Whether you’re a plumber, an electrician, or the go-to handyman in your neighborhood, getting your name out there is crucial. Today, we’re diving into the world of PPC—Pay-Per-Click advertising. It’s time to make those internet waves and bring in more customers. Ready? Let’s go!
How It Works
So, what exactly is PPC? Think of it as a digital auction where you bid to have your ads shown to potential customers. When someone clicks on your ad, you pay a small fee—hence, Pay-Per-Click.
- Google Ads: This is the big one. You create an ad, choose your keywords (the search terms you want your ad to show up for), set your budget, and voila! Your ad appears at the top of Google’s search results. It’s like getting a VIP pass to the front of the line.
- Facebook Ads: While Google Ads focus on keywords, Facebook Ads target people based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics. You can get super specific—want to reach homeowners in your area who recently moved? Facebook’s got you covered.
- Bing Ads: Yep, Bing also offers PPC advertising. While it’s less popular due to having a smaller slice of the search traffic pie compared to Google, it can still be a valuable part of your marketing strategy. Plus, Bing’s audience tends to be slightly older and more affluent.
Where Will Your Ads Appear?
Now, let’s talk about visibility. After all, what’s the point of an ad if no one sees it?
- Google Ads: Your ads can show up in several places:
- Search Results: The holy grail of PPC. Your ad appears at the top or bottom of the search results page.
- Display Network: These are visual ads that pop up on websites within Google’s vast network.
- YouTube: Yep, those pre-video ads you sometimes skip can be yours!
- Facebook Ads: Your ads can appear in:
- News Feed: Right in the middle of a user’s feed.
- Stories: Those quick, engaging ads in between stories.
- Marketplace: Perfect if you’re selling products or services.
- Right Column: Desktop users will see these on the side of their screen.
How Is It Different Than Facebook Ads?
Okay, so both Google and Facebook Ads are awesome, but how are they different? Let’s break it down:
- Targeting:
- Google Ads: Focuses on intent. If someone is searching “emergency plumber near me,” they likely need a plumber ASAP. Your ad meets that immediate need.
- Facebook Ads: Focuses on interests. You can target people who love DIY projects or recently bought a home. It’s more about getting in front of people who might need your services soon.
- Ad Types:
- Google Ads: Primarily text-based, though display ads and video ads on YouTube are also options.
- Facebook Ads: Visual and engaging, with images, videos, carousels, and even interactive experiences.
- Pull vs. Push:
- Google Ads: These are “pull” ads, meaning they pull in users who are actively searching for your product or service. They’re already interested, and you’re meeting that demand.
- Facebook Ads: These are “push” ads. You’re pushing your message to users based on their interests and behaviors, even if they’re not actively searching for your service. This can help you reach potential customers who didn’t know they needed you—yet.
- Budgeting:
- Google Ads: You bid on keywords, and costs can vary based on competition.
- Facebook Ads: You set your daily or lifetime budget and bid for ad placements.
The Right Tool for the Right Job
Each platform has its own strengths and proper place in a broader marketing campaign. Knowing when to use Google Ads and when to leverage Facebook Ads (or even Bing Ads) is what makes a savvy marketer. Google Ads can get you in front of people who are actively looking for what you offer, while Facebook Ads can help spread the word about services or products people might not yet know they need.
So there you have it! A quick and snappy guide to PPC. Whether you go with Google Ads to capture those urgent searches, Facebook Ads to build awareness, or Bing Ads to reach a different audience, PPC can be a game-changer for your business. Ready to give it a try? Your next big client might just be a click away!
Ready to get started now? You can sign up online for Google Ads or just give us a call!
