to Pakistan
Both platforms have a lot of potential and reach in Pakistan. But there are some local differences that can affect your strategy:
Mobile-First Audience
All over the world, more than 90 percent of people use the internet on their phones. If you want to get feedback from your ads, then be where the customers are.
Social Media Penetration
A lot of people are buying online, and the online commerce boom is only picking up with the pace. If you want to sel,l then doing live on Facebook and other platforms is a good idea.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Facebook Ads vs Google Ads
Facebook ads vs Google ads tend to cost less because their intent is more awareness than sales.
Google Ads, on the other hand, usually has higher conversion rates because people are more likely to want to buy something, which could mean a better ROI even though the CPC is higher.
This means that you might have to pay more for each click on Google, but those clicks are more likely to lead to sales.
A quick note about CPCs in Pakistan: they can change a lot depending on the industry, the audience, and the level of competition. However, general estimates say that Facebook Ads CPCs can be as low as a few cents to around $2.00, and Google Ads CPCs for search can be $1 to $2, and sometimes even higher for keywords that are very competitive.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Does it cost less for Facebook ads vs Google ads?
Yes, Facebook ads are, in most cases, cheaper than Google ads. If you are thinking about advertising on Google vs Facebook, then Facebook is better if you are just starting out.
Which platform is better for online stores in Pakistan?
For awareness and getting the word out, it is Meta. For sales, Google ads.
Can I use these ads to reach certain cities or areas in Pakistan?
Yes, for sure! You can target cities and even particular demographics.
How important is it for ads in Pakistan to work well on mobile devices?
Very important! More than 90 percent of internet users are on their phones to do it.
When it comes to Facebook ads vs Google ads, can they be together?
Yes, its a great idea to get as much reach as you can using all available platforms.