Google Ads vs Facebook Ads for Tradies: Which Works Better?

Fexter Team·20 January 2025·5 min read

Google Ads vs Facebook Ads for Tradies: Which Works Better?


Every tradie we talk to has the same question: "Should I use Google Ads or Facebook Ads?" Here's the honest answer based on managing millions in ad spend.


The Short Answer


Google Ads wins for most tradies. Here's why.


Google Ads: Catching People Who Need You Now


When someone's hot water breaks at 6am, they don't scroll Facebook. They Google "emergency plumber near me."


Why Google Ads Work for Tradies


  • **High intent**: People are actively searching for your service
  • **Immediate need**: They want to hire someone today, not next month
  • **Local targeting**: Show ads only to people in your service area
  • **Pay per click**: Only pay when someone actually clicks

    • Google Ads Results We've Seen


  • **Plumbers**: $15-40 per lead
  • **Electricians**: $20-50 per lead
  • **HVAC**: $30-60 per lead
  • **Builders**: $50-100 per lead

    • Facebook Ads: Building Awareness


    Facebook works differently. People aren't searching — they're scrolling. Your ad interrupts their feed.


    When Facebook Ads Work


  • Brand awareness for bigger jobs (renovations, builds)
  • Retargeting people who visited your website
  • Promoting seasonal offers
  • Hiring staff

    • When Facebook Ads Don't Work


  • Emergency services (plumbing, electrical, locksmith)
  • People who need immediate help
  • Low-budget campaigns under $500/month

    • The Landing Page Problem


    Here's the thing most tradies miss: your ads are only as good as your landing page.


    We've seen tradies waste thousands on ads that send people to terrible websites. The ad works, the website doesn't.


    A proper landing page can:

  • Double your conversion rate
  • Cut your cost per lead in half
  • Make your ad budget go twice as far

    • Our Recommendation


    1. Start with Google Ads for immediate leads

    2. Build a proper landing page (not just your website homepage)

    3. Add Facebook retargeting once you're getting traffic

    4. Track everything so you know what's working


    The Fexter Advantage


    Fexter landing pages are built specifically to convert traffic from ads. Mobile-first, fast-loading, with prominent click-to-call buttons.


    Build your landing page free.

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