/Advertising
Question
Anyone here doing Google Shopping instead of Facebook? Curious about the differences
Posted by •11/3/2025
I keep seeing people mention Google Shopping as an alternative to Facebook ads but I can't find much info about it for dropshipping specifically.
My situation: I've tried Facebook ads for 2 products, spent about €200 total, got a few add to carts but no sales. The whole experience felt like throwing darts blindfolded.
What I don't understand about Google Shopping:
- Don't people need to already be searching for your product? How does that work for unique products?
- Is it actually cheaper than Facebook?
- Do you need different types of products for it to work?
Would love to hear from anyone who's actually tried both. I'm not opposed to learning something new if it means less gambling on "interest targeting."
My situation: I've tried Facebook ads for 2 products, spent about €200 total, got a few add to carts but no sales. The whole experience felt like throwing darts blindfolded.
What I don't understand about Google Shopping:
- Don't people need to already be searching for your product? How does that work for unique products?
- Is it actually cheaper than Facebook?
- Do you need different types of products for it to work?
Would love to hear from anyone who's actually tried both. I'm not opposed to learning something new if it means less gambling on "interest targeting."
2 Replies
•11/3/2025
Running both, here's my numbers for the same product (ergonomic mouse pad with wrist rest):
Facebook (last 30 days):
- Spend: €180
- Sales: 4
- CPA: €45
- ROAS: 1.2
Google Shopping (last 30 days):
- Spend: €95
- Sales: 7
- CPA: €13.50
- ROAS: 3.8
Google wins by a mile for this product. BUT I have another product (a novelty LED thing) where Facebook crushes Google because nobody searches for it - they don't know it exists.
Match your channel to your product, not the other way around.
Facebook (last 30 days):
- Spend: €180
- Sales: 4
- CPA: €45
- ROAS: 1.2
Google Shopping (last 30 days):
- Spend: €95
- Sales: 7
- CPA: €13.50
- ROAS: 3.8
Google wins by a mile for this product. BUT I have another product (a novelty LED thing) where Facebook crushes Google because nobody searches for it - they don't know it exists.
Match your channel to your product, not the other way around.
•11/3/2025
This is really helpful, thanks. So for Google Shopping to work, I basically need to pick products that solve a problem people are already searching for solutions to?
How do you figure out what people are searching for? Is there a free way to do keyword research?
How do you figure out what people are searching for? Is there a free way to do keyword research?
•11/3/2025
Free keyword research methods that actually work:
1. **Google autocomplete** - Start typing your product idea and see what Google suggests. Those suggestions are based on real searches.
2. **Amazon search bar** - Same thing. Type "back pain" and see what products Amazon suggests.
3. **Google Keyword Planner** - Free with a Google Ads account (you don't have to spend money). Shows search volume for any keyword.
4. **Answer the Public** - Shows questions people ask about any topic.
The goal is to find keywords with decent search volume where the intent is to BUY, not just research. "Best back pain solutions" = research. "Buy lumbar support cushion" = ready to purchase.
Honestly though, Amazon is your best friend here. If a product has thousands of reviews on Amazon, people are searching for it. Then you just need to find a way to differentiate.
1. **Google autocomplete** - Start typing your product idea and see what Google suggests. Those suggestions are based on real searches.
2. **Amazon search bar** - Same thing. Type "back pain" and see what products Amazon suggests.
3. **Google Keyword Planner** - Free with a Google Ads account (you don't have to spend money). Shows search volume for any keyword.
4. **Answer the Public** - Shows questions people ask about any topic.
The goal is to find keywords with decent search volume where the intent is to BUY, not just research. "Best back pain solutions" = research. "Buy lumbar support cushion" = ready to purchase.
Honestly though, Amazon is your best friend here. If a product has thousands of reviews on Amazon, people are searching for it. Then you just need to find a way to differentiate.
•11/3/2025
I switched to Google Shopping about a year ago and won't go back to Facebook for my main products. Here's the real difference:
**Facebook**: You're INTERRUPTING people. They're scrolling to look at their friend's vacation photos and you shove an ad in their face. You need to create desire from scratch. Works great for impulse buys and "wow I didn't know I needed this" products.
**Google Shopping**: You're ANSWERING people. They already want something and they're actively searching for it. Your job is just to show up with a good offer. Works better for products people already know exist.
The mental shift: On Facebook you find customers. On Google the customers find you.
For dropshipping specifically, Google Shopping works best when:
- The product solves a specific problem people search for ("back pain chair cushion")
- It's a known product category, just a better/different version
- You can compete on something other than price
It's NOT good for totally novel products nobody knows to search for. Those still need Facebook/TikTok.
**Facebook**: You're INTERRUPTING people. They're scrolling to look at their friend's vacation photos and you shove an ad in their face. You need to create desire from scratch. Works great for impulse buys and "wow I didn't know I needed this" products.
**Google Shopping**: You're ANSWERING people. They already want something and they're actively searching for it. Your job is just to show up with a good offer. Works better for products people already know exist.
The mental shift: On Facebook you find customers. On Google the customers find you.
For dropshipping specifically, Google Shopping works best when:
- The product solves a specific problem people search for ("back pain chair cushion")
- It's a known product category, just a better/different version
- You can compete on something other than price
It's NOT good for totally novel products nobody knows to search for. Those still need Facebook/TikTok.