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Facebook Ads vs Google Ads in Singapore: Which Works Better for SMEs?

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Author: Nicol Lee | Founder of The NextComms

Published on November 13, 2025

If you run a small or medium-sized business in Singapore, chances are you’ve asked this question:

“Should I invest in Facebook Ads or Google Ads?”

Both are powerful platforms, but they serve different purposes in the customer journey. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, audience, and type of service.

In this article, we break down how Facebook Ads and Google Ads compare for Singapore SMEs, what each does best, and how to combine them for maximum ROI.

Quick Overview: Facebook Ads vs Google Ads

Criteria

Facebook Ads (Meta)

Google Ads (Search)

Intent Type

Discovery & Interest

High Search Intent

Audience Targeting

Behavioural, demographic, and interest-based

Keyword-based (what people search)

Ad Format

Visual (images, videos, Reels, carousels)

Text ads + Display banners

Lead Quality

Warm to cold audiences (can nurture via retargeting)

Hot leads actively searching

CPL (Cost per Lead)

Lower – typically $10–$80

Higher – typically $40–$150

Best For

Awareness, lead generation, retargeting

High-intent services, emergency or urgent needs

Facebook Ads: The Power of Discovery & Demand Creation

Facebook (and Instagram) Ads are perfect for SMEs that want to create awareness and demand — not just wait for people to search.

Why it works:

  • Over 3.2 million Singapore users with detailed targeting options.
  • Excellent for local service businesses (interior design, movers, tuition, fitness, beauty, etc.).
  • Lower CPL compared to Google Ads because you reach people earlier in their buying journey.
  • Strong visual storytelling using photos, Reels, and videos to build trust.
  • Retargeting allows you to re-engage anyone who clicked, viewed, or messaged.

Example:
A moving company might not get thousands of Google searches daily, but through Facebook Ads, they can reach homeowners planning a move months in advance — before they even search.

Google Ads: The Power of Intent & Search Visibility

Google Ads are perfect for businesses that depend on search intent — where users are already actively looking for a service.

Why it works:

  • Users searching “best renovation company Singapore” or “office movers near me” are ready to buy.
  • High lead quality because of direct intent.
  • Strong local SEO integration with Google Maps and Reviews.
  • Great for urgent services like plumbing, cleaning, locksmiths, pest control, and legal help.
  • However, Google Ads come with higher competition — especially in Singapore’s mature markets — driving higher cost per click (CPC) and CPL.

Example:
A renovation firm may pay $3–$9 per click and $70–$150 per qualified lead, depending on bidding competition and keywords.

Cost Comparison: Facebook Ads vs Google Ads in Singapore

Metric

Facebook Ads

Google Ads

Average CPC (Cost Per Click)

$0.80 – $3.00

$2.50 – $9.00

Average CPL (Cost Per Lead)

$10 – $80

$40 – $150

Minimum Daily Budget

$10/day

$25–$50/day

Creative Requirements

Visuals, videos, offers

Keyword text, landing pages

Facebook Ads are generally more cost-effective for SMEs that rely on volume and awareness. Google Ads, on the other hand, deliver fewer but higher-intent leads — at a higher price.

How Smart SMEs Use Both

The best-performing businesses in Singapore don’t pick one — they combine both strategically:

  • Step 1: Facebook Ads generate awareness, showcase offers, and capture early interest.
  • Step 2: Google Ads convert ready buyers searching for your business or service.
  • Step 3: Retargeting ties both together — Facebook Ads retarget Google visitors, while Google Display Ads remind past Facebook leads.

This omni-platform approach is the formula used in our H.O.M.E. Method™, supported by the Unlimited Creatives Model to keep performance high.

Which Platform Is Better for You?

Choose Facebook Ads if you:

  • Sell to homeowners, families, or local consumers.
  • Want more affordable leads.
  • Need brand awareness and credibility.
  • Have strong visuals or promotions.

Choose Google Ads if you:

  • Serve time-sensitive or high-intent industries.
  • Want to appear exactly when customers search.
  • Can handle higher CPL but value-ready buyers.

Choose both if you:

  • Want full-funnel marketing — from awareness to conversion.
  • Have a growth budget and long-term vision.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook Ads = discovery, demand creation, and retargeting.
  • Google Ads = high-intent, ready-to-buy leads.
  • For most SMEs in Singapore, Facebook Ads deliver more leads per dollar.
  • For urgent services or high-ticket B2B, Google Ads can deliver better quality leads.
  • The most profitable approach combines both platforms — each serving a distinct purpose in your funnel.

Still deciding between Facebook and Google Ads?

Talk to The Next Comms, Singapore’s Meta Business Partner with 11+ years of experience helping SMEs generate real leads and measurable ROI. We’ll help you plan the right mix of ads, offers, and follow-up systems to get results faster.

Frequently Asked Questions: Facebook Ads vs Google Ads in Singapore

It depends on your business type and goals. For most service-based SMEs — such as movers, interior designers, or beauty clinics — Facebook Ads deliver higher ROI because the cost per lead (CPL) is much lower ($10–$80). Google Ads typically has higher CPL ($40–$150) but can deliver higher-intent leads for urgent or niche services.

Yes, generally. Google Ads works on keyword bidding, so popular terms like “interior design Singapore” or “moving company” can cost $5–$9 per click. Facebook Ads are cheaper because they target interests and behaviours instead of competing for keywords.

Both can bring results quickly.

  • Facebook Ads: can generate enquiries within 24–48 hours of launch, as users discover your offer while scrolling.
  • Google Ads: captures ready-to-buy leads as soon as your ad appears in search results.

However, Facebook Ads usually deliver faster volume, while Google Ads delivers fewer but higher-intent leads.

Absolutely — that’s the best strategy for most SMEs. Facebook Ads create awareness and nurture leads, while Google Ads capture those who are ready to buy. Using both helps you dominate your customer journey — from first discovery to final purchase.

  • Facebook Ads: You can start from $10/day, ideal for testing creatives and offers.
  • Google Ads: Minimum effective spend is around $30–$50/day, depending on keyword competition.

We usually recommend starting small, collecting data for 2–3 weeks, and then scaling your best-performing campaigns.

Not necessarily. Facebook and Instagram can also work for B2B lead generation — especially when the target audience is decision-makers or professionals. The key is using precise interest targeting, thought-leadership creatives, and retargeting funnels.

 We’re a certified Meta Business Partner with 11+ years of experience scaling Singapore SMEs. We specialise in lead generation systems, not just ads — combining:

  • Facebook + Instagram ads for awareness and volume.
  • Google Ads for search intent and credibility.
  • WhatsApp/SMS automation to convert leads faster.

Our proprietary H.O.M.E. Method™ ensures every campaign is structured for long-term ROI and growth.

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