Google Ads vs Facebook Ads: Which One Should You Use for Your Adelaide Business?

Key Points

• Google Ads targets Adelaide locals actively searching for products or services
• Facebook Ads targets Adelaide users based on interests, behavior, and demographics
• Google is ideal for leads and local service-based businesses
• Facebook excels at growing awareness and reaching lifestyle-driven audiences
• For most Adelaide businesses, using both platforms yields the best results

Digital Ads in Adelaide: What’s the Better Move?

If you’re a business owner in Adelaide, digital ads can quickly put you in front of local customers—but the platform you choose matters. Google Ads and Facebook Ads are the two most powerful ad tools available, but they work differently.

Should you use Google to show up when someone searches for “emergency plumber Adelaide”?
Or Facebook to promote your new boutique opening in Rundle Mall?
Let’s break down how each one works and when to use them—especially if you’re targeting Adelaide residents or visitors.

Google Ads: Tap Into Local Intent

What It Is

Google Ads puts your business in front of people searching for services or products in Adelaide. You bid on keywords like “dog grooming Norwood” or “accountant in Adelaide CBD.” Ads can appear on Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube, and the broader Display Network.

You only pay when someone clicks on your ad (pay-per-click).

When It Works Best in Adelaide

• You run a local service business—think electricians, dentists, mobile mechanics, or lawyers

• You want to appear in local Google Maps results

• You’re trying to attract high-intent traffic from specific Adelaide suburbs (like Prospect, Glenelg, or Modbury)

• You want calls or bookings from people ready to take action

Pros

• High-intent traffic: You show up when people are searching now

• Local targeting: Narrow your ad reach by suburb, postcode, or radius

• Trackable ROI: Know exactly how much a lead or call costs

• Great for B2B and high-value services

Cons

• Competitive keywords (e.g. “family lawyer Adelaide”) can be expensive

• Takes effort to manage bidding, quality score, and keywords

• Search ads have limited space for branding or visuals

Facebook Ads: Reach the Right People in Adelaide

What It Is

Facebook Ads run across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and the Meta Audience Network. Unlike Google, Facebook shows ads based on user behavior and interests, not search intent. You can target people in Adelaide based on age, gender, location, hobbies, job titles, relationship status—even recent life events.

You can run static images, videos, carousels, or story ads.

When It Works Best in Adelaide

• You run a local product or lifestyle business—like fashion, beauty, fitness, or cafés

• You want to create awareness for a new business or event

• You have great visuals or video content to showcase

• You want to retarget website visitors or email subscribers

Pros

• Powerful demographic and interest targeting in Adelaide and surrounding suburbs

• Visual storytelling: Show your products or services in action

• Works with small budgets—even $10/day

• Great for building local brand loyalty and community engagement

Cons

• Users aren’t actively searching, so conversions take longer

• Ad fatigue: Adelaide users may see the same ad too often

• Recent privacy updates (e.g. iOS14) have affected ad tracking

Facebook vs Google Ads for Adelaide: Side-by-Side

Why Most Adelaide Businesses Should Use Both

Here’s the truth: these platforms don’t compete—they complement each other.

A common strategy used by smart local businesses in Adelaide:

1. Facebook/Instagram ad introduces your brand to locals (top of funnel)

2. User checks out your site or clicks your ad but doesn’t convert

3. Days later, they search “best hair salon near me”

4. Your Google ad shows up, and they click to book

That’s why an omnichannel approach works—you stay visible from first impression to final purchase.

Example in Adelaide

A user sees your Instagram ad for a yoga studio in Unley. A few days later, they Google “yoga classes near me.” Your ad appears in the top result. Because they remember your brand, they click, book, and attend. That’s how cross-platform strategy leads to conversions.

Costs in the Adelaide Market

• Google Ads: In Adelaide, CPCs can range from $1.50 to $20+, depending on your industry. Trades, health, and legal tend to be higher.

• Facebook Ads: You can often run campaigns for $5–$10/day, with CPCs between $0.50 and $2. Great for early funnel engagement and brand-building.

Always track cost-per-conversion, not just cost-per-click. The real goal is ROI.

Final Thoughts: Match Platform With Your Business Goals

In Adelaide’s competitive business environment, your ad platform should align with your goals:

• Use Google Ads for urgent services, high-converting leads, or local foot traffic

• Use Facebook Ads to build awareness, retarget site visitors, or showcase visual products

• Use both if you want a complete customer journey—from discovery to conversion

Test your campaigns. Watch your data. Refine your strategy monthly.

Need Help Running Ads in Adelaide?

If you’re not sure where to start—or you’ve tried and didn’t get results—partnering with a local digital marketing expert can help you avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re a sole trader in Mawson Lakes or running an eCommerce business out of Adelaide Hills, the right strategy can unlock consistent leads and revenue.