In today’s world, businesses can use AI tools or hire a marketing agency to run their ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, LinkedIn etc, but which one is better?
Let’s break it down simply, so you can choose the option that works best for you and our business.
What Is AI Ad Management?
Artificial Intelligence, or AI tools, can create and run ad campaigns using software and automation.
You might have seen options like:
- Google’s Performance Max
- Facebook’s Advantage+ campaigns
- Tools like Adzooma, WordStream, or Smart Campaigns
These tools promise faster results, automatic setups, and smart adjustments, all with little or no human input.
Sounds great, right? … Well, not always…
Pros of AI-Managed Ad Campaigns
- Quick Set Up: Most AI tools get your campaign running in minutes. You just beed to answer a few questions, set your budget, and hit go.
- Low or No Management Fee: You won’t have to pay an agency fee, only the ad spend. Ideal for very small budgets or DIY starters.
- 24/7 Optimisation: AI tools constantly adjust bids and placements based on the results. No sleeping, no holidays.
- Great for Simple Goals: If you’re running basic ads like “Book a call” or “Visit our website”, AI can work, especially for local or one-product campaigns.
Cons of AI Ad Tools
- You Have Less Control: AI hides the finer details. You can’t always see which keywords are triggering your ads or which audiences are working.
- Limited Strategy: AI can’t create long-term plans, make adjustments based on your industry, or plan around your business goals. It works from patterns, not insight.
- One-Size-Fits-All: Your brand is unique, but AI tools apply general rules. You can’t build storytelling, local voice, or custom offers the same way.
- Risk of Wasted Spend: AI will happily spend your entire budget, even on clicks that don’t convert. Without close monitoring, you may get poor ROI.
What Does an Agency Do Differently?
When you hire a digital marketing agency, you get real humans who:
- Listen to your business goals
- Create custom ad strategies
- Test and tweak creatives and copy
- Track leads and sales, not just clicks
- Adjust to market trends and seasonal timing
- Communicate with you monthly (or more)
Agencies look beyond just the ad platform, they think about your landing pages, funnels, and the full user journey.
Pros of Using a Marketing Agency
- Tailored Strategy: Agencies plan based on your industry, competition, and audience. They don’t guess, they research.
- Smarter Targeting: Agencies use real data and testing to find the best keywords, placements, and audiences, not just what the algorithm thinks.
- Creative Ideas: Need a new hook or offer? Agencies can help you stand out with strong ad copy, video, and design that connects with your target audience.
- Full Funnel Thinking: From ads to landing pages to lead follow-ups, agencies look at your whole system, not just one click.
- Better ROI: Agencies make sure your budget isn’t just spent, but that it’s spent well. Most clients see better results long-term when an expert is in charge.
Cons of Using an Agency
- Monthly Fees: Agencies charge for their time and expertees, usually in a monthly fee and/or a percentage of ad spend.
- Takes a Bit More Time: A human-built campaign might take a few days to plan and launch, not five minutes like AI.
- Quality Varies: Not all agencies are created equal. You will need to find one with experience, good communication, and a clear plan (like ours!).
What We Recommend
- For very small budgets (~$100–$300/month), AI can be a good place to start.
- For businesses with growth goals, agencies give better long-term results.
- If you’ve tried AI and aren’t seeing ROI, it’s time for expert help.
Our Final Thoughts: AI tools are fast, cheap, and useful for very basic ads, but they’re no match for real strategy, human creativity, and long-term thinking. If you want to grow your business with paid ads across New Zealand or Australia, and you want real results, not just traffic, then a good agency will help you get there faster, smarter, and with less wastage.
Need help deciding? Let’s talk. We’ll look at your current ads (AI or not), and show you what’s possible.