Are Google Ads Still Worth It for Businesses in 2025?
Yes, Google Ads are still worth it in 2025. Despite rising costs and competition, Google Search Ads remain one of the most effective tools for getting high-intent leads, especially for businesses looking to grow online. In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of using Google Ads in 2025, look at how small businesses can still benefit, and answer some of the most common questions.
Note: We’ll be focusing only on Google Search Ads throughout this blog, not Google Display or Performance Max campaigns.
TLDR:
- Google Search Ads still drive high-quality leads.
- They’re especially effective when paired with good landing pages and tracking.
- Small businesses need a smart, focused strategy to get results without burning the budget.
- Certain industries (legal, healthcare, home services) still thrive with Google Ads.
- In Malaysia, Google Ads are still a strong option when handled well.
The Pros of Google Ads in 2025
- High-Intent Traffic That Converts
- Quicker Results
- Flexible Budget Control
- Highly-Targeted Reach
- Transparent Data & Insights
1. High-Intent Traffic That Converts
Google Search Ads tap into buyer intent. When someone searches “emergency plumber near me” or “accounting software for SMEs,” they’re not browsing—they’re ready to take action. That kind of real-time need is what makes Google Search Ads powerful. Unlike social media ads that interrupt someone scrolling through memes, Search Ads appear when someone is actively looking.
2. Quicker Results
Once your campaign is live, traffic starts almost immediately. No long waiting periods like SEO. This is a huge benefit for businesses running promotions, product launches, or testing new services. You can validate an idea in days, not months.
3. Flexible Budget Control
Whether you have RM1,500 or RM50,000, you control how much you spend each day. You can pause, increase, or decrease budgets at any time. You also choose whether to pay per click or per conversion (with automated bidding). This level of control makes it ideal for businesses of any size.
4. Highly-Targeted Reach
You can narrow your ads by:
Location: Down to cities or radius targeting
Time: Show only during business hours or weekends
Device: Mobile-only, desktop-only
Audience segments: Returning users, in-market users, or custom intent audiences
Keywords: Specific search terms that trigger your ad
This targeting ensures your budget is spent on people most likely to convert.
5. Transparent Data & Insights
Google Ads gives you real-time access to what’s working and what’s not. You can:
Track which keywords bring the most leads
Measure conversions and ROI
See what devices or locations perform best
Run A/B tests on ad copy
This data makes your marketing decisions sharper. You’re not guessing—you’re reacting to real numbers.
The Cons of Google Ads in 2025
- Higher Cost-Per-Click (CPC)
- Steep Learning Curve
- Continuous Management Required
1. Higher Cost-Per-Click (CPC)
The competition has grown. CPCs have increased across many industries, especially high-demand ones like finance, legal, and real estate. For example, keywords like “personal injury lawyer” or “accounting software” can cost RM10-RM50 per click. If you’re not careful, your budget can disappear fast without conversions.
2. Steep Learning Curve
Google Ads has evolved into a complex platform. You now have to understand:
Keyword match types (broad, phrase, exact)
Bidding strategies (manual, automated, Max Conversions, tCPA)
Quality Score factors (CTR, ad relevance, landing page experience)
Negative keywords
Businesses who have no experience in running Google Ads might waste a lot of money before figuring out what works. Mistakes like using broad match for generic terms (e.g., “cleaning”) can attract totally irrelevant traffic.
3. Continuous Management Required
Even well-set campaigns need active management. Markets shift, competitors adjust, and search trends change. Weekly or bi-weekly optimizations are essential:
Adjusting bids
Adding negative keywords
Refreshing ad copy
Testing new keyword variations
You can’t just let it run for months without intervention and expect consistent results.
Should Small Businesses Run Google Ads in 2025?
Yes, but only with a tight and smart strategy.
Small businesses often work with limited budgets, so there’s no room for spray-and-pray tactics. Here’s how small businesses can win with Google Ads:
- Start Local and Niche
- Use Only High-Intent Keywords
- Invest in a Proper Landing Page
- Track Every Conversion
- Consider Working with a Pro
1. Start Local and Niche
Don’t try to compete for broad keywords like “graphic design” or “consulting.” Instead, go hyper-specific:
“Web design agency in Seremban”
“Affordable tax consultant for freelancers in Malaysia”
This helps you avoid competition with big-budget national players and reach the right audience.
2. Use Only High-Intent Keywords
Stick with keywords that show clear action:
“buy”, “hire”, “near me”, “best”, “top-rated”
Service + location (“AC repair Kuala Lumpur”)
Avoid vague terms like “digital marketing” or “plumber” unless tightly controlled.
3. Invest in a Proper Landing Page
Don’t just send traffic to your homepage. Build a clean, focused landing page with:
A clear headline
One call-to-action (call, WhatsApp, or form)
Trust signals (testimonials, certifications)
Mobile-friendly layout
If you are in need of a landing page or website design service, reach out to us.
4. Track Every Conversion
Use tools like Google Tag Manager or native conversion tracking to measure:
Form submissions
Phone calls
WhatsApp clicks
Button clicks
Knowing your cost-per-lead helps you make smarter decisions.
5. Consider Working with a Pro
Google Ads isn’t just about clicking the “boost” button. An experienced Google Ads agency can:
Build proper account structure
Write persuasive ad copy
Monitor performance and ROI
Prevent common budget-wasting errors
And hey, just so happens we are a Google Ads agency (what are the odds?) If you need help with your Google Ads, we’ll always be ready.
Is Google Ads Worth It for Malaysian Businesses?
Yes, especially for businesses targeting a digitally active audience.
In Malaysia, Google dominates the search engine market. Whether you’re selling products in Kuala Lumpur or offering services in Johor Bahru, your customers are likely googling what they need before making a decision.
Need some proof for a boost in confidence? Check out some of our clients’ success case studies with our Google Ads service.
Which Industries Benefit Most from Google Ads?
Google Ads in 2025 is especially strong in industries where the customer has clear buying intent. Examples:
Law firms: Expensive keywords, but high ROI per client.
Medical/dental clinics: People searching are looking to book now.
Home services: Plumbers, electricians, pest control — all thrive here.
Education & training: Courses, tuition centers, certifications.
Real estate: High-value leads and property buyers/sellers.
The similarities across these industries? They all have urgent, high-intent searches.
Google Ads FAQs
1. How much should a small business spend on Google Ads?
We usually advise our clients to start with RM1500/month to test, then only scale up based on data and results.
2. How fast can I get leads?
Based on experience over the years, we typically treat the first month of running Google Ads as a data-gathering phase. This gives us time to understand which keywords, audiences, and ads are working best. In the second month, we begin making strategic optimizations based on that data. Most clients start seeing high-quality leads coming in toward the end of month two or by the beginning of month three.
3. Is Google Ads better than SEO?
Google Ads brings instant traffic. SEO brings long-term results. Both work better together.
4. Do I need a landing page?
Yes. A good landing page converts visitors into leads. Don’t send traffic to your homepage.
5. Can I run ads myself?
You can, but expect to learn fast and make a lot of mistakes starting out. Many work with a Google Ads agency.
6. Should I hire a Google Ads agency in Malaysia?
If you don’t have the experience or time to manage campaigns properly, hiring a Google Ads agency is definitely worth it.
Conclusion
Google Search Ads are still worth it in 2025. Whether you’re a small business or a growing company, it’s one of the fastest ways to reach people ready to buy. Just make sure your strategy is solid and you’re not just throwing money at clicks.
If you’re serious about using Google Ads for small businesses or want to grow your presence with Google Ads services in Malaysia, getting help from a local expert or agency can save time, cut waste, and drive better results.
Google Ads Agency Malaysia - Pillars Media
Pillars Media is a well-trusted Google Ads agency in Malaysia with a solid track record of helping businesses turn ad spend into real leads and sales through our tailored Google Ads services in Malaysia. We get it. Many businesses waste money on Google Ads without seeing real results. Poor clicks, low-quality leads, and not knowing how the system works can be frustrating. That’s where we come in. As a certified Google Ads agency, we take care of everything from setup and strategy to ongoing optimization. But we don’t just drive traffic, we bring in the right kind of traffic. Our focus is always on getting you quality leads, not just clicks. Over the years, we’ve helped companies from a wide range of industries grow through effective Google Ads strategies. If you’re looking for Google Ads services in Malaysia that actually work, it’s time to work with a team that understands your business and knows how to get results.
