By Craig Wilson — Digital Marketing Consultant at Sticky Digital
Key Takeaways
- Google Ads is ideal for high-intent search traffic (e.g. “pizza near me”)
- Facebook Ads is great for targeting specific demographics and building awareness
- Both platforms can drive results, but one may suit your business goals and audience better
- Sticky Digital helps Newcastle businesses maximise ROI with platform-specific strategies
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Local Business
If you run a brick‑and‑mortar business in Newcastle — whether a café, clinic, gym, or retail store — you’ve likely wondered:
“Should I run Google Ads or Facebook Ads to get more customers?”
Both platforms are powerful. Both can drive foot traffic, bookings, and calls. But they work in very different ways — and the right choice often depends on your goals, audience, and budget.
Here’s a side-by-side look at how each platform performs for local businesses, and how to make the most of your ad spend.
What Google Ads Does Best
Google Ads (formerly AdWords) places your business at the top of search results when someone types in a relevant query.
Strengths:
- High-intent traffic — You’re reaching people who are actively searching
- Immediate visibility — You appear above organic results
- Great for urgent services — e.g. “emergency plumber Newcastle”, “dentist near me”
- Location targeting — Easily restrict to Newcastle and surrounds
- Call extensions and map links — Perfect for local walk-in or booking businesses
Example:
A Newcastle-based mechanic wants more local customers. Google Ads lets them target searches like “car service Newcastle” or “rego check Warners Bay” — exactly when people are ready to act.
What Facebook (Meta) Ads Does Best
Facebook (and Instagram) Ads allow you to promote your business in the feeds of people who match your ideal customer profile…even if they’re not actively looking.
Strengths:
- Hyper-targeted audience — Based on age, interests, behaviours and more
- Brand awareness and discovery — Great for newer businesses or those with visual appeal
- Promotions, events, and special offers — Easily boosted to a local audience
- Visual storytelling — Use images, video, carousels to show off your brand
Example:
A Newcastle pilates studio wants to attract women aged 35–55 in the local area. Facebook Ads lets them show testimonials, intro offers and videos to exactly that audience — even if they weren’t searching.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Ads | Facebook (Meta) Ads |
|---|---|---|
| User intent | High (they’re searching) | Passive (you interrupt their scroll) |
| Best for | Search-driven, urgent needs | Brand awareness, targeting lifestyle |
| Visual appeal | Text + minimal image | Video, image, carousel options |
| Audience control | Based on keywords & location | Based on demographics & interests |
| ROI window | Fast (if set up right) | Often slower, builds over time |
| Typical budget needs | Higher CPC, more direct leads | Lower CPC, but more nurturing needed |
Which One Delivers Better ROI?
The answer depends on your business type and objective:
- Want calls or bookings quickly? → Start with Google Ads
- Want to build your brand, promote an offer, or grow an audience? → Try Facebook Ads
- Have a retail or event-based business? → Combine both
- Have a small budget? → Facebook may stretch further, but slower to convert
Best of all? These platforms can work together — with Google capturing bottom-of-funnel leads and Facebook warming up top-of-funnel prospects.
FAQs
Which is cheaper for local businesses — Google or Facebook Ads?
Facebook often has a lower cost-per-click (CPC), but results may take longer. Google is more expensive, but leads are usually higher intent.
Can I run both Google and Facebook Ads at once?
Yes — many Newcastle businesses do. The key is having a strategy that uses each platform to its strength.
What if I’ve tried one before and it didn’t work?
It likely wasn’t set up or optimised correctly. Strategy, targeting and tracking make all the difference.
How Sticky Digital Helps Newcastle Businesses Maximise ROI
At Sticky, we don’t just run ads — we build results-focused campaigns. Whether you’re a physio in Charlestown, a boutique in Cooks Hill, or a restaurant in Warners Bay, we can help you:
- Choose the right platform
- Set up and optimise campaigns
- Create compelling offers and visuals
- Track results and improve performance
Don’t waste your budget guessing — get a strategy that works.
