When businesses start spending on advertising, the big question always lingers-where does your dollar go further? For Brisbane-based businesses aiming to stretch their budgets and see results, choosing between Google Ads and Facebook can make all the difference. Both platforms are powerful, but the return they bring depends heavily on what you're selling, who you're targeting, and how well your campaigns are managed.
Understanding ROI from Google Ads in Brisbane
Google Ads is a strong performer when people are actively searching for a product or service. It connects businesses directly to users with high intent. If someone types “emergency plumber in Brisbane” or “accounting services near me,” they’re already halfway to becoming a customer.
What makes Google Ads attractive is that it targets users based on intent, not interest. That means you're speaking to someone already in the market. For high-competition industries, this can lead to faster conversions if the budget allows. The cost-per-click can be higher, but so is the likelihood of a sale.
In digital marketing Brisbane, we often see businesses with urgent or time-sensitive services—like repairs, medical, or legal-do particularly well with Google Ads. The key is strong keyword targeting and consistent campaign monitoring. If you’re not keeping tabs on your ads, Google will happily burn through your budget without hesitation.
Facebook Ads and the Power of Disruption
Facebook is a whole different playground. It's about capturing attention, not waiting for it. That works wonders for brand awareness, storytelling, and products people don’t yet know they need until they scroll past your ad.
The visual nature of Facebook gives brands more control over how they’re seen. With creative content, you can build trust, entertain, and drive emotion. That’s powerful for ecommerce, fashion, hospitality, or health and wellness services.
What’s more, Facebook marketing Brisbane is known for delivering high impressions at a lower cost. The downside? These impressions don’t always turn into clicks, and clicks don’t always turn into sales. But if you play the long game with smart retargeting, you can build a warm audience that converts later.
In industries where impulse buys, or strong visuals play a role, Facebook outshines Google. Think: selling boutique home wares or booking a gym class. These aren’t always things people search for, but they respond well to seeing them.
Which Platform Offers Better Targeting for Brisbane Businesses?
Targeting is where the two platforms part ways.
With Google Ads, targeting is keyword-based. You choose what people type into the search bar. That’s direct and measurable. But it doesn’t allow much creativity. You don’t control what someone is thinking you just respond to it.
On the flip side, Facebook lets you zero in on age, location, interests, job titles, and even behaviours. Want to target new parents in Red Hill or dog lovers in West End? Facebook’s got you. This is especially handy for Facebook marketing Brisbane campaigns built around lifestyle or niche services.
Both platforms also allow retargeting. This means your ad can follow someone who visited your website, reminding them to come back. Facebook makes this feel more natural. Google, while powerful in remarketing, feels a bit colder.
Cost vs Value: What Does the Data Say?
In most Brisbane campaigns we’ve run, Google Ads typically sees higher cost-per-click but also higher conversion rates. If your landing page is sharp and your offer is clear, Google brings faster results.
Facebook, meanwhile, wins on volume. You’ll reach more people for less money, but you’ll need patience and strategy to convert them.
Let’s say your budget is $1,000.
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On Google, you might get 100 clicks at $10 each and convert 10 of them. That’s a 10% conversion rate and $100 per customer.
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On Facebook, you might get 2,000 clicks at $0.50 each, convert 20 of them, and spend $50 per customer.
These are general numbers, but they show how each platform plays a different game. Neither is better; they’re just better suited to different goals.
Combining Both for Maximum Impact
Why choose one when you can use both?
Many of our Brisbane clients see the best results by combining Google Ads and Facebook Ads in a two-step strategy. Here’s how it works:
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Facebook warms the audience with engaging, visual content.
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Google closes the deal when the person is ready to take action.
Pair that with email remarketing and you’ve got a full-funnel approach. If you’re already running email marketing Brisbane campaigns, both Google and Facebook ads can help feed that list and keep your brand top-of-mind.
An example: A local gym runs Facebook ads showcasing their new class schedules and member success stories. Interested users visit the site but don’t convert right away. Later, they Google “gyms near me” and see the gym’s Google Ad, click through, and sign up. The combination works like magic.
Which Platform Should You Start With?
Start with what matches your goals.
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If you're after quick conversions for services or high-value products, Google Ads gives you the control you need.
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If you're trying to build brand awareness, generate buzz, or sell lower-cost products at scale, Facebook marketing Brisbane is where to begin.
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If you already have a customer database and want to keep them engaged, email marketing Brisbane supported by ads can drive ongoing results.
What matters most is testing, learning, and refining. We always recommend starting with a clear goal, tracking every click and conversion, and scaling what works. The better your offer and ad creative, the better your return no matter where you spend your budget.
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Brisbane businesses do best when they understand how each platform supports their wider marketing goals. Whether it’s digital marketing Brisbane service providers, local retailers, or consultants, the highest ROI often comes from thoughtful planning, ongoing testing, and aligning the right message to the right moment.
If you’re stuck choosing between platforms, try both on a small scale and let the results guide you. Just don’t forget to watch your numbers like a hawk.
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