Google Ads vs Facebook Ads: ROI & Cost Comparison (2025)

Table of Contents

Google Ads vs Facebook Ads

Introduction

If you’re running ads in 2025, you’ve likely asked this question:

“Which platform gives better ROI—Google Ads vs Facebook Ads?”

The short answer? It depends.

The long answer? Let’s break it down with actual use cases, metrics, and Nepali market context.

Whether you’re a small business in Kathmandu or a digital agency in Lalitpur, this post will help you decide where to spend your next marketing rupee.

In this blog, we will analyze Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads by examining their functionalities, advantages, disadvantages, costs, targeting capabilities, and more to assist you in making an informed decision for your business needs.


What’s the Core Difference Between Google Ads and Facebook Ads?

PlatformAudience IntentBest For
Google AdsHigh purchase/search intentInbound leads, service searches
Facebook AdsDisruptive social browsingAwareness, retargeting, B2C impulse

ROI Breakdown: Google ads vs Facebook ads Cost

Google Ads ROI Snapshot

  • Avg. CPC in Nepal (Search): $0.20–$0.70
  • Intent: High (people searching “buy SEO in Nepal”)
  • CTR: 3–6%
  • Best for: Law firms, real estate, SaaS, local services

Facebook Ads ROI Snapshot

  • Avg. CPC in Nepal: $0.015–$0.09
  • Intent: Low to medium, depends on targeting creatives
  • CTR: 1.2–2.5%
  • Best for: eCommerce, events, courses, personal brands

Real Use Case (Google Ads vs Facebook Ads): Nepali Business Example

Business Type: Online Tuition Center, Bhaktapur

MetricGoogle AdsFacebook Ads
Spend$100$100
Leads Generated2260
Conversion Rate41%20%
Cost per Sale$11.36$8.33
ROI3.1x2.6x

Conclusion:
Facebook gave more leads, but Google leads converted at a higher rate. If the center had a tight budget, Google would win on revenue. For list building, Facebook wins.


Targeting Capabilities

FeatureGoogle AdsFacebook Ads
Keyword Targeting
Interest Targeting
Location & Device
Retargeting

When to Use

Use Google Search Ads if:

  • Your product/service solves an urgent problem
  • People are actively searching for it (e.g., “buy hosting Nepal”)
  • You need quality over quantity

Best for:

  • Local SEO agencies
  • Lawyers, doctors, consultants
  • B2B lead gen
  • Service-based businesses

Types of Google Ads to try:

  • Search campaigns (text)
  • Performance Max (AI-driven across Google channels)
  • Local service ads

When to Use

Use Facebook Ads if:

  • Your goal is brand awareness, reach, or list building
  • You have a low-ticket or emotional product
  • You need quick visibility with a visual hook

Best for:

  • Event promotions
  • Fashion/eCommerce brands
  • Course creators
  • Local food delivery startups

Top formats to test:

  • Story ads
  • Carousel (multiple products)
  • Lead generation forms
  • Retargeting warm visitors

When to Use Google Ads or Facebook Ads

Your GoalRecommended Platform
Get leads fastGoogle Ads
Build brand awarenessFacebook Ads
Sell physical productsFacebook Ads
Promote services like IT, Travel, HealthGoogle Ads
Retarget website visitorsBoth!

 

Google ads and Facebook ads = Combo Power

Many brands in Nepal get the best ROI by combining both:

  1. Google ads to attract high-intent leads
  2. Facebook ads to nurture, retarget, and upsell

Example Funnel:

  1. Google: “Digital marketing course Kathmandu” → sign up
  2. Facebook: Retarget with video ad + testimonial → sale

ROI Tips for Both Platforms

AreaGoogle AdsFacebook Ads
TargetingKeywords, locations, devicesInterests, lookalikes, behaviors
Ad CreativeText-based, benefit-focusedVisuals + hooks (emotional triggers)
Landing PageSpeed, relevance, mobile-optimizedShort forms or Messenger automation
RetargetingUse audiences from site visitorsUse video views or page engagers
TrackingUse Conversion API + GA4Meta Pixel + Conversion API

Which is Better for Nepal’s Businesses Google ads vs Facebook ads?

For most small- to medium-sized businesses in Nepal:

  • Use Google Ads if you want fast leads, especially for service-based businesses like clinics, travel agencies, or tuition centers.

  • Use Facebook Ads if you want to grow your brand or sell products like fashion, tech accessories, or digital courses.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with a small budget on both platforms. Track results using Google Analytics and Meta Pixel.


Metrics That Define ROI

Always track:

  • Cost per click (CPC)
  • Cost per conversion
  • Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)
  • Click-through rate (CTR)
  • Bounce rate from landing page

Use tools like

  • Google Analytics 4
  • Meta Ads Manager
  • Hotjar/Microsoft Clarity (UX heatmaps)

WordPress + Rank Math SEO Tip

Even if you’re running ads, organic SEO still boosts ROI.

  • Use high-converting blog posts to support paid ads
  • Optimize landing pages for speed, intent, and keywords
  • Rank Math + Performance Max = full-funnel coverage

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

ScenarioPlatform to Start With
Need quick reach with low budgetFacebook
Need quality leads or B2B inquiriesGoogle Search
Selling courses, products, or subscriptionsFacebook (then retarget)
Marketing services or consultationsGoogle first, Facebook next
Have $300+ monthly ad budgetUse both strategically

Final Thoughts (Google Ads vs Facebook Ads)

In 2025, it’s not either/or—it’s how well you use each.

Google Ads wins when buyers are searching.
Facebook Ads wins when visuals and storytelling drive action.

The smartest marketers in Nepal use both to stay visible, generate leads, and dominate their niche.

Related:


Q1. What is the main difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads?
The key difference lies in user intent. Google Ads capture people who are actively searching for a product or service, making it best for high-intent leads. Facebook Ads interrupt social browsing with visuals, targeting interests and behaviors—great for awareness and consumer-focused products.
Q2. Which platform delivers better ROI: Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
It depends on business goals. Google Ads usually bring in higher-quality leads and conversions thanks to intent-driven clicks, while Facebook Ads deliver cheaper leads and broader reach. Globally, businesses often combine both for the best ROI.
Q3. How much do Google Ads vs Facebook Ads cost in 2025?
Average Google Ads CPC (Cost per Click) ranges between $1 and $4 globally, depending on industry. Facebook Ads are generally cheaper, with CPCs ranging from $0.20 to $1. However, while Facebook Ads offer affordable reach, Google Ads often convert at higher rates.
Q4. Should small businesses use Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
Small businesses should choose based on objectives. Google Ads are ideal for local services, B2B, and industries where users actively search for solutions. Facebook Ads are better for eCommerce, lifestyle, and event promotions, where visual storytelling drives engagement.
Q5. Can Google Ads and Facebook Ads be used together for maximum ROI?
Yes—many global brands use both. A common approach is to run Google Ads for intent-based searches, then retarget those same users with Facebook Ads for nurturing and upselling. Together, they create a full-funnel digital marketing strategy that maximizes ROI.

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