As a business owner, you know the importance of getting found online. But if you’ve been wondering whether Google Ads or Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the best way to achieve that, you’re not alone. Many business owners are unsure about the difference between these two strategies, and while they both play a vital role in increasing online visibility, they serve distinct purposes.
Let’s break down the difference between Google Ads and SEO, and help you figure out which one could work best for your business.
Both Google Ads and SEO can help drive traffic to your site, but they operate in very different ways.
Google Ads: Google Ads is a paid advertising option where you bid on keywords to have your ads show up at the top of the search results. With a proper budget, your business could be on the first page as soon as you start running your campaign. The key here is that you pay every time someone clicks on your ad – hence, “pay-per-click.”
SEO: On the other hand, SEO is all about optimizing your website and content so that you rank higher in organic search results. Unlike Google Ads, you don’t pay for each click, but it does take time and consistent effort to see results. The goal of SEO is to land your business on the first page of Google, where most searchers will click.
Bonus Tip: SEO is a long-term strategy that delivers the best ROI, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency is key!
Choosing between Google Ads and SEO depends on several factors:
Google Ads might be the right fit if you need quick visibility and have the budget to support it. On the other hand, SEO is ideal for building long-term, sustainable traffic without ongoing ad costs.
Now that you know the key differences between Google Ads and SEO, which strategy do you think would be most effective for your business? If you’re still not sure, I’d love to chat with you about your options.
Book a 15-minute Discovery Call today, and we can determine which strategy will give your business the visibility it deserves!
Welcome! My name is Glenneth and I live in beautiful East Tennessee. I wear many hats: CEO of The Visibility Method, SEO & Google Ads Expert, content creator, and more. I love technology, social media, and weight lifting. My favorite place to hang out is the hammock in my backyard. My favorite colors are pink and orange. My favorite team is the Vols. And I LOVE to get email so please drop me a note and say hi!
Thank you for making those distinctions. That is incredible helpful!