By Kayla Croser

How To Choose The Right Platform For Your Ads

Finding the right platform for your ads can make all the difference between reaching your ideal audience and just throwing your budget into the digital void. 

But with endless options, how do you choose? 

Whether you’re aiming for clicks, conversions, or just getting eyes on your brand, this guide is here to help you pinpoint the platform that will actually deliver. Let’s jump in and make every ad dollar count!

1. Identify Your Target Audience

To get your ads where they’ll hit hardest, you need to know who your audience is and how they think. Start with the basics: age, location, gender, and interests. Are they scrolling Instagram during lunch? Checking LinkedIn before work? These insights let you target your ads on the right platform and boost your chances of being seen by the right eyes.

Now, take it further: what’s their daily routine, and what’s their buying style? Spotting patterns in audience behaviour—like the platforms they’re hooked on and peak activity times—makes all the difference. 

Get inside your audience’s world, and your ad placements will work smarter, not harder.

Persona Attributes

2. Assess Your Advertising Goals

To nail down the right platform for your ads, get clear on your goals. Are you aiming to get noticed, drive clicks, or close sales? If brand awareness is your game, social platforms like Instagram and Facebook can get your name out there in style. But if you’re all about conversions, platforms like Google Ads and LinkedIn bring serious action, guiding potential customers right to your door.

And here’s where it gets real—set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Why? Because with clear targets, you’re not just hoping for results; you’re building a strategy that brings them. SMART goals make sure your ad dollars are driving measurable growth, and every campaign is another step towards reaching your ultimate objective.

Examples of SMART Goals for Advertising Success

3. Consider The Type Of Ad Content You’ll Use

When it comes to choosing the right ad platform, think about the type of content you’re planning to showcase. If video ads are your go-to, platforms like YouTube thrive with video engagement, while Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for captivating, visually striking static ads. Tailoring your choice to the ad format maximises your content’s impact.

For something more dynamic, consider interactive ads or rich media options. Platforms like Facebook and Snapchat make it easy to keep users engaged with immersive content, giving them a chance to interact directly with your brand. 

When you align your ad type with the right platform, you’re setting yourself up for stronger engagement and a better return on investment—because the right format on the right platform makes all the difference.

Best Content Types by Platform

4. Compare Ad Costs & ROI Across Platforms

Finding the right ad platform isn’t just about where your audience hangs out—it’s about making every dollar count! To get the best bang for your buck, look at and compare each platform’s Cost Per Click (CPC) and Cost Per Thousand Impressions (CPM). Some platforms, like LinkedIn, may have higher CPCs, but they’re gold for B2B brands targeting decision-makers, while Instagram’s lower CPM makes it ideal for reaching wide B2C audiences.

Whether you’re in a niche market or aiming for mass appeal, the trick is to match your ad spend with a platform that delivers the best ROI for your business type.

Quick CPC Cheat Sheet

 

5. Evaluate Platform-Specific Features

To make your ad strategy really take off, look for platforms with features that give you an edge. Look at those with advanced targeting and customisation options—think geo-targeting, audience segmentation, and retargeting. These tools allow you to pinpoint exactly who sees your ads, tailoring your message to reach the right people at the right time.

Equally important are the tracking and analytics tools available. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads Manager provide in-depth performance metrics, helping you measure the effectiveness of each ad and fine-tune your approach for better results. 

By leveraging platform-specific tools, you’re not just placing ads; you’re creating a targeted, data-driven strategy that maximises every campaign’s impact.

Top 3 Features Per Platform

6. Factor In Platform Popularity & User Base

To maximise your ad impact, think about where your audience actually spends their time. Big names like Google and Facebook? Sure, they have reach, but are they the best fit for your message? Instagram is where younger audiences scroll for inspiration, while LinkedIn is a goldmine for targeting professionals and decision-makers.

And for brands looking to shake things up? Platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are buzzing with energy and creativity, drawing in highly engaged users. TikTok’s video-driven crowd is ready to interact, while Pinterest is ideal for visual, lifestyle, and DIY brands. Choosing the right platform is all about finding your people and making your brand stand out—whether on a well-trodden path or an exciting new one.

Top Platforms by Age Group

7. Consider Ease Of Use & Platform Learning Curves

Getting started with ad platforms doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you’re a small business owner or new to advertising, look for “easy ad platforms” like Facebook and Instagram Ads, designed for simplicity and quick wins. With user-friendly interfaces and accessible targeting options, these platforms make it easy to get your message out without hours of training.

If you’re more experienced and ready to take on a challenge, advanced platforms like Google Ads and LinkedIn offer powerful tools but come with a steeper learning curve. These “enterprise advertising” giants let you create targeted, scalable campaigns perfect for those with bigger budgets and time to invest.

Whether you’re just starting or levelling up, choosing the right platform helps you connect with your audience in a way that works for you.

Easy to Advanced Platforms

Find The Right Platform For Your Business With RGC

Choosing the perfect ad platform isn’t just about reaching people—it’s about connecting with the right people, at the right time, with the right budget. When your platform aligns with your business goals, audience needs, and spending power, you’re set up for results that matter. 

If you’re looking to maximise your ad strategy or just want more insight into platform options, our team at RGC is here to help you find the perfect fit. Reach out to our team today and let’s make those clicks count!

How QSR’s feed their audience’s appetite for online food delivery
Fundamentals of Search Engine Marketing
How Can Digital Marketing be Effective for Schools?
Building A Strong Link Profile: Google’s Approach To Off-Page SEO
Why SEO is important during Covid-19 Lockdown
The Future Of Search: Inside Google’s Project Magi
What a COVID-19 Second Wave Will Mean for Marketers
The Future Of Digital Marketing: Predictions From Our SEO Team
Should Your Business Invest In SEO In 2025?
Why Should Businesses Continue to Invest in Marketing During Lockdowns?
6 Important Elements You May Have Forgotten In Your Web Design
Richard Gerrettson-Cornell To Speak On Global Growth At The Sydney Build Expo
How SEO & Advertising Work Together For Results
SEO Agency Insights: Proven Strategies To Boost Your Website’s Ranking
The Art & Science Of Creating Shareable Content
A Beginner’s Guide To Writing Metadata
Local SEO Statistics Of 2023 Across 5 Unique Industries
Designing Mobile-Friendly Restaurant Websites
Digital Marketing 101: A Beginner’s Guide For Small Business Owners
Content Marketing Trends Of 2025
Win Local Clients with Local SEO Services | Local SEO Agency
Should Your Small Business Invest In Web Design Services?
How Long Should You Commit To A Digital Marketing Agency?
Web Mobile Application for Independent Locksmiths
8 Compelling Reasons To Choose Custom Web Design
Is Social Media Marketing Really Worth It?
RGC Won Website Feature Silver Awards For Client Websites
Benefits Of Utilising An SEO Agency In Sydney
Importance of Personalisation in Digital Marketing
Why Choose WordPress: Unveiling The Secrets Behind Its Popularity And Benefits
Why You Should Work With A Full-Service In-House Digital Marketing Agency
Does Content Marketing Really Work? Content Marketing Agency | RGC
How Image Recognition Is Changing Social Media Marketing
Hard Hats & Hashtags: Social Media Strategies For Building Professionals
Digital Marketing Trends Set To Make An Impact in 2024
Top 5 Digital Marketing Measurement Tools
Keep your automotive website on track with a local SEO strategy
How Can Small Businesses Leverage AI For Growth
How RGC Maximised Kambrook’s Blitz2Go’s Holiday Sales In 2 Months
How Digital Marketing Will Change Post Covid-19
How Smart Speakers Are Amplifying Sales In The Retail Sector
Your Go-To Guide To Writing Killer Content
What Does Voice Search Mean For My Brand?
Does Your Business Need An SEO Audit?
SMART Goals In Digital Marketing
5 Golden Rules for Choosing the Best SEO Agency for Your Business
Why Business Owners Need to Prepare for a Potential Google Departure
A Guide To PPC Advertising
RGC Wins 2016 WebAwards for Sika Retail
ChatGPT: The Transformative AI System Changing The World of SEO
How A Website Redesign Can Increase UX & Conversions
Discovering The Purpose and Power of Different Blog Types
15 Powerful Local SEO Statistics You Can’t Ignore in 2024
SEO in 2023: Stay Ahead With Cutting-Edge Trends & Proven Best Practices
How Social Proof Can Transform Your Website Into A Trust Magnet
How Do Digital Marketing Agencies Create Personalised Strategies?
The Importance Of Website Design In Building Your Brand
See How Retail Can Use Programmatic to Personalise Advertising
Brand Safety In a Programmatic Environment
Recession-Proof Digital Marketing: Strategies To Thrive During Economic Downturns
How To Design A Website That Is Mobile-Friendly
Need A Web Design Agency In Sydney? Here’s Why They’re Worth Your Time
How can a website help the automotive industry | Web Design Agency
SEO News: Google’s December Core Update
15 Eye-Opening Social Media Marketing Statistics Of 2023
7 Simple Content Writing Tips To Master In 2023
How Can Online Marketing Strategies Rev Up Your Digital Presence In The Automotive Industry?
How Australians Used Social Media In 2015
Recession Blues: Search Volumes Plummet But SEO Reigns Supreme
How Virtual Reality is Changing Digital Marketing in Real Estate
Why Sydney Businesses Need A Local Digital Marketing Agency
How to Create Marketing Leverage Opportunities for your brand
Google’s October 2023 Core Update Explained
How Can Digital Marketing Elevate Your Construction Business?
Revolutionise Your Service Marketing: Powerful Strategies for Success
How Digital Is Changing Retail
How Our Creative & SEO Teams Collaborate For Maximum Impact
The Importance Of Link Building For SEO
Essential SEO Services Every Business Should Invest In
RGC Wins Silver at the 2016 W3 Awards
How Data is Fueling Digital Marketing in Automotive
The Most Surprising Digital Marketing Statistics Of 2024
15 Must-Know Web Design Statistics Of 2025
5 Clever Ways to Build Your First-Party Database in a Cookieless World
Stop Twiddling Your Thumbs And Embrace The Chat Bot Era
What Is Off-Page SEO & Why Is It So Important?
6 Elements that Build a Successful Client-Agency Relationship
GA4: The Latest in Analytics Technology
Why QSR’s need to serve up Engaging Social Content
Not Sure Whether to Hire a Digital Marketing Agency? Here’s Why You Must
How Can Marketing Agencies Deliver A Winning Pitch?
That’s A Little Bit Personal, Isn’t It?
Chatbots Improve Customer Experience for Insurance Industry
2025 Digital Marketing Statistics: What Businesses Must Focus On
6 Engaging Content Marketing Techniques For Medical Practitioners
Top Local SEO Statistics To Watch In 2025
How To Design A Scalable Website To Allow For Future Content
How Can A Digital Marketing Agency Boost Your Ecommerce Sales?
Get Schooled On Digital Marketing in the Education Industry
LinkedIn Announces Removal Of Native Carousels – What It Means For You
Content Creators: Why Their Jobs Are More In Demand Than Ever
Steps To Creating A Successful Digital Marketing Strategy
Why You Need A Digital Marketing Strategy—Not Just A Website
Mastering Google Ads On A Shoestring Budget
5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Social Media Marketing
Local SEO Success Stories: How We Put Businesses On The Map
Programmatic Advertising Increases Customer Value for Insurance
Getting Started With Google Search Console
Will Nostalgia Marketing Still Be Relevant in 2022?
Mitsubishi Electric and Sika join RGC
Why Your Business Needs A Content Marketing Agency Now More Than Ever
Master Google Search Console With These 5 Strategies
5 Ways A Digital Marketing Agency Can Transform Your Business In 2025
Why Your Medical Clinic Should Invest In Digital Marketing
Why Your Website Is Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool
How To Choose The Best Digital Marketing Services For Your Business?
What Role Does Content Play In An SEO Agency’s Strategy
6 Questions To Ask Your Digital Marketing Agency Every Month
Unleashing the Power of Memory: Nostalgia Marketing Takes Centre Stage in 2025
Multimedia In SEO: Maximising Visual & Audio Content According To Google
Threads: The Next Big Thing For Digital Marketers?
Optimising For Voice Search: The Next Frontier In SEO
Amazon’s Impact On The Retail Industry
Proactive vs Reactive Consumer Marketing
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore The Role Of Social Media in Brand Building
Instagram Shopping Helping Retail | Instagram Advertising Agency
Post-Pandemic Digital Marketing Trends That Are Here To Stay
Marrying Form & Function: Our Philosophy On Effective Web Presence
Digital Pit Stop: Maintaining Your Online Reputation In The Automotive Industry
The Latest Insights Into Google’s November Core Update
Personalised Marketing: How To Make Your Customers Feel Special
Digital Marketing Hacks to Grow Your Business on Instagram’s New Shop Tab
The Value of Google Merchant Center For E-Commerce Businesses
SEM vs. SEO: Which Is Right for You?
How Are Digital Marketing Agencies Really Using AI?
What has Social Media Taught Us?
The Evolution of E-Commerce in 2020
Debunking the Top Graphic Design Myths: Uncovering the Truth for Creatives Everywhere
10 Tips To Increase Conversions With Web Forms
How To Leverage Social Media For Small Business Growth
Driving Engagement With User Generated Content
Staying Visible: Why Digital Marketing Is Crucial During Seasonal Slumps
RGC Wins at the 2017 Best Mobile Application Awards
Beyond Vanity Metrics: How We Track What Really Matters
How Augmented Reality is Changing E-Commerce
How To Optimise Your Blog Post For SEO Like A Pro
Pushing The Envelope With Email Marketing
Master Zero-Click SEO In 3 Easy Steps