Google Ads vs Meta Ads: Where Should You Spend Your First $1,000?

Choosing between Google and Facebook (Meta) isn't about which platform is "better." It's about where your customer is in their Buying Journey.

Google: The Intent King

If someone searches for "Best plumber in New York" or "Buy running shoes," they have High Intent. They want to buy now. Google Ads allows you to jump in front of that person at the exact moment of need. It’s expensive, but the conversion rate is usually much higher.

Meta: The Visual Disruptor

People don't go to Instagram to buy a product; they go to be entertained. However, Meta’s AI is incredible at finding people based on their interests. If you have a "cool" or visual product that people don't know exists yet, Meta is your best friend. It’s about Demand Generation.

The 2026 Verdict

For most US-based startups, we recommend a 70/30 split. Put 70% of your budget into Meta for brand awareness and 30% into Google Search for "Branded Keywords" to catch people who saw your ad on Instagram and then searched for you on Google. This hybrid approach is the secret to scaling effectively.