What Are the Best Platforms for Advertising Your Products or Services?

If you’ve ever asked: “Where should I advertise my business?” you’re not alone.

Most business owners assume there’s one “best” platform… and if they just pick the right one, sales will magically follow.

But here’s the truth:

There isn’t one best platform — there’s the best platform for your goal, your offer, and how people buy what you sell.

So let’s simplify this in a way you can actually act on.

The Quick Rule: Match the Platform to the Buying Behavior

Before you spend another dollar on ads, ask yourself:

Are people actively searching for what I sell… or do I need to create demand first?

That one question will save you months of frustration.

1) Google Ads (Search) — Best for High-Intent Buyers

If you want leads or sales from people who are already looking for what you offer, Google Search Ads is your best starting point.

This is where you show up when someone types things like:

• “best [service] near me”

• “[product] delivery”

• “[service] pricing”

• “[brand] alternative”

• “buy [product]”

Why it works:
Google is intent-based. You’re not interrupting — you’re showing up at the exact moment someone is trying to solve a problem.

Best for:

• Local services (lawyers, med spas, home services, clinics, etc.)

• High-intent e-commerce searches

• Offers with clear “I need this” demand

• Businesses that want leads now, not “someday”

Watch out for:
If your tracking is messy or your landing page isn’t clear, Google will get expensive fast — because you’re paying for intent.

2) Meta Ads (Facebook + Instagram) — Best for Demand Creation + Retargeting

If people aren’t actively searching for what you sell — or they need to see it before they want it — Meta Ads (Facebook + Instagram) is the move.

Meta is interruption-based, but in the best way: you’re inserting your offer into someone’s day and making them think,
“Oh wait… that’s exactly what I need.”

Why it works:
Meta is creative-driven. Your ad does the “targeting” by stopping the scroll and getting someone to relate.

Best for:

• E-commerce brands

• Service providers who sell transformation (coaching, beauty, fitness, etc.)

• New offers, launches, promos

• Retargeting website visitors and engaged followers

• Building awareness while still driving sales

Watch out for:
If your creative is weak or your offer isn’t clear, Meta will spend your money quickly with little to show for it.

3) YouTube Ads — Best for Trust and “They Need to Get It”

If your offer is higher-priced, relationship-based, or needs explanation, YouTube is incredibly underrated.

YouTube helps you build familiarity fast. People see you, hear you, and understand the value — which makes the sale easier later.

Why it works:
Video compresses trust. It’s hard to build trust with a static image the same way you can with a face and a message.

Best for:

• High-ticket services

• Coaching, consulting, education

• Brands that need demonstration (how it works, why it’s different)

• Top-of-funnel traffic + warm retargeting later

Watch out for:
You still need a good hook and a clear next step — YouTube doesn’t work if the video is vague.

4) LinkedIn Ads — Best for B2B + Decision Makers (But Pricier)

If you’re selling to businesses — especially decision makers — LinkedIn can be a goldmine.

But I’m going to be real with you:

LinkedIn ads can be expensive, so it’s best when your pricing supports it.

Why it works:
You can target job titles, industries, company size, and more — which is huge if your buyer is specific.

Best for:

• B2B services

• SaaS and software

• Recruiting, enterprise, professional services

• Offers targeting owners/directors/VPs

Watch out for:
If your offer is low-ticket or your funnel isn’t strong, LinkedIn will feel like lighting money on fire.

So… Which Platform Should You Pick First?

Here’s the simplest decision guide:

✅ Start with Google Ads if people are already searching for what you sell.
✅ Start with Meta Ads if you need demand creation and great creatives.
✅ Add YouTube if trust + education is required to convert.
✅ Use LinkedIn if you’re B2B and your pricing can handle higher clicks/leads.

One Last Thing: The Platform Isn’t the Problem (Most of the Time)

I’m going to say something that might save you a lot of wasted ad spend:

Most ads don’t fail because of the platform.
They fail because of:

• unclear offers

• weak messaging

• poor tracking

• slow or confusing landing pages

• not enough creative testing

The platform is just the vehicle. The strategy is what makes it convert.

Want the Fast Answer for Your Business?

If you want me to tell you which platform makes the most sense for your business, Email me with the subject line: “PLATFORM” and:

Include:

1. What you sell (product or service)

2. Your price point

3. Your main goal (leads, sales, awareness)

And I’ll point you in the right direction.