SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a long-term strategy whereas with PPC (Pay-per-click) you can get the desired result in the short term.
If your goal is to drive traffic and sales fast then Google Ads or Facebook Ads may be the answer.
The answer to which is better, SEO or Ads: It depends. Once you understand the process, cost and expected outcome, it will be easier for you to choose one or both.
Table of contents:
Understanding SEO
What is SEO?
SEO is the art of optimising websites and content to rank higher on search engines. It involves various techniques, including keyword research, on-page optimisation, link building and technical optimisations. The goal is to improve your organic (unpaid) search visibility.
Generally, the process starts with building high-quality content on the website followed by building links to enhance the ranking.
Learn more about SEO here.
Where can I advertise using SEO?
Unlike PPC, SEO doesn’t involve paid advertising. Instead, the process is to optimise the website to rank well organically on search engines like Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo.
While Google search is the most prominent search engine in the world, once the website is optimised to rank well on Google, you can expect to rank on other search engines too.
How long does it take for SEO to work?
SEO is a long-term strategy. It typically takes several months (roughly 6 to 10 months) to see significant results. In competitive niches, it can take even longer.
Factors like the competitiveness of your industry, the quality of your content, and your website’s authority influence the timeline. With the SEO journey, the key is to be motivated in good and bad times. Learn more about SEO & backlinks timeline.
In simpler terms, the higher the competition the longer it will take for your business to rank.
The timing can be significantly reduced by building an aggressive SEO strategy but still, you should allow a good 6 months to see decent changes.
How much does it cost to get quality SEO?
The cost of SEO can vary based on the effort. It depends on the complexity of your website, your goals, and the expertise of the SEO professionals you hire.
You can reduce the SEO cost by contributing with content writing as this is an integral part of the SEO process.
Learn more about SEO costs in Australia, you can also use the cost calculator tool to get an estimate.
What happens if you stop SEO?
Your ranking will not drop overnight but most likely it will start to decline over time.
SEO is not a one-time-done effort, even if you rank on top you have to continuously work on it to keep the ranking.
If you stop optimising your website, your rankings can gradually decline as search engines favour more up-to-date and relevant content. Consistency is crucial for maintaining and improving SEO performance.
Learn more about pausing or stopping SEO safely, if you need to go this path.
Can I do SEO on my own?
If you are serious about getting quality ranking, hire a professional SEO consultant.
While some basic SEO tasks can be handled by website owners, a comprehensive SEO strategy often requires specialised knowledge and tools. Many businesses choose to work with experienced SEO professionals or agencies to achieve the best results.
If you don’t have an SEO budget then definitely you can learn the basics to build quality content but you should aim to work with an SEO agency to get the desired ranking.
Understanding PPC
What is PPC?
PPC is a form of online advertising where advertisers pay a fee each time their ad appears or is clicked. It’s a way to buy visits to your website rather than earning them organically.
Google Ads and Facebook Ads are popular the most popular PPC platforms.
Generally, you pay per click on Google Ads and pay per impression on Facebook Ads.
Where will my ads appear using PPC advertising?
With PPC, your ads can appear on search engines (like Google), social media platforms (like Facebook and Instagram), websites, and even mobile apps. The placement of your ads can be highly targeted to reach your ideal audience.
Google and Meta are the two biggest advertising platforms they provide you to show ads on their network like:
Google:
- Google Ads
- YouTube Ads
- Google Maps
- Gmail etc
Meta:
How fast can I get results using Ads?
With Google Ads and Facebook Ads, you can start to get results soon after the launch if designed well and with a healthy budget.
Once your campaigns are set up and approved, your ads can start appearing, driving traffic to your website or landing pages. It’s an excellent choice if you need quick results.
It is important to note that due to the high impact of AI, you should give 5-7 days for your Ads to learn to perform better.
How much do I need to pay for PPC advertising?
The cost of PPC advertising varies based on your industry, keywords, competition, and ad quality. You have control over your budget and can set daily or monthly spending limits. It’s a flexible advertising option.
Learn more about:
What happens if I stop Ads?
The ads will stop within minutes once you pause your campaign.
When you pause or stop your PPC campaigns, your ads will no longer appear, and the traffic they are generating will cease. Unlike SEO, PPC results are more immediate.
Can I advertise on Google Ads & Facebook Ads on my own?
Yes, you can but it’s not recommended.
You can set up and manage PPC campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads independently. However, the effectiveness of your campaigns may vary based on your expertise.
You should work with Facebook or Google Ads consultants to build ROI-driven powerful campaigns.
Should I invest in SEO or Ads?
By now you should have a clear understanding of the positives and negatives of both strategies.
Generally speaking, you should choose both SEO and ads but you can consider your needs to decide better.
