Google Ads or Facebook Ads: What’s Best for Your Fitness Business?

Deciding on the right advertising platform for your gym can be challenging. With Google Ads and Facebook Ads being the most popular, it’s important to understand how each one works and what sets them apart.

In this post, we’re going to make it simple. We’ll break down the basics of both platforms, showing you how they differ and what they offer. By the end, you’ll gain insights to help you choose the best fit for your gym’s ad strategy.

Let’s start unraveling the specifics of these two advertising giants.

What are Google Ads?

Google Ads are pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements, so you only pay when someone clicks on your gym’s ads. Depending on your choice of campaign, these ads can show up either on the Google Search Network or the Google Display Network, reaching a massive online audience.

For gym owners, these ads can be targeted to reach people actively searching for fitness-related services and products. The targeting is based on:

• Search intent
• Geographic location
• Search history
• Demographics and so on

That’s why choosing the right keywords or phrases for your ad is crucial, and should reflect what your ideal client is searching for.

💡 Consider the following search terms:

‘Gym’: This is a low intent but high-volume keyword. It attracts a wide audience seeking general information, usually at a lower cost.

‘Gym trial’: Indicates higher intent, targeting people interested in gym trials who are willing to sign up. More specific searches mean higher competition and cost.

Types of Google Ads

Google Ads offers three main ad formats for Search campaigns: Text, Responsive, and Call-Only.

For now, we’ll focus on text ads—one of the most common on Google. These are simple, word-based ads you see on search engine results pages (SERPs). Their position on the page depends on the relevance to the search and how much you pay for those keywords.

💡 To enhance their effectiveness, Google recommends using Ad assets for more detail and contact information in order to resonate with your target audience.

Key Benefits of Using Google Ads for Your Gym

Google Ads offers numerous advantages, including:

• Wide Reach: Google is the largest search engine in the world and processes 99,000 search queries every second. This means your gym’s ad has the potential to appear at the top of search results where tons of potential clients can see it.
• High Purchase Intent Audience: Ads are shown to users actively seeking gym-related services. This targets an audience that’s more likely to engage and convert.
• Localized Targeting: Google Ads are smart enough to show your ads to people nearby. If they’re looking for a gym in your area, they’re more likely to see your ad.
• Dynamic Marketing Tool: Google Ads is an effective way to not just promote your gym but also to raise brand awareness and drive more traffic to your website.

💡 Some gym owners are increasing their ad spend on Google Ads, focusing on terms like ‘personal training’ and ‘gyms near me.’ They find that this approach generates higher quality leads.

In short, Google Ads helps you reach more people on the web, connect with those who are really interested, and find locals who are looking for a gym like yours.

Examples of Google Ads for Gyms

Let’s look at three Google Ads for gyms with the search terms ‘small group training Toronto’ and see how they effectively use different Ad assets.

Example 1: Notice the clear headline, image, description, and relevant links in this ad.

Example 2: This ad highlights a low-commitment offer.

When you click the ad, it takes you to the corresponding page on the gym’s website where you can find more information and continue the buying process.

Example 3: This ad has a compelling call to action (CTA) button and essential information (i.e., address and operating hours) that a potential client looks for.

And of course, clicking the ad’s CTA button leads to a quick and easy-to-fill form for users.

Now that you’re more familiar with Google Ads, let’s shift our focus to Facebook Ads and see how they compare.

What are Facebook Ads?

Facebook Ads work on a pay-per-click (PPC) or pay-per-impression (PPM) basis, which helps you have a bit more control over your ad budget. These ads appear on Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram and look like regular posts on a user’s feed.

For gym owners, Facebook Ads ads are a powerful tool for reaching a very specific audience. You can target potential clients based on:

• Where they live
• Demographic details like age, gender, income, and education
• Profile information
• Their interests and online activity

This targeted approach ensures your ads reach those who are most likely to be interested in your gym, helping you connect with ideal clients.

💡 Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Running Profitable Facebook Ads For Your Gym

Types of Facebook Ads

Facebook Ads are visually driven and come in five formats: image, video, carousel, instant experience, and collection. These ads need to be visually appealing and clearly deliver your message, motivating potential clients to take the next step.

That said, the most successful Facebook Ads typically include:

1. A compelling image or video to draw viewers in
2. An attention-grabbing headline
3. A concise description with key insights
4. Engaging body text encouraging action
5. A clear call to action button

💡 For a comprehensive guide on crafting better-performing Facebook Ads, check out The Ultimate Guide to Creating Top-Performing Facebook Ads for Your Gym.

Key Benefits of Using Facebook Ads for Your Gym

Facebook Ads offer several unique advantages:

• Precise Targeting: You can specify your target audience, ensuring your ads reach the exact type of client you would want joining your gym.
• Cost-Effective: With flexible budgeting options, Facebook Ads can accommodate almost any ad budget.
• Visually Engaging: Using images or videos in your ads helps them stand out, making your gym more memorable and enhancing brand awareness.
• Socially Engaging: Ads on Facebook can get likes, comments, and shares, extending your gym’s reach and visibility.

In essence, Facebook Ads are effective in connecting with your gym’s ideal clients, capturing their attention, and sparking interest in your services.

Examples of Facebook Ads for Gyms

Let’s explore three effective Facebook Ad examples in the fitness realm:

Example 1: This ad features longer ad copy, combining a detailed narrative with emojis to add personality.

Example 2: This ad targets a specific customer avatar. The copy directly addresses potential pain points and offers a solution, promising change and results.

Example 3: This ad, while similar to the first two, stands out with its effective follow-through.

Clicking the call-to-action (CTA) button leads to a form that quickly informs prospects about what they can expect. This is followed by another form that’s easy to complete.

💡 For tips on optimizing your landing page for better lead generation on Facebook, see our guide: 5 Quick Landing Page Fixes to Maximize Lead Gen on Facebook.

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads: How Do They Compare?

To help you understand the similarities and differences between Google Ads and Facebook Ads, let’s compare them side by side:

Choosing the Right Ad Platform for Your Gym

Both Google Ads and Facebook Ads have their advantages.

Google Ads are excellent at reaching people who are perhaps more ready to make a purchase, making them ideal for driving sales. On the other hand, Facebook Ads have a strong visual appeal and are great at connecting with a well-defined audience.

Deciding which to use for your gym really comes down to your marketing goals and the audience you want to reach. You could use either one or a combination of both for your gym.

And if you need a little extra help with your gym’s ads, our team at Kilo is here to assist. Book a call with us today!