What are Meta ads?
Meta ads are paid ads that run on Facebook and Instagram. You pick your audience — location, age, interests — and your ad shows up in their feed or Stories. Unlike Google Ads, people aren't searching for you when they see it. You're interrupting their scroll. That means your photo or video does most of the work.
Do Meta ads work for NZ trades businesses?
Yes, for the right trades. Visual services do well — landscaping, heat pumps, bathroom renovations, kitchen upgrades. Before-and-after photos or short job videos give people a reason to stop and look. Less visual trades like electrical fault-finding or drainage work are harder to make compelling. For those, Google Ads tends to outperform because you're reaching people who are already searching.
Is $20 a day enough for Facebook ads in NZ?
$20 a day ($600/month) is the minimum worth testing. At that level you'll get some data, but you won't have room to run multiple ads or test different images. Most tradies seeing consistent leads are spending $30–60 a day. Below $20 the algorithm doesn't have enough budget to optimise and results are unpredictable.
How much do Facebook ads cost in NZ?
For NZ trades businesses, a typical cost per lead runs between $15 and $60 depending on your trade and your creative. Visual trades with strong before-and-after content sit closer to $15–25 per lead. Weaker creative or more competitive trades can push above $50. Cost per click usually runs $0.80–$2.50 for NZ trades audiences.
When should a tradie use Meta ads instead of Google Ads?
Use Meta when your work is visual and you want to build awareness before someone needs you. Use Google Ads when you want to reach people searching for your service right now. The best setup uses both — Google for high-intent search traffic, Meta for building recognition and reaching people earlier in the buying journey. If you can only afford one, Google Ads usually wins first for trades businesses in NZ.
