If you run a local business in Crewe, Nantwich, Chester, or anywhere in Cheshire, you've probably wondered: should I invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
The answer depends on your business type, your budget, and what you're trying to achieve. Here's the honest breakdown.
Google Ads: Capture Existing Demand
Google Ads shows your business to people who are already searching for your services. They have a need. They want a solution. Now.
Best for:
- Emergency services (plumbers, locksmiths, electricians)
- High-intent searches ("dentist near me", "solicitor Crewe")
- Businesses with clear, immediate needs
- Services people actively search for
Typical ROI for Cheshire businesses: 5-15x return on ad spend when managed properly.
Facebook & Instagram Ads: Create New Demand
Facebook and Instagram Ads show your business to people who match your ideal customer profile — even if they're not actively searching. You're interrupting their scroll with something relevant.
Best for:
- Awareness and consideration (new restaurant, new salon, new service)
- Visual businesses (beauty, food, interiors, fitness)
- Promotions and events
- Retargeting website visitors who didn't convert
Typical ROI for Cheshire businesses: 3-8x return, with stronger brand-building effects.
The Decision Framework
| Factor | Google Ads | Facebook Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | High (searching now) | Low-medium (browsing) |
| Best for leads | Services with urgent need | Considered purchases |
| Visual impact | Text-based mostly | Visual-heavy |
| Targeting | Keyword-based | Demographics & interests |
| Typical budget | £300-500/mo minimum | £200-400/mo minimum |
Our Recommendation
For most Cheshire businesses, we recommend starting with one channel, mastering it, then adding the second. Our Growth plan includes management of either Google Ads OR Facebook Ads. The Premium plan includes both.
Either way, the key is pairing ads with a proper system: an AI receptionist to answer calls from ad clicks, a conversion-optimised website to capture leads, and automated follow-up to nurture them.
Without the system, even the best ads waste money. With the system, both channels become profitable.