1/26/2025

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads: Which is Better for Shopify Beginners?

When you're starting your Shopify journey, picking the right advertising platform can feel like choosing between a rock & a hard place. With options like Google Ads & Facebook Ads, both have their pros & cons, but each serves a different purpose & audience.

In this blog post, we'll dive deep into both platforms. Think of this as your beginner's handbook, offering insights that could save you time & money. 🔥

The Basics: Google Ads & Facebook Ads

Google Ads, formerly known as AdWords, is the undisputed KING of keyword-based advertising. It allows businesses to bid on relevant keywords so their ads show up when users search for those terms. For beginners, this means potentially capturing high purchase-intent traffic, especially if you're in a niche where people already know what they want.

On the other hand, Facebook Ads focuses on tapping into the SOCIAL aspect of purchasing. With billions of monthly active users, Facebook enables businesses to target audiences based on demographics, interests, & behavior—perfect for building brand awareness or targeting specific customers. Facebook's user-generated content can be super engaging, but it does mean you may be reaching people who aren’t initially in a buying mindset.

Comparing Reach & Audience Targeting

1. Audience Reach

Google Ads: Process over 3.5 billion searches per day. Basically, this means customers are actively looking for products & services when they use Google, so there's an inherent intent to purchase. It’s like having a shop in the busiest square where people are looking for what you sell right NOW.
Facebook Ads: Reach approximately 2.91 billion users, offering a social platform where people share their lives. While the reach is massive, you’ve got to think about whether the audience is ready to buy or just browsing social media.

2. Targeting Options

Google Ads: Primarily keyword-driven, offering high intent targeting. So, if someone Googles “best running shoes,” your ad pops up as soon as they search. This targeting provides clarity & focus, allowing you to target people looking to buy RIGHT NOW.
Facebook Ads: Provides advanced targeting options based on interests, behaviors, demographics, & more. So you can reach people with a shared interest even if they aren’t currently searching for your products. This can create awareness that leads to conversations down the line. However, this means your ad could be displayed to those not actively looking to purchase.

Cost Factors: What's Your Budget?

Google Ads Cost

Google Ads typically operates on a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) model. The average cost-per-click (CPC) can vary widely, depending on the competition for keywords in your niche. Healthcare & legal services, for instance, are notoriously expensive—sometimes up to $50 per click!

However, the beauty of Google Ads is that you only pay when someone clicks your ad, meaning you can control costs by adjusting bids or pausing campaigns if they aren’t performing. For starters, this means being strategic. Start with low-budget campaigns & scale as you see positive results.

Facebook Ads Cost

On the flip side, Facebook Ads have generally lower average cost-per-click, around $0.77 compared to Google Ads $2.10 or more, at least in many cases. Plus, you can set a lifetime budget which allows you to establish your maximum spend for a given time period—giving you that warm, fuzzy feeling of being in control!

What Does Each Offer for Shopify Beginners?

Google Ads: The Searches That Convert

Google Ads is perfect for direct response campaigns. If you’re selling products with high purchase intent—like shoes, electronics, or specific niche products—placing ads in front of people actively searching can lead to HIGH conversion rates.

You also get access to tools like Google Shopping, which visually showcase your products directly in search results. So, when a user searches “blue running shoes,” they’ll see a grid of options, potentially sparking immediate interest. Connect your Shopify store with Google Shopping to streamline your ad efforts & simplify inventory management.

Facebook Ads: Build Relationships & Brand Awareness

Facebook Ads shine when you want to engage your audience more broadly. If you're looking to build brand awareness or engage customers over time, this platform is your best bet. It’s particularly effective for lifestyle brands or products that benefit from visual storytelling, like fashion or cosmetics.

Use Carousel ads to showcase multiple products in a single ad.
Consider Video ads to tell your brand story, boosting engagement rates.

This method is especially effective with younger audiences who rely heavily on their social feeds for shopping inspiration.

Conclusion: What Should Shopify Beginners Choose?

Both Google Ads & Facebook Ads hold immense potential for Shopify beginners, but it all comes down to your goals:

If you want to capture sales quickly & directly, Google Ads is likely the better option for your first advertising push. You can easily set up campaigns that target customers explicitly looking for your products.
If brand-building, engagement, and appealing to diverse audiences sound more like your jam, Facebook Ads could provide just what you need. It's a great way to showcase who you are as a brand & connect deeply with your customers.

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Summary

So, in the epic showdown of Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads, which is for you? Measure your goals, understand your audience, & adjust your strategies as needed. Each platform brings distinct advantages to the table, ensuring your Shopify store can thrive in the fast-moving e-commerce world. Happy advertising!