Google vs Facebook: Which One Actually Gets Tradies Jobs?

Stop Wasting Money on 'Brand Awareness'

If you’re a sparky, plumber, or landscaper in Brisbane, you’ve probably had a marketing 'expert' tell you that you need to be everywhere. They talk about 'brand awareness' and 'social media presence.'

I’m going to be blunt: most of that is rubbish.

You don’t need people to 'know' your brand while they’re looking at photos of their lunch. You need people to call you when their toilet is overflowing or they need a new deck built.

I’ve seen dozens of local businesses throw thousands of dollars down the drain because they picked the wrong platform for the type of work they do. The choice between Google and Facebook isn't about which app is cooler; it’s about how people buy what you sell.

The Emergency vs. The Project

The biggest mistake tradies make is treating all jobs the same. To win, you have to understand the difference between 'Intent' and 'Interest.'

Google Ads: The 'I Need It Now' Machine

Google Ads put you at the top of the page at the exact second someone is ready to spend money.

The Pro: The person is ready to book right now. The Con: It’s expensive. You pay for every click, and if your website is rubbish, you’re just paying for people to look at your site and leave. Best for: Plumbers, locksmiths, electricians, and AC repair.

The Pro: It’s usually cheaper than Google to get your name out there. The Con: Most people 'clicking' are just curious. They aren't ready to hire you today. You have to chase them, and many will ghost you. Best for: Landscapers, deck builders, painters, and pool builders.

Common Mistake #1: Using Facebook for Emergencies

I once spoke to a tow-truck operator in Logan who was spending $500 a week on Facebook ads. He was getting 'likes' and 'comments,' but his phone wasn't ringing.

Why? Because nobody sees a Facebook ad for a tow truck and thinks, "Oh, I should save that for when I crash my car in three months."

If your business relies on people having a problem that needs fixing today, Facebook ads are a waste of your money. You are paying to show your face to people who don't need you. Take that money and put it into Google.

Common Mistake #2: Sending Google Traffic to a Bad Website

Google Ads are an auction. In Brisbane, a single click for a 'blocked drain plumber' can cost $20, $30, or even $50.

If you pay $30 for a click and the person lands on a website that doesn't load on their phone, or doesn't have a clear 'Call Now' button, you just threw $30 away.

I see this constantly with Brisbane tradies. They complain Google Ads don't work, but their website looks like it was built in 2005. If you’re going to play in the Google Ads space, your site needs to load fast and make it incredibly easy for the customer to contact you.

If you're just starting out and don't have the runs on the board yet, you need a strategy to get jobs with zero reviews because trust is the only thing that turns a click into a phone call.

Common Mistake #3: Not Having a Follow-up System for Facebook

Facebook leads are 'cold.' Someone might click your ad for a new fence because they liked the photo, fill out a form, and then forget they did it ten minutes later.

If you wait two days to call them, they won't pick up.

To make Facebook ads work, you (or your office person) need to call those leads within 5 to 10 minutes. If you’re on the tools all day and can't check your phone, don't run Facebook lead ads. You’ll just end up with a list of names that never turn into money.

How Much Should You Spend?

I get asked this every day. "What's the minimum?"

Look, if you're in a competitive suburb like Indooroopilly or New Farm, you can't show up with $5 a day and expect results.

Google Ads: Expect to spend at least $1,500 - $3,000 per month to see a real flow of calls. Anything less and you won't get enough data to know what's working. Facebook Ads: You can start smaller, maybe $500 - $1,000 a month, but you need to factor in the time it takes to chase the leads.

If you want consistent roofing jobs or similar high-ticket work, you have to view this as a business investment, not a cost. If you spend $2,000 to make $10,000 in profit, you’d do that every day of the week, wouldn't you?

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

If I were starting a trade business in Brisbane tomorrow, here is exactly what I would do:

1. Do you fix things that are broken? (Plumbing, Electrical, Tyres, Glass). Go Google Ads. Don't even bother with Facebook yet. Focus on being the first person they see when they are in a panic. 2. Do you build things that people want? (Decks, Renovations, Landscaping). Go Facebook and Instagram. Use high-quality photos of your work in local Brisbane suburbs to spark interest. 3. Do you do both? (e.g., an Electrician who does emergency repairs AND solar installs). Split your budget. Use Google for the urgent repair calls and Facebook to show off your solar installs.

What to do First

Before you give a cent to Google or Meta (Facebook), make sure your own house is in order.

Check your phone number: Is it prominent on your site? Check your photos: Do you have real photos of your team and your trucks, or just crappy stock photos from the internet? Brisbane locals want to see who is turning up at their house.

• Check your reviews: People will click your ad, then Google your business name to see if you’re a cowboy.

Stop listening to people who use big words to confuse you. Focus on the phone ringing.

Want to stop guessing and start getting more enquiries?

At Local Marketing Group, we specialise in helping Brisbane tradies dominate their local area. We don't care about 'likes'—we care about your profit.

Contact Local Marketing Group today and let’s get your phone ringing.