Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads for Painting Businesses: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're running a painting business, you've probably thought about using Google Ads or Facebook Ads to generate more leads. But with so much conflicting advice—"Google Ads are too expensive!" "Facebook Ads don’t work!"—it’s easy to feel confused.

At Taurify, we specialize in helping painting businesses get high-quality leads through Google and Facebook advertising. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these platforms and help you determine the best strategy for your business.

Understanding Customer Intent: The Key Difference

The biggest difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads is customer intent—how ready a person is to hire a painter.

Google Ads: Reaching Customers Who Are Ready to Hire

When someone searches for "best house painters near me" or "cabinet painting services", they already know they need a painter. Google Ads allows your business to appear at the top of these search results, putting you directly in front of high-intent customers.

✅ Pros:

• Targets people actively searching for painting services

• Higher quality leads that are easier to convert

• More predictable and consistent results

❌ Cons:

• More expensive per lead (often $150–$250)

• Limited lead volume (only reaches those searching for a painter)

Facebook Ads: Creating Demand and Nurturing Leads

Facebook Ads don’t target people searching for painting services. Instead, they interrupt potential customers while they scroll through their feed. The goal is to spark interest by showing before-and-after project photos, customer testimonials, or time-limited offers.

✅ Pros:

• Generates a higher volume of leads at a lower cost ($30–$60 per lead)

• Builds brand awareness and nurtures potential customers

• Reaches homeowners who may not have actively searched for a painter but are still interested

❌ Cons:

• Leads tend to be lower intent and require more follow-up

• Sales cycle is longer, as customers may not be ready to book immediately

📌 Pro Tip: Use high-quality images of past projects in your Facebook Ads. Before-and-after photos work exceptionally well to grab attention and showcase your work!

Which One Should You Choose?

If You Need Leads Fast: Start with Google Ads

If you want quick, high-quality leads, start with Google Ads. These customers are already looking for painting services, making them easier to convert. However, be prepared for a higher cost per lead and ensure your website and ad copy are optimized to convert traffic into actual bookings.

If You Want to Build a Pipeline of Leads: Use Facebook Ads

Facebook Ads are great for businesses that want to increase brand awareness and generate a steady flow of leads. While these leads need more follow-up, a strong nurturing process (emails, calls, and retargeting ads) can turn them into paying customers over time.

For the Best Results: Use Both Google and Facebook Ads

A combination of Google Ads and Facebook Ads is the most powerful strategy. Here’s why:
✔️ Google Ads capture high-intent leads who are ready to book.
✔️ Facebook Ads generate more leads and build awareness with homeowners who might need a painter soon.
✔️ They work together—someone might see your Facebook Ad, then later search for your company on Google and become a lead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Ignoring follow-up: Facebook leads need fast responses and consistent follow-ups to convert. A slow response time can kill potential sales.

🚫 Focusing only on one platform: Relying only on Google Ads limits your reach, while relying only on Facebook Ads may bring in lower-intent leads. A mix of both works best.

🚫 Not tracking results: If you're not measuring lead quality, cost per lead, and conversion rates, you’re wasting money. Set up proper tracking to see what’s working.

Need Help Running Google or Facebook Ads for Your Painting Business?

At Taurify, we specialize in helping painting contractors generate high-quality leads through Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and lead nurturing systems.

🚀 Want to see how we can help your business grow? Schedule a free strategy call with our team today!

Click here to book a call with our team!

Watch this on YouTube