Google Ads vs SEO: Which Will Boost Your Visibility Faster? - The Visibility Method

Google Ads vs SEO: Which Will Boost Your Visibility Faster?

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.

google ads vs seo

What’s the Difference Between Google Ads and SEO?

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.

Google Ads: 5 Key Facts

  1. Pay-per-click (PPC): Google Ads is Google’s pay-per-click advertising platform, meaning you only pay when someone clicks your ad.
  2. 4 Primary Networks: Google Ads offers four main networks:
    • Search Network (ads shown above organic results)
    • Display Network (graphic ads across the web)
    • Shopping Network (ads for products)
    • YouTube
  3. Instant Visibility: With the right budget, your ads can appear on the first page of Google as soon as you launch your campaign.
  4. Negative Keywords Matter: Negative keywords (words you don’t want to target) can often be even more important than the keywords you bid on.
  5. Targeted Audience: Google Ads lets you target people actively searching for the product or service you offer. They’re already interested!

SEO: 5 Key Facts

  1. Organic Listings: SEO involves optimizing your website to show up in unpaid, organic search results. These listings are free, though you might pay for an SEO expert to help you rank.
  2. 200+ Ranking Factors: Google uses over 200 factors to determine rankings, and no one really knows all of them! But what we do know is that keeping your website mobile-friendly and fast is key.
  3. Site Speed is Crucial: Google loves fast websites. Aim for a load time of under 2.5 seconds. Google’s Core Web Vitals tool in Search Console can help you track your site’s performance.
  4. Content is King: Google ranks content that’s informative, high-quality, and relevant to searchers’ queries. Don’t worry about blogging daily, but aim for at least one blog post a month that’s optimized for search.
  5. First Page Matters: Even if you’re ranking #1 organically, you might not always be at the very top of the page. Ads, featured snippets, and map listings can push your organic listing down. But appearing on the first page is still critical, as 75% of users never visit the second page of search results.

Bonus Tip: SEO is a long-term strategy that delivers the best ROI, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency is key!

Which Is Best for Your Business?

Choosing between Google Ads and SEO depends on several factors:

  • Your Goals: Are you looking for immediate results, or do you have time to build up your rankings organically?
  • Your Budget: Google Ads requires an ongoing investment, while SEO is an investment in your website and content.
  • DIY vs. Done for You: Do you want to manage the process yourself, or would you prefer professional help?

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.

Which Strategy Will Work Best for Your Business?

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!

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Rebecc
2 years ago

Thank you for making those distinctions. That is incredible helpful!

About Me

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!

glenneth@thevisibilitymethod.com

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