Paid web ads have existed almost as long as the internet, and were the frequent target of web user disdain as they grew to take up the majority of web pages in the early 2000s. Now, they exist in less invasive formats such as pre-video advertisements on streaming services, banners at the top, bottom, and sides of a webpage, and integrated into social media feeds. Consumers have reached an understanding that ads on the internet aren’t leaving anytime soon, and in turn advertisers have redesigned their methods to be less obtrusive.
The most prominent forms of digital advertising at the moment involve advertising on social media platforms and in Google Search results. Google Search ads populate as the first few results that show up when you Google a phrase, especially if you’re looking for a good or service. For example, a search that mentions a city + the term “landscaping” will show you sponsored websites first that have paid to show up at the top of search results, then results based on website optimization and relevance to your search. Paying to have your business at the top of these results can increase traffic to your page and ultimately result in new customers!
Social media ads, while much newer than traditional web banners and other web-based advertising, dealt with the same issues as the original web ads regarding their intrusion into the user experience. Now, social platforms integrate ads into users’ feeds, helping match the aesthetic of the platform while also keeping important identifiers present and even introducing features like clickable images to help improve the user experience should they be interested in the ad. As a result, social ads have absolutely taken off and are just as manageable as any traditional web-based advertisement.
So, you’re ready to advertise your business, product, or service online, but where should you start? It depends! For service-based businesses with a lot of local competition, we’d recommend investing in Google Search ads and Search Engine Optimization for your website. These will help you rank higher in search and attract customers who may not be familiar with you or any of your local competitors and just need a service performed. It’s also a great idea to run ads on social media concurrently with your Search ads, but prioritize Search. If your business sells a product, it’s likely that social ads will work better for you! Search ads do not typically include large images, and you need to show your product off! Ads on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X all allow large images and clickable ads to help drive traffic to your website and company information. 
Web ads can be complex and involve a lot of metrics, but remember that TrustWorkz is here to help! We can help with all of your digital needs including paid ads, so let us create a plan for your business and help you navigate the world wide web!
