Social, Google, or Local?

Ad spend skyrockets in Q4 — competition is fierce, and budgets are tight. For small businesses, the big question is: where should I spend my money — social, Google, or local advertising? The answer depends on your goals, audience, and offers. Here’s how to decide.

1. Social Media Ads (Instagram & Facebook)

• Best for: Brand awareness + engagement.
• Why: Visual storytelling and targeted campaigns catch impulse buyers.
• Tip: Use Reels + carousel ads with clear CTAs.
• ROI: $100–$300 can drive meaningful reach in a 10-mile radius.

2. Google Ads

• Best for: Ready-to-buy customers.
• Why: People searching “last-minute holiday gifts near me” are high-intent buyers.
• Tip: Use geo-targeting and keywords like “holiday sale Chicago” or “Christmas deals near me.”
• ROI: $200–$500 can deliver fast conversions.

3. Local Ads (Flyers, Sponsorships, Radio)

• Best for: Brick-and-mortar shops & hyperlocal visibility.
• Why: Local customers often look for convenience.
• Tip: Partner with community events or place flyers in nearby stores.
• ROI: Low-cost + builds community connection.

4. The Smart Split: Hybrid Strategy

• Social = Awareness.
• Google = Conversions.
• Local = Trust + Community.
• Rule of Thumb: 50% Google, 30% Social, 20% Local.

You don’t need a massive budget to win holiday sales — you need a smart one. Spend where your customers are, and double down on high-ROI channels.

👉 Download our Holiday Sales Playbook for promo ideas, a 4-week campaign calendar, ready-to-use post templates, and an ad budget worksheet. Visit our Resources page for more downloads.