Meta Ads or Google Ads - Which Is Better for Your Trade Business?
Running a successful trade business in Melbourne means staying visible, especially when competition is high and customers are searching online. Whether you're an electrician in Essendon or a builder in Bayside, the right advertising strategy can help you win more work consistently.
But when it comes to digital advertising, one common question we hear at DM Design Studio is: Should I use Meta Ads or Google Ads?
Both platforms offer powerful tools to help tradies reach new customers, but they operate in very different ways. At DM Design Studio, we help tradies across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane choose the right ad platforms based on their business goals, budget, and service area.
Let’s explore what sets Meta Ads and Google Ads apart, and how you can decide which is best for your trade business.
What Are Google Ads and How Do They Work for Tradies?
Google Ads helps your business appear at the top of search results when potential customers are looking for your services. These are the ads you see when someone types in phrases like “plumber near me” or “roof leak repair in Melbourne.”
What makes Google Ads so effective is that it connects you with people who are already searching for your services. These users tend to be ready to book, request a quote, or call immediately. That’s why Google Ads is considered one of the highest-intent advertising platforms available.
For Melbourne tradies, this could mean targeting searches like “bathroom renovation Fitzroy” or “licensed electrician in Doncaster.” These ads can be narrowed down by location, service type, and even time of day.
At DM Design Studio, we create suburb-specific Google Ads campaigns that help tradies dominate their local area. We also ensure the ads are paired with landing pages that drive enquiries, not just clicks.
What Makes Meta Ads Different?
Meta Ads, which include Facebook and Instagram ads, work differently. Rather than appearing when someone searches for a service, Meta Ads show up in users’ feeds based on interests, demographics, and online behaviours.
This style of advertising is more visual and less intent-driven. But that doesn’t mean it’s less effective, it just serves a different purpose. Meta Ads are great for getting your business in front of people who might not be actively searching but are likely to need your services soon.
If you're a landscaper in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Meta Ads can help you showcase before-and-after project photos, run seasonal promotions, or highlight your expertise with short videos. This kind of content grabs attention, builds awareness, and keeps your business top-of-mind.
When Should a Tradie Use Google Ads?
If your goal is to generate leads quickly from people who are ready to hire, Google Ads is usually the best choice. For example, if someone in Richmond searches “blocked drain plumber,” a well-placed Google Ad can bring them straight to your site or contact form.
It’s also ideal for emergency services, high-demand jobs, or competitive services like concreting, electrical repairs, or heating installations. You’re reaching people who are already in decision-making mode.
At DM Design Studio, we recommend Google Ads to tradies who want to increase call volume, fill up their schedule, and get the most out of their advertising budget in the shortest time.
When Should a Tradie Use Meta Ads?
Meta Ads are perfect when you're looking to build trust, showcase your work visually, or promote your brand to a wider local audience. If your projects have visual impact, like renovations, decking, fencing, or tiling, Meta Ads allow you to tell a story with images and video.
They’re also ideal for retargeting. If someone visited your website but didn’t enquire, a Meta Ad can remind them to come back with a compelling offer or a testimonial from a happy client.
Many tradies use Meta Ads to:
Highlight five-star reviews
Promote special offers
Increase visibility in a local suburb
Boost recognition during slower months
In Melbourne, where different suburbs have very different demographics, we build tailored Meta Ads to resonate with the right local audience. This creates stronger engagement and increases trust before they’ve even picked up the phone.
So, Which One Should You Use?
The truth is, both platforms can work brilliantly, if you know how to use them strategically. Google Ads is excellent for capturing customers who are actively searching, while Meta Ads help build long-term brand recognition and nurture cold or warm leads.
If you're only using one, you might be missing opportunities. A combined strategy often delivers the strongest return. For example, a Google Ads campaign might bring in urgent leads, while Meta Ads keep your business in front of potential clients who are still considering options or waiting for the right moment.
At DM Design Studio, we offer complete digital marketing solutions tailored to tradies. We help businesses like yours create the right mix of Google and Meta Ads to generate consistent results all year round.
Real Results from Melbourne Tradies
We recently worked with a builder in Melbourne’s inner north who had been running Google Ads but wasn’t seeing consistent results. After reviewing his account, we improved his targeting by focusing on high-converting search terms in his preferred suburbs.
At the same time, we launched a Meta Ads campaign that featured stunning images of his latest renovations. The Meta Ads drove more traffic to his site, and the Google Ads converted them into enquiries.
Within two months, he doubled his monthly leads and filled his schedule for the next quarter. That’s the power of using both platforms effectively.
How We Help Tradies with Ads
At DM Design Studio, we work with tradies across Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney to build results-driven ad strategies. Our process includes:
Setting up and managing Google Ads with suburb-based targeting
Designing visual Meta Ads that highlight your work and drive enquiries
Integrating call tracking and quote forms to measure performance
Creating landing pages optimised for lead generation
Providing monthly reporting and expert advice
We don’t just run ads, we manage your complete campaign to deliver leads, build your local presence, and grow your business.
Need Help Choosing the Right Ad Strategy?
If you’re not sure where to start or if your current ads aren’t delivering, we’re here to help. Whether you want more calls, better leads, or stronger visibility across Melbourne, DM Design Studio will create a strategy that fits your goals and budget.
Visit www.dmdesignstudio.au to learn more about our digital marketing services for tradies. From Google Ads to Meta Ads, we help trade businesses grow online with strategies that work in the real world.
