Facebook vs Google Ads: Where Should Your Small Business Actually Spend Its Budget?
If you're a local business in Wollongong (or the South Coast) trying to get more customers through the door, or to your website — you’ve probably asked this question:
Should I be running ads on Google or Facebook?
And here’s the truth: both platforms can work, but which one is right for your business depends on what you’re selling and who you're trying to reach.
Let’s break it down in real terms — no marketing fluff, just straight-up advice for small businesses.
Google Ads = Customers Already Looking
Think about the last time you searched “best cafe in Wollongong” or “emergency plumber near me”. That’s Google Ads in action.
These ads show up at the top of the search page when people are actively looking for your product or service.
Great for:
Tradies (electricians, plumbers, builders, etc.)
Ecommerce businesses
Health & beauty services (physios, massage therapists, clinics)
Local service-based businesses
Anyone offering something people are already searching for
Pros:
High-intent traffic (they're already interested)
You only pay when someone clicks
You can target locally (Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, etc.)
Cons:
Can get pricey for competitive industries
Requires a decent landing page or website to convert
Facebook Ads = Catching People Scrolling
Facebook (and Instagram) Ads show up while people are browsing, not searching for a solution. So you're grabbing attention, not answering existing demand.
But done right, it can give your business the boost it needs. You can get your business in front of thousands of potential customers in the Illawarra region who might not know you exist yet.
Great for:
Retail or eCommerce
Gyms, yoga studios, wellness brands
Cafes and hospitality
Events or launches
New businesses wanting exposure fast
Pros:
Super targeted (age, interests, location — even down to suburb level)
Great for brand awareness, sales and retargeting
Visual — perfect for showing off products or services
Cons:
People aren't usually actively looking to buy
You’ll need eye-catching creative (photos/videos) to stop the scroll
Our Take at MotoDigital
At MotoDigital, we work with small businesses across Wollongong and the South Coast to help them run smarter ad campaigns, not just throw money at clicks and hope for the best.
Whether you're a salon in Shellharbour or a plumber in Warrawong, we’ll help you build the right strategy for your business, your location, and your goals.
Ready to get more out of your marketing? Book a free 20-minute call and let’s figure out where your budget is best spent.
