If you created a website for your business, you have undoubtedly heard the terms SEO or Google Ads.
You came across them many times, but without knowing if there’s any difference between the two and, if there is, you couldn’t figure out which one of them would benefit your business. Companies use marketing methods like SEO and Google Ads to drive leads and traffic for their business. And while they’re both valuable components in a digital marketing campaign, there are a couple of similarities and differences between them. There are times when they provide great results separately, and there are situations when it’s best to use them together.
But, first, let’s clear some things up…
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimisation implies optimising your website and content to enable it to appear high on the search engine results page (SERP). SEO friendly websites are easily read by search engines like Bing, Yahoo, and Google, and easily used by visitors.
When an Internet user searches for a piece of information, the search engine matches their query with relevant websites. When you employ optimisation techniques like internal linking and keyword integration, you can help your website appear in relevant search results.
What is Google Ads?
Google Ads is a pay-per-click advertising platform that enables you to reach your target audience. You can use it to position your ad in the Google Search Result Pages, Google products, and other websites that work as publishers in the AdWords Program. You can choose to pay when a prospect clicks on your ad or when they see it.
SEO VS. Google Ads
Now that you know what SEO and Google Ads are let’s check the differences and similarities between them.
- SEO is applicable for all search engines, while Google Ads apply only for Google pages and websites that use Google AdSense.
- SEO organic traffic is free while Google Ads is paid.
- Paid ads appear on the top or bottom of Google Search Results before any other result, while SEO implies a lot of work because it’s more challenging to get a top position organically.
- AdWords is more immediate because it generates traffic almost immediately, while SEO requires more time because you need to get a good ranking before boosting traffic.
- It’s easier to calculate ROI when using Google Ads.
- SEO has long term effects, and the traffic doesn’t stop when you stop the campaign, as it does with Google Ads.
- AdWords allows you to target multiple keywords simultaneously, while with SEO, you need to focus on a limited number.
- SEO results are only for search engine pages, but Google Ads allows you to advertise on other websites that use Google AdSense.
Which is the best for your business?
Whether SEO or Google Ads is best for your business depends on your marketing goals.
SEO is a great solution when you’re looking for something to generate steady traffic over time. This marketing strategy helps your target audience discover your business and learn about it. You can optimise your website and content for search engines and drive more traffic.
Google Ads is ideal if your newly-established business focuses on sales and leads. It provides immediate results and makes it easy to monitor progress.
Most online marketing specialists recommend using these tools together to boost exposure and attract prospects to your website. SEO and Google Ads enhance the website’s visibility in SERPs and maximise the business’s online potential. You can use these two powerful strategies in your digital marketing campaign when you need to drive traffic fast and build your brand’s online success sustainably.
