One of the most common questions we get asked is, ‘Which is better: SEO or Google Ads?’ To be quite honest, there is no straightforward answer to this question, and many factors come into play. To help you decide, here’s our guide to SEO vs Google Ads.

What On Earth is SEO?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is the process of improving a website’s ranking and visibility on search engines such as Google. The objective is to optimise web pages and articles with relevant terms, increasing the chances of your business appearing in search results and ultimately achieving higher organic search engine rankings. As an example, if your goal is to rank for the search term ‘organic vegan chocolate,’ you could create a blog article highlighting the health benefits experienced after making the switch to organic vegan chocolate.|

And How About Google Ads?

Have you ever noticed the top search results in Google labelled ‘Sponsored’? These are Google Ads, a form of online advertising that provides businesses with prime visibility when specific keywords are searched. A widely used Google Ad format is Search, which includes text-based ads with a headline, description, and a display URL. These ads are strategically crafted to attract clicks from users actively seeking related products or services. To ensure your ads appear, factors like the bid amount for selected keywords, the ad’s relevance to the search query, and additional quality metrics are considered by Google.

Google Ads allows you to target customers in specific geographic locations, which is particularly beneficial for businesses operating exclusively in a specific city or state. It also allows you to carefully monitor and adjust your budget based on the performance of your campaign.

So, SEO vs Google Ads: Which Is Best?

While we wish we could provide you with a definitive answer as to whether you should prioritise SEO or Google Ads, one isn’t inherently superior to the other. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific priorities of your business. If you need fast results and you’re willing to spend a bit of money, Google Ads is your best bet. For example, ads can be effective for startups looking to achieve targeted traffic quickly, whether to make sales, gauge market interest or test products.

But, if you’re aiming to minimise your spending and prioritise long-term benefits, SEO will pay off. By integrating your SEO efforts with a solid content marketing and social media strategy, you can achieve lasting increases in brand awareness and website traffic.

Do I Need to Use Both?

This is a highly debated topic in the digital marketing world. Although Google has consistently maintained that its organic and paid search results are unrelated, there are indirect benefits of running ads to increase your business’s online visibility. Leveraging Google Ads to boost traffic enhances the chances of your content being seen and shared, a significant aspect of SEO. Therefore, to fully maximise on your brand’s online potential, don’t waste time deliberating between SEO vs. Google Ads – use both!

Still Confused About SEO vs Google Ads?

While SEO and Google Ads are two very different marketing tools, their goal is the same – to increase your online presence and traffic to your website. If you need some advice on the best way for your business to utilise these marketing tools, reach out! Our digital marketing and SEO experts can tailor a solution that works for your goals and budget.