How Meta and Google Ads Work Together for ROI Growth

Learn how to leverage Meta and Google Ads together to enhance brand awareness, capture intent, and maximize ROI across your marketing strategy.

Published on
July 13, 2025
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Want better ad results? Use Meta Ads and Google Ads together. Meta excels at building awareness, while Google captures intent. Together, they create a full customer journey - starting with interest and ending in sales.

  • Meta Ads: Ideal for brand awareness and engagement. Lower costs (avg. CPC $0.70) and advanced audience targeting make it great for reaching new audiences. Best for longer sales cycles.
  • Google Ads: Perfect for high-intent users actively searching for solutions. Higher costs (avg. CPC $2.69) but faster conversions and strong ROI. Best for bottom-of-funnel strategies.

Key Insight: Combining these platforms can double sales and improve engagement by 250%. Use Meta for discovery and Google for conversions to maximize results.

Google and Meta Ads: Strategy Overview

Meta Ads

1. Meta Ads

Meta Ads are key in making people know your brand and wanting what you sell, forming the core of a big, multi-way marketing plan. With Facebook's huge three billion people using it every month, along with 1.3 billion on Messenger each day and nearly three billion on WhatsApp, Meta lets companies reach so many more people.

Audience Targeting

A top trait of Meta Ads is how well it can aim at specific groups. By using info from Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, ads can be very personal, built on age, likes, and what users do.

Meta doesn't just look for key words, but really gets who your audience is, not just what they're looking up. This works great for items that catch the eye, spur-of-the-moment buys, and things meant for a certain way of life. For example, brands that use Lookalike Audiences see up to 70% more sales than with broad targeting.

Meta’s tools are powerful for starting interest and keeping people engaged over time. For businesses with new items or moving into new areas, these ways help meet people who might not know yet that they need what you offer.

User Intent

Meta Ads are better at catching folks who are just looking around, not those actively looking for things to buy. This focus aims at making people aware and sparking interest over just pulling in quick sales.

The site is really good for tapping into "info needs" and the early buying stage, taking people from just noticing to thinking about buying. Since folk aren’t looking straight for your item, making your ad stand out and grab their eye is vital.

"Retargeted users are 3 times more likely to click on your ad than those who haven't interacted with your brand before." - Thrive Agency [8]

Retargeting is where Meta Ads truly shine. By tracking user behavior across multiple touchpoints, the platform enables businesses to re-engage potential customers who showed interest but didn’t convert initially. This approach is especially valuable for longer sales cycles, making it easier to nurture prospects until they’re ready to take action.

Cost Structures

Meta Ads offer a cost-efficient pricing model, with an average CPC of $0.70 and CPM of $12.74 as of June 2025 [7]. Campaigns can start with a daily budget as low as $1 for impression-based ads, though $5 per day is recommended for those aiming to drive more traffic and sales [7].

The platform uses an auction system that prioritizes ad relevance and quality over simply bidding higher amounts. Advertisers who focus on creating engaging and relevant content can often achieve lower costs for their campaigns [7].

"Meta Ads success isn't about how much you spend - it's about how well you optimize." - 215 Marketing [8]

Good, smart content can cut down on costs a lot. For instance:

  • Video ads can drop the cost for each click by up to 30%.
  • Ads with stuff made by users get 4 times more clicks and have a 50% lower cost per click than normal brand ads.
  • Ads that change can up the number of sales by 20-30% compared to usual item ads.

ROI Impact

Meta Ads often bring big returns for growing awareness and more clicks. A good Facebook Ads ROI is usually 4 to 5 times what you spend on ads. More than just quick sales, Meta Ads help make your brand well-known and add long-term worth.

"For businesses looking to improve their Facebook ads ROI, focus on audience segmentation and personalized ad content. Tailoring your ads to specific audience segments can significantly enhance engagement and conversions." - Phil Strazzulla, founder of SelectSoftware Reviews [5]

Optimization is key to maximizing ROI. By fine-tuning audience targeting, creative formats, and bidding strategies, advertisers can see performance improvements of up to 35%–80% [8]. On average, a well-structured campaign can reduce CPA by 18% [8].

Meta's tracking and attribution tools further enhance ROI measurement. Businesses using Meta Pixel and Conversion API together report a 19% increase in conversions, providing valuable data for refining campaigns and scaling effectively [8]. For those working with specialized Meta Ads experts like Dancing Chicken, these advanced tools become part of a broader strategy aimed at achieving both immediate and long-term growth.

2. Google Ads

Google Ads

Google Ads is a powerful tool for reaching users who are actively searching for solutions. With Google handling over 40,000 search queries every second and dominating nearly 90% of global search activity [4], it provides businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with high-intent customers.

Audience Targeting

At the core of Google Ads is keyword-based targeting, which ensures ads are displayed to users searching for specific terms [9]. For example, if someone searches for "running shoes for marathon training", they’ll immediately see relevant ads tailored to that query. The platform also allows businesses to refine their targeting by factors like location and device type [4].

On top of keyword targeting, Google Ads offers audience segmentation tools [1]. These tools let businesses layer demographic information, such as age or interests, onto their campaigns. This combination of precise keyword matching and audience segmentation helps businesses tap into existing demand and deliver ads to users who are most likely to engage.

User Intent

Google Ads thrives on capturing high-intent users - those actively searching for solutions [10]. These users are often in a "ready-to-buy" mindset, making them prime candidates for conversion [9]. Search intent generally falls into four categories: informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional [6]. Keywords that signal strong intent, like "buy", "price", or "order", are particularly effective for driving conversions. By targeting these terms, businesses can connect with people who already know what they need and are actively seeking solutions, making Google Ads especially valuable for bottom-of-funnel strategies [9].

Cost Structures

Google Ads operates on a real-time auction system, with costs influenced by factors like Quality Score and daily budget settings. Cost-per-click (CPC) can vary widely, from $1–$2 for less competitive terms to over $50 for highly sought-after keywords [12]. On average, CPC hovers around $2.69 [11].

Quality Score plays a crucial role in determining CPC. Ads that are well-optimized and highly relevant to their target audience often achieve lower costs per click [12]. As Magnolia Deuell, a Paid Social Marketing Expert, explains:

"Paid search is typically more expensive on a CPC basis, but the conversion rates are typically higher." [11]

Although costs can escalate in competitive industries, the precision of Google Ads often results in a higher ROI. Aligning ad copy with landing page content not only improves relevance but also boosts Quality Score, leading to reduced CPC [6]. This balance of cost and performance highlights Google Ads' ability to capture high-intent demand effectively.

ROI Impact

Google Ads stands out for its ability to deliver a strong ROI by connecting businesses with customers who are actively searching for their products or services [4]. The platform's focus on high-intent shoppers translates into higher conversion rates, which often justify the higher CPC. Users in a buying mindset tend to convert faster, making Google Ads a reliable choice for businesses aiming to maximize returns.

To achieve the best ROI, businesses should craft ad copy that directly addresses user needs based on their search intent [6]. Insights gained from Google Ads campaigns can also inform SEO strategies, creating a synergistic effect that boosts both paid and organic performance. This approach works particularly well for products or services that fulfill immediate needs [4], where customers are ready to make quick purchasing decisions.

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Pros and Cons Comparison

Looking at Meta Ads and Google Ads side by side highlights how their unique strengths contribute to overall ROI growth. As one expert put it: "Google wins when users know what they want. Meta wins when you want to influence what they want." [16] This foundational difference shapes how each platform performs depending on your business goals.

Feature Meta Ads Google Ads
Average CPC $1.72 [4] $5.26 [18]
Best For Building demand and brand awareness [4] Capturing search intent [4]
Targeting Strength Demographics, interests, behaviors, lookalike audiences [14] Keywords, search intent, high-intent users [14]
Conversion Timeline Longer conversion timelines [4] Faster conversions [4]
Creative Flexibility High visual storytelling opportunities [4] Limited to text-based and basic display formats [4]
Audience Reach 253 million U.S. users, largest group 25-34 (24%) [15] Google Display Network reaches 90% of internet users worldwide [17]

The table above outlines the key differences, but let’s dive deeper into each platform’s specific pros and cons to better understand their strategic advantages.

Meta Ads: What Works and What Doesn’t

Advantages:

  • Lower costs: With an average CPC of $1.72, Meta Ads are a more budget-friendly option, especially for businesses with limited resources [4].
  • Engaging visual formats: Meta shines when it comes to creative, offering interactive and visually rich ad formats that foster stronger connections with users [4].
  • Brand awareness focus: Ideal for businesses aiming to grow their brand presence and engage audiences on social platforms [13].

Disadvantages:

  • Reduced targeting options: Recent updates have limited advertisers’ ability to customize targeting, including the removal of some detailed exclusions [15].
  • Lower purchase intent: Since users aren’t actively searching for products, it often takes more touchpoints to guide them toward conversion [4].
  • Longer sales cycles: Converting users on Meta usually requires nurturing through multiple stages of the marketing funnel, which can take time [4].

Advantages:

  • High-intent targeting: Google Ads excels in reaching users who are actively searching for specific products or services, resulting in higher conversion rates [13].
  • Massive reach: The Google Display Network connects with approximately 90% of internet users worldwide, offering unparalleled exposure [17].
  • Strong ROI: According to a Google study, businesses see an average ROI of 800% on Google Ads [18].
  • Quick results: Users who are already in a buying mindset often convert faster, making Google Ads a reliable choice for immediate returns [4].

Disadvantages:

  • Higher costs: With an average CPC of $5.26, advertising on Google can quickly become expensive, particularly in competitive industries [18].
  • Unpredictable pricing: Costs can fluctuate due to real-time auction dynamics, making budgeting more challenging [12].
  • Limited creative options: Google Ads primarily focuses on text-based search ads, offering less room for visual storytelling compared to Meta [4].
  • Search volume dependency: Its effectiveness drops when search volume for relevant keywords is low [13].

Both platforms have their own strengths: Meta Ads are perfect for building brand presence and engaging audiences over time, while Google Ads deliver fast results by capturing users with immediate purchase intent. Deciding between the two depends on your marketing goals - whether you want to generate new interest or capitalize on existing demand. [4]

How to Maximize ROI With Both Platforms

Using Meta and Google Ads together can significantly elevate your brand's visibility, broaden your audience reach, and drive more conversions [2].

The trick lies in understanding how these platforms complement each other. Meta Ads are perfect for sparking awareness and interest with creative, engaging content. On the other hand, Google Ads excel at capturing high-intent searches, often leading directly to conversions. When combined, they create a cohesive customer journey - from discovery to purchase.

Creating a Multi-Touch Customer Journey

To guide customers effectively, craft a series of ads that move them seamlessly through the sales funnel. Start with Meta Ads to introduce your brand to audiences who share traits with your existing customers. These ads generate awareness and spark initial interest. Once users interact with your Meta Ads, retarget them across platforms to keep your brand at the forefront. Use Google Ads to engage users actively searching for solutions, driving them closer to conversion.

Data Integration for Better Performance

Sharing data between platforms is a game-changer. For example, integrating Google Analytics with Meta Ads can boost targeting precision and overall campaign effectiveness. According to Meta, advertisers who adopt this integration can see up to a 22% increase in conversions [19]. Tools like Google Ads Data Manager allow you to sync customer information from various sources - such as CRM systems, website activity, and offline interactions - resulting in sharper targeting and better attribution.

Advanced Optimization Techniques

Once your targeting strategy is in place, advanced tools can help fine-tune campaign performance. Features like Automatically Created Assets (ACAs), campaign consolidation, and the use of negative keywords ensure your budget focuses on high-intent traffic, improving relevance and efficiency.

Scaling Your Integrated Strategy

When scaling your campaigns, increase budgets gradually - by about 10-20% every few days - while keeping a close eye on performance metrics like cost per acquisition, click-through rates, and conversion rates [21]. Additionally, building lookalike audiences based on your top-performing segments from both platforms can help you tap into new, high-potential demographics. Refining these audience segments as you scale ensures you’re targeting the right people at the right time.

The Role of Expert Management

Effectively managing both Meta and Google Ads requires a deep understanding of their distinct strengths - Meta Ads shine with interest-based targeting, while Google Ads excel at intent-driven searches. Skilled PPC professionals who grasp these nuances can make all the difference [22]. For businesses ready to scale, partnering with experts like Dancing Chicken can be a smart move. Specializing in Meta Ads management, Dancing Chicken employs advanced ROAS-driven strategies and enterprise-level attribution to streamline the customer journey from awareness to conversion [23]. This approach not only simplifies campaign management but also maximizes ROI across both platforms.

Conclusion

Using Meta Ads and Google Ads together creates a powerful combination that helps businesses scale and achieve better ROI. These platforms complement each other by leveraging their unique strengths - Meta excels at building brand awareness and engagement with its massive audience of over 3 billion monthly active users [20], while Google captures high-intent searches from over 8.5 billion daily queries [20].

The real advantage comes from understanding how these platforms work together. Meta Ads are great for sparking interest and initiating customer engagement, while Google Ads step in to fulfill demand when users actively search for solutions. This multi-channel strategy ensures you connect with customers at the right moments in their buying journey [3].

Real-world examples highlight the success of this approach. For instance, a skincare brand that combined lifestyle-focused Meta content with targeted Google search ads experienced a 35% increase in conversions within three months [20]. Expanding from Meta to Google not only boosts ROI but also ensures a consistent brand message, which studies show can increase revenue by up to 23% [27].

"Cross-channel marketing comes down to engaging with your customers or prospects across every digital channel and any device." – Oracle [26]

Retargeting strategies further enhance this integrated approach. Cross-platform retargeting keeps potential customers engaged [25], while data from Google Ads can refine targeting for Meta campaigns [24]. This unified view of marketing performance allows for better audience segmentation and targeting.

To fully capitalize on this synergy, advanced optimization and data integration are essential. Managing both platforms effectively requires a level of expertise that can turn a good strategy into a great one. Partnering with experts who specialize in Meta Ads and cross-channel marketing can help businesses unlock their full potential and drive measurable growth.

FAQs

How does combining Meta Ads and Google Ads boost engagement by 250%?

Integrating Meta Ads and Google Ads offers a powerful way to boost engagement by tapping into the strengths of both platforms. Together, they create a unified, multi-platform strategy that enhances ad targeting, simplifies campaign management, and expands your audience reach.

When you align your messaging and fine-tune campaigns across both platforms, your ads become more relevant to your audience. This not only drives higher engagement but also improves your return on investment (ROI). By combining these tools, your marketing efforts become more cohesive and effective, paving the way for measurable business growth.

How can businesses create an effective multi-touch customer journey using Meta and Google Ads?

To build a successful multi-touch customer journey using Meta Ads and Google Ads, start by making sure your campaigns on both platforms share a unified message. Consistency in messaging helps reinforce your brand and creates a smoother experience for potential customers.

Use multi-touch attribution models to track interactions - like ad views and clicks - throughout the customer journey. This allows you to see how each platform contributes to conversions, giving you a clearer picture of what’s working.

By combining data from both Meta and Google Ads, you can fine-tune ad sequencing and retargeting. Pinpoint the most critical touchpoints, use insights to guide your adjustments, and keep refining your strategies. This method not only keeps prospects engaged but also moves them through the funnel more effectively, boosting engagement and getting the most out of your ad spend.

How do Meta Ads and Google Ads compare in cost, and how can businesses effectively manage their budgets across both platforms?

Meta Ads generally come with a lower cost per click (CPC) compared to Google Ads. On average, Meta Ads cost about $1.06 per click, while Google Ads can range anywhere from $2 to $60, depending on the industry. The average CPC for Google Ads sits around $5.26. This makes Meta Ads a more budget-friendly choice for reaching a wide audience without breaking the bank.

To make the most of your advertising dollars, consider using Meta Ads to target specific audience segments and create visually engaging campaigns that drive interaction. At the same time, allocate a portion of your budget to Google Ads to capture high-intent search traffic, which often leads to faster conversions. Keep an eye on performance metrics, adjust bids as needed, and fine-tune your targeting strategies. This balanced approach can help you maximize your return on investment (ROI) across both platforms.

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