If you sell anything online in Nigeria — clothes, perfumes, food, shoes, services — you’ve probably heard of Facebook Ads or Google Ads. But which one is better for your business?
If you’ve ever felt confused about how ads work or which one to choose, this blog is for you.
In Simple Words: What Are Facebook and Google Ads?
Let’s break it down using a familiar example:
- Facebook Ads = shouting inside a crowded market (like Balogun) to attract people who didn’t plan to buy, but are curious.
- Google Ads = someone comes to you and says: “Where can I buy a red shoe in Ikeja?” — and you simply say: “Right here.”
Both are powerful. But they do different things.
💡 What is Facebook Ads?
Facebook Ads (also used on Instagram) help you show your product to people based on their interests, age, gender, and location — even if they’re not actively looking to buy.
Example:
You sell shea butter cream. With Facebook Ads, you can show your post to women aged 20–45 in Lagos who like natural beauty.
🟢 Great for:
- New products
- Building brand awareness
- Visual products (fashion, skincare, food)
💡 What is Google Ads?
Google Ads shows your business when people are searching on Google or watching YouTube.
This means the person already wants something — they just need to know who sells it.
Example:
Someone types: “Buy affordable land in Lagos”
If you run Google Ads, your website can appear at the top with a clickable link.
🟢 Great for:
- Services people search for (real estate, repairs, tutoring)
- High-intent buyers
- Local businesses
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Facebook Ads | Google Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Intent | Low (you’re interrupting) | High (they’re already searching) |
| Platforms | Facebook, Instagram | Google Search, YouTube, Gmail |
| Best For | Awareness & product display | Getting buyers ready to spend |
| Cost | Cheap to start (₦1,500+) | Higher for competitive keywords |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy (visual builder) | Medium (keywords, bidding) |
🔍 So, Which One Is Better for You?
It depends on what you sell, your budget, and your goal.
- Want people to know about your product? → Start with Facebook Ads
- Want ready-to-buy customers? → Google Ads may give faster results
- Got a small budget? → Start with Facebook Ads and learn as you grow
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Boost Posts randomly on Facebook — use Ads Manager instead
- Don’t run ads without a landing page or WhatsApp link
- Don’t copy what big brands are doing — your hustle is different
✅ What Should You Do Next?
Before you run any ad, ask yourself:
- Who am I trying to reach?
- What action do I want them to take?
- Is my product/service something people search for or do I need to create desire?
💬 Final Thoughts
Running ads isn’t just for tech bros or big companies. Whether you’re selling perfume from your house or launching your own fashion label, ads can help — if you use them wisely.