When you're new to online ads, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to allocate your advertising budget. Two of the biggest players, Google Ads and Social Ads (like on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn), have a significant amount of muscle to get in front of your audience. But how do you begin?

Light Buzz Media, an experienced digital marketing agency in Mumbai, makes it simple.

Intent vs. Interest: How People Engage

The biggest difference between Google Ads and Social Ads is user intent.

Google Ads targets people actively seeking something. Whether "best wedding photographer in Mumbai" or "buy running shoes online," these searches have high intent, they already want what you sell. That makes Google Ads perfect for tapping demand and driving direct conversions.

On the other hand, Social Ads (Meta, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) are interruption-based. Your ad shows up in someone's feed when they're searching for entertainment or inspiration. Your users may not necessarily be looking for your product, but the correct creative can capture attention, raise awareness, and create new demand.

Budget and ROI Expectations

If you want fast, measurable results and have a budget that's constrained, Google Ads tends to be a more risk-averse option to start. You can run a small, targeted campaign on high-converting terms and often see ROI in just a week or two, especially for products with clear demand.

Social Ads, however, can take longer to optimise. You’ll need to test different creatives, audiences, and objectives. But once dialled in, they can be incredibly cost-effective, especially for top-of-funnel goals like growing your email list, building brand awareness, or retargeting warm audiences.

Targeting Capabilities

Social platforms are great at sophisticated targeting. With Social Ads, you can target by interests, behaviours, life events, job titles, and relationship status. They're ideal for niche products, brand narrative, and community building.

Google Ads, while powerful, relies more on keyword intent and geographic targeting. However, with tools, it’s catching up in sophistication.

Short-Term Wins vs. Long-Term Growth

As per the experts of the leading creative digital marketing agency, if your priority is immediate traffic and conversions, Google Ads is usually the best place to start. You’re reaching people ready to buy or act now.

If you're in a competitive space where clicks are expensive, or you're launching a new product that needs attention, Social Ads can heat up audiences and build leads in the long run. It's ideal for brands that want to establish an emotional connection or tell a visual story.

So... Where Should You Begin?

Start with Google Ads if:

• You sell a service or product that has a clear search demand
• You want instant, quantifiable ROI
• Your budget is limited and needs to yield straight away

Start with Social Ads if:

• You're building a brand from scratch
• You have to tell stories, build community, or create awareness
• You're in a creative or lifestyle sector

Ultimately, the perfect strategy is a blend. But when you're starting out, allow your goals and your audience's behaviour to set your first investment.

Having trouble developing an effective paid ads plan? Our team at Light Buzz Media, the best digital marketing company in India, helps brands grow with smart, data-based advertising. Let's talk.