How Each Platform Works
Google Ads captures people who are actively searching. ChatGPT Ads reach people while they're researching and exploring. Understanding this distinction is the key to using both effectively.
ChatGPT vs Google Ads
The 2026 Comparison
Two platforms, two different purposes. Here's how to choose.
Targeting: Keywords vs Context
Targeting Approach
Google: Keyword bidding, exact match, search terms
ChatGPT: Contextual topics, conversation matching, AI intent
Google Ads gives you granular keyword control. ChatGPT Ads use AI to match your brand with relevant conversations. Both approaches have strengths - and in competitive Australian markets, having a second channel can be the difference between growth and stagnation.
Pricing: CPC vs CPM
Two Paths to Customers
Google: Search > Click > Convert
Intent: Ready to Buy vs Researching
Platform Comparison
Google Ads excel at capturing bottom-of-funnel intent. ChatGPT Ads influence top-of-funnel research. The platforms complement each other rather than competing directly.
When to Use Google Ads
Google Ads Wins When
- 1
Immediate lead generation needed
- 2
Specific service searches
- 3
Budget under $5k/mo
- 4
Clear cost-per-acquisition target
When to Use ChatGPT Ads
ChatGPT Ads Win When
- 1
Research-phase influence
- 2
Product requires education
- 3
Building brand awareness
- 4
Targeting knowledge workers
The Smart Strategy: Use Both
The Full-Funnel Strategy
How both platforms work together
Customer narrows down as they move through the funnel
80/20 Budget Split
Google Ads 80%, ChatGPT Ads 20%
Start with 80% Google Ads and 20% ChatGPT Ads. As the platform matures and measurement improves, adjust based on results. The businesses that test now will have a significant head start.
The smartest businesses will use both platforms - ChatGPT for awareness, Google for conversion.
— Jordan James Media
Getting Started
Without ChatGPT Ads
- Only capture bottom-of-funnel intent
- Miss the research phase entirely
- Compete on the same keywords as everyone
- One channel, one strategy
With Both Platforms
- Full-funnel customer journey coverage
- Influence decisions before competitors
- Less competitive early-mover channel
- Diversified acquisition strategy
Need Both Platforms?
We manage Google Ads and prepare businesses for ChatGPT Ads.
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ChatGPT vs Google Ads
The 2026 Comparison
Two platforms, two different purposes. Here's how to choose.
Targeting Approach
Google: Keyword bidding, exact match, search terms
ChatGPT: Contextual topics, conversation matching, AI intent
Two Paths to Customers
Google: Search > Click > Convert
80/20 Budget Split
Google Ads 80%, ChatGPT Ads 20%
Google Ads Wins When
- 1
Immediate lead generation needed
- 2
Specific service searches
- 3
Budget under $5k/mo
- 4
Clear cost-per-acquisition target
ChatGPT Ads Win When
- 1
Research-phase influence
- 2
Product requires education
- 3
Building brand awareness
- 4
Targeting knowledge workers
The smartest businesses will use both platforms - ChatGPT for awareness, Google for conversion.
— Jordan James Media
Need Both Platforms?
We manage Google Ads and prepare businesses for ChatGPT Ads.
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