AdRoll vs Google Ads: What are the differences?

Introduction

AdRoll and Google Ads are two popular advertising platforms that businesses use to promote their products or services online. While both platforms offer similar functionalities, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore and compare these differences to help you make an informed decision for your advertising needs.

1. Targeting Options: One of the key differences between AdRoll and Google Ads is the targeting options they offer. AdRoll primarily focuses on retargeting, allowing businesses to display ads to people who have previously shown interest in their products or visited their website. On the other hand, Google Ads provides a vast range of targeting options, including keyword targeting, demographic targeting, location targeting, and more. This allows businesses to reach a wider audience and target specific customer segments.

2. Inventory: Another difference between AdRoll and Google Ads is the inventory they have access to. AdRoll primarily serves ads on its own network of publishers and partners, which may have a more limited reach compared to Google Ads. Google Ads, on the other hand, has access to a vast network of websites, apps, and video platforms, including popular sites like YouTube. This gives businesses a wider reach and more opportunities to display their ads to their target audience.

3. Ad formats: AdRoll mainly offers display ads, including banner ads and dynamic ads. These visual ads can be highly customized and tailored to match the look and feel of the brand. On the other hand, Google Ads offers a variety of ad formats, including text ads, display ads, video ads, and app promotion ads. This provides businesses with more flexibility in choosing the right format for their advertising needs.

4. Campaign Management: AdRoll offers a self-serve platform for campaign management, where businesses can create, monitor, and optimize their campaigns. However, AdRoll's platform may be considered less user-friendly and may require some technical knowledge to navigate. In contrast, Google Ads provides a user-friendly interface with advanced campaign management tools, making it easier for businesses to create, track, and optimize their campaigns.

5. Cost Structure: AdRoll charges businesses based on a performance-based model, where they pay for the actual results they achieve, such as clicks or conversions. This can be beneficial for businesses as they only pay for the desired outcomes. On the other hand, Google Ads uses a bidding system, where businesses bid on keywords or placements to determine the cost of their ads. This makes it important for businesses to carefully manage their budgets and bidding strategies to optimize their ad spend.

6. Reporting and Analytics: Both AdRoll and Google Ads offer reporting and analytics features to track the performance of campaigns. AdRoll provides detailed analytics on campaign performance, audience insights, and attribution modeling. Google Ads, on the other hand, offers a robust set of reporting tools, including conversion tracking, keyword performance analysis, and audience segmentation. This allows businesses to gain actionable insights and make data-driven decisions to optimize their advertising efforts.

In summary, AdRoll and Google Ads differ in their targeting options, inventory, ad formats, campaign management tools, cost structure, and reporting capabilities. Understanding these differences can help businesses choose the right platform that aligns with their advertising goals and budget.