You’ve probably asked yourself this already: “Which one actually works better — Facebook ads vs. Solo ads vs. Push ads?”
Because let’s be real. Running ads online is getting harder every year. And now in 2025, it’s even more brutal. Ad costs are way up. Platforms are full of rules. And people? They’re tuning out more than ever.
So if you’ve got a limited budget or just want the best bang for your buck, choosing the right ad type is everything. Otherwise, you’re just throwing money into the wind.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through each of these ad types. I’ll show you how they work, what they cost, who they’re good for, and which one actually gives you the best return.
Let’s figure it out together before you run another dollar in ads.
Affiliate marketer?
- Try solo ads to build your list → follow up with email automation
Selling physical products (ecom)?
- Facebook Ads with product images or video → retarget with carousels
Running CPA offers (like free trials, apps, sweepstakes)?
- Push ads work great due to cheap clicks and volume
SaaS or coaching business?
- Use Facebook Ads to collect leads or webinar signups
Just getting started?
- Try solo ads to test fast
- Then move into Facebook Ads once you’ve built a funnel
Understanding the 3 Ad Types
First, let me show you each of these ad types in detail.
1. Facebook Ads
Facebook Ads are what most people think of when they hear "paid ads." You create an ad (photo, video, carousel), then show it to a specific group of people. You can target people by:
- Age
- Interests
- Location
- Job
- Behaviors
- And much more.
You can also run your ads on Instagram using the same system.
Popular formats:
- Image ads
- Video ads
- Lead forms
- Reels
- Stories
- Carousel ads (multiple images or products)
Tools you'll need:
- Facebook Ads Manager (where you set up your ads)
- Meta Pixel (tracks your website activity)
- Meta Business Suite (manages your page and messages).
If you’re interested in learning how to get leads from Facebook groups in 2025 [100% Free], you can check out this detailed guide now!
2. Solo Ads
Solo ads are very different. You don’t run ads on a platform. Instead, you rent someone else’s email list. They send your offer to their subscribers. You usually send people to a landing page to grab their email, then follow up with more emails.
How it works:
Click → Opt-in page → Email captured → Automated emails → Sale
Popular places to buy solo ads:
Solo ads still work in 2025, especially for:
- Affiliate marketers
- Digital product sellers
- Coaches or consultants who want email leads fast.
You can check out this guide to learn all about the best Solo Ads for Affiliate Marketing.
3. Push Ads
Push ads are those little notification pop-ups you see on your browser or phone. They usually say things like:
- “Your package is waiting”
- “You’ve won a prize”
- “Click now for a special deal”
People click the notification and land on your offer.
How it works:
- A user allows notifications from a site
- Later, ads are sent as push alerts
- The user clicks and lands on your site
Top push ad networks in 2025:
- PropellerAds
- RichPush
- Evadav
- MegaPush
Billing models:
- CPC (cost per click)
- CPM (cost per thousand impressions)
Push notification ads in 2025 are great for high-volume, low-cost campaigns. Mostly used by people in CPA (cost-per-action) marketing.
ROI Overview – What Does “Best ROI” Mean in 2025?
ROI measures the profitability of your advertising efforts. Key metrics include:
- CTR (Click-Through Rate): Percentage of users who click on your ad.
- Conversion Rate: Percentage of users who take a desired action.
- CPL (Cost Per Lead): Cost to acquire a lead.
- CPA (Cost Per Acquisition): Cost to acquire a customer.
- ROAS (Return on Ad Spend): Revenue generated for every dollar spent.
ROI Comparison in 2025: Facebook Ads vs. Solo Ads vs. Push Ads
Let’s look at real data to compare the three ad types.
Ad Type | Average Cost per Click | Opt-in or Click Rate | Sales Conversion Rate | Best For | ROI (1 to 5 stars) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Facebook Ads | 0.50 to 2.50 dollars | 10 to 30 percent | 2 to 8 percent | Ecom, SaaS, Local Biz | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Solo Ads | 0.30 to 1.00 per click | 20 to 40 percent opt-in | 1 to 3 percent | Affiliate, Lead Gen | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Push Ads | 0.01 to 0.15 dollars | 3 to 10 percent CTR | 0.5 to 2 percent | CPA, App Installs | ⭐⭐ |
Tip: Always track your campaigns with tools like Google Analytics, ClickMagick, or Voluum to understand actual ROI.
Which Ad Type is Best for You in 2025?
Choosing the right ad really depends on what kind of business you run, how much money you can spend, and what you want from the ad. Let’s break it down step by step.
Based on Your Business Type
- If you run an online store (eCommerce): Go with Facebook ads. They let you show off your products with photos, videos, and carousels. Plus, the targeting is super smart—you can reach people who are more likely to buy.
- If you're into affiliate marketing: Solo ads and push ads work well. These are good for promoting special offers in specific niches. Just make sure your offer matches what the audience wants.
- If you offer local services (like a salon or cleaning): Facebook ads are perfect. You can target people in your area and even get them to message or call you directly.
- If you're launching a digital product (like an ebook or course): Solo ads can be powerful. You send your offer to people who already like this kind of stuff, using trusted email lists.
Based on the Budget
- If you have a small budget (under 100 dollars): Push ads are a good place to start. They are cheap and let you test your idea without spending too much.
- If you have a mid-range budget (between 100 and 500 dollars): Try solo ads. You can reach a focused group of people and see what kind of results you get.
- If your budget is big (over 1,000 dollars): Facebook ads are the way to go. You can do retargeting, run multiple creatives, and really scale things up for better results.
Based on Your Goal
- If your goal is to collect leads (like emails or sign-ups): Solo ads and Facebook ads both work well for this. Just make sure you have a good landing page.
- If you want sales: Facebook ads and push ads can help you get conversions, especially if your ad looks good and your offer is clear.
- If you want to grow your email list: Solo ads are made for this. You’re sending your offer straight to people’s inboxes, and if they like it, they’ll subscribe.
How to Test and Measure ROI in 2025
- Use UTM Parameters: Track the source of your traffic accurately.
- Analytics Tools: Utilize platforms like Facebook Ads Manager, Voluum, and ClickMagick.
- A/B Testing: Experiment with different creatives and messages to see what resonates.
- Set KPIs: Define clear goals for each campaign.
- Funnel Tracking: Monitor user journeys from ad click to conversion.
Targeting and Intent Breakdown
Let’s see how well each platform lets you control who sees your offer and what kind of intent those users have.
Factor | Facebook Ads | Solo Ad | Push Ads |
|---|---|---|---|
Targeting Level | Super detailed | No control (list owner decides) | Basic targeting like location, device |
Buyer Intent | Medium to High | Low to Medium | Low |
Retargeting Option | Yes | No | Limited (needs tracking tool) |
How to Maximize ROI in 2025
Want to get the most out of your ad budget this year? Let me show you some simple ways to squeeze better results from each ad type without wasting money.
Facebook Ads
Start by using the Meta Pixel and Conversion API together. These tools help Facebook track what people do on your website, which improves your results.
Always test different versions of your ad—never rely on just one. Use campaign budget optimization (CBO) so Facebook can automatically spend more on ads that are doing better.
Also, break your audience into groups based on where they are in the buying journey, like whether they’re just browsing or ready to buy. And don’t forget, people get bored fast, so refresh your ads regularly to avoid ad fatigue.
Solo Ads
With solo ads, don’t send traffic straight to your sales page. Instead, collect emails first so you can follow up later. Always start with a small order to test if the seller's list is good.
Use tracking tools like ClickMagick or Voluum so you can see exactly where your clicks are coming from and what they’re doing. Ask the seller for important stats too—like which countries their traffic is from, how many people open the emails, and the overall list quality.
Once people sign up, send them a follow-up email sequence over 5 to 7 days to build trust and encourage them to take action.
Push Ads
When running push ads, don’t rely on just one message. Create a few different versions and run them at the same time to see what works best. Set a frequency cap so people don’t see your ad too many times and get annoyed.
Make sure to choose between mobile or desktop targeting depending on your offer—some things work better on phones, others on computers. Push ads work best when you promote offers that feel urgent, like —
- free gift cards,
- limited-time trials,
- or quick downloads.
Mistakes to Avoid
Facebook Ads
- Don’t run ads without setting up the pixel
- Don’t rely only on the boost post button
- Don’t ignore how often people see your ads (frequency)
Solo Ads
- Don’t skip lead capture
- Don’t assume that leads = buyers
- Don’t buy from vendors with no reviews or tracking options
Push Ads
- Don’t make spammy or misleading headlines
- Don’t expect brand loyalty
- Don’t buy unsegmented traffic — it won’t convert.
Tracking and Analytics Tools
If you’re serious about ROI, tracking is everything. Use these tools:
- ClickMagick – best for solo ads tracking
- Voluum – works well for push ads and affiliate campaigns
- Meta Events Manager – tracks Facebook events
- Hyros – expensive but great for advanced attribution
- Google Analytics 4 + Tag Manager – for tracking across platforms.
What’s Trending in 2025
In 2025, things are changing fast in the ad world.
Facebook is leaning hard into AI-powered ads, which means it handles a lot of things for you, but you get less control. Many solo ad sellers are stepping up, too—they now offer verified email lists and better targeting, which helps avoid wasting money.
Push ads are booming in areas like crypto, betting, and app downloads. At the same time, marketers are using more first-party data and tools like conversion APIs to track results better without breaking privacy rules.
New privacy laws are also forcing advertisers to be more careful about how they collect and use data. Platforms like Facebook are tightening their ad rules, so you have to play by the book.
Push ads will need to adjust to new rules on mobile phones, and when it comes to email marketing, having a clean, engaged list will matter more than ever because spam filters are getting stricter.
Suggestions for Beginners in 2025
- Start Small: Test campaigns with limited budgets to learn what works.
- Utilize Analytics: Use built-in tools to monitor performance.
- Join Communities: Engage with forums like Reddit Ads or AffiliateFix for insights.
- Educate Yourself: Invest time in learning through courses or guides specific to each ad type.
Final Verdict – Who Should Use What?
Business Goal | Best Platform |
|---|---|
Build an email list fast | Solo Ads |
Drive brand awareness | Facebook Ads |
Test low-ticket CPA offers | Push Ads |
Get coaching leads | Facebook Ads |
Test MVP or new funnel | Solo Ads + Push |
Wrapping Up
As per best ROI among Facebook ads vs. Solo ads vs. Push ads, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each platform has its strengths. Each one has risks. What matters is your business model, budget, and goals. Start small. Track everything. Scale what works. Drop what doesn’t.
👉 My advice?
- Test all three with small budgets.
- Use proper tracking.
- Then double down on what gives you the best results.
Still confused? I’m Marketer Rakib, available 24/7 to help you guide through every step of digital marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each ad type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best one really depends on what you need. Facebook Ads give you great targeting and long-term results, but can be pricey and tricky to manage.
Solo Ads are simple and good for collecting emails, but many leads may not buy right away. Push Ads are cheap and fast, perfect for quick wins, but people might ignore them, and they are not great for selling expensive stuff.
So pick the one that fits your budget, goals, and how much time you want to invest.
Yes, using Facebook Ads, Solo Ads, and Push Ads together can improve your results if done smartly. Each one works well at different stages of the funnel—use Solo Ads for leads, Push Ads for quick traffic, and Facebook Ads to retarget and close sales.
Yes, but tracking is harder now. To get better results, use Meta Pixel and Conversion API, and rely more on first-party data like email lists and customer actions on your site.
Push Ads work great with time-sensitive and simple offers like free trials, app installs, or gift cards. They’re not ideal for high-ticket or complicated funnels because people usually click out of curiosity.
Always check reviews and ask for stats like open rates and traffic sources before buying. Start with a small order and use a tracking tool to confirm real clicks and email signups.
Yes, ad approval is stricter now. Your content must follow Facebook's policies, and even small mistakes can get your ad or account rejected. Always double-check the rules before launching.
Narrow your targeting, use lookalike audiences, and refresh your ad creatives often. Also, use campaign budget optimization and focus on high-engagement ads to improve performance.
Yes, because you don’t need to create fancy ads or have deep technical skills. Just write a short email, set up your opt-in page, and send traffic. But test sellers first to avoid low-quality leads.
