The Difference between SEO and Google Ads

Many people do not know the difference between SEO and Google Ads marketing. Before deciding on a marketing agency, it’s essential to understand how SEO and Google Ads work. Both target the Google search engine, but work in different forms. (Strategies, Costs, Time, etc.)

This article will discuss the two types of marketing and list the key differences between the two. We will also mention the advantages and disadvantages of using each service. 

WHAT IS SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of updating your website around vital keywords and growing your presence online. SEO, unlike PPC marketing, focuses on improving a website’s organic placement on Google for select keywords. SEO does not work instantly; it takes several months (or years) to reach Page 1 of Google. Websites on Page 1 of Google (for high-traffic keywords) will receive targeted traffic to their website. The traffic will drive valuable sales and leads to a website. 

SEO consists of 2 Types of Services:

1. On-Page SEO

On-Page SEO is making crucial changes to your website and optimizing it around vital keywords. Websites need to meet Google Guidelines by having fast-loading websites that can adapt to any device screen, and other elements to ensure the users navigate your website comfortably. Websites also need to include keywords in the content, headings, and metadata. 

2. Off-Page SEO

Off-Page SEO is the means of growing your reputation online by sharing valuable content. The content you share will contain a link that points back to your website, known as a backlink. Backlinks are a vote of trust by Google. The more websites that share your content, the more backlinks will point to your website, and the higher your website will rank on Google. 

What are Google Ads?

Google Ads works on a Pay-Per-Click model, whereby every time someone clicks on your ad on Google, it costs a specific amount. (EG: R10 per click) The click amount varies, depending on the competition and industry. Google Ads, unlike SEO, works instantly. Once you have set up your Google Ad Campaign, you wait for your advert to be approved, and you can immediately start driving traffic to your website. 

5 Types of Google Ads Marketing

• Google Search : You can create Ads and target Google’s search engine. 
• Google Display: You can create Ads to target Google Partner websites.
• Google Video: You can create Video Ads To Target on YouTube. 
• Google Shopping: You can create Ads to Target on Google Search and Shopping
• Google Apps: You can create Apps and target Google’s Play Store. 

BENEFITS OF SEO

MORE WEBSITE TRAFFIC

SEO has the potential to send tons of traffic to your website for a set fee. It is the most attractive aspect of SEO, as you can grow your business with organic traffic without the need to use PPC marketing. 

HIGH CREDIBILITY

Ranking in the top positions of Google builds credibility around your brand. People who see your website in high positions will trust your services. Websites with high organic positions are approved and recommended by Google.

COST EFFECTIVE

SEO can be more affordable than Google Ads marketing, especially in competitive industries. The Cost-Per-Click in Google Ads can be very expensive, making it hard for businesses to compete with limited budgets. 

HIGHER CLICKTHROUGH RATES

Organic listings are more trusted than paid ad listings on Google. Studies have shown that 20-30% of clicks occur on paid ads, while 70-80% of clicks occur on organic listings. Organic listings have more trusted clicks. 

BETTER BRAND AWARENESS

Websites that appear regularly for search terms create more brand awareness. SEO maintains its rankings 24 hours a day. Once your Google Ads daily budget has been exhausted, your ads will disappear from Google. 

BENEFITS OF GOOGLE ADS

IMMEDIATE RESULTS

Google Ad campaigns can be set up and running within 24 hours. Unlike SEO, which takes months or years to deliver results, Google Ads can provide sales, leads, and calls within a short time. 

TARGETED

Google ad campaigns allow you to target people based on their characteristics, interests, and behavior. You can limit where you show your ads and who you show your ads to. You can target people in a specific region or language, too. 

MEASURABLE RESULTS

Google Ads tracks crucial actions in your campaigns, such as clickthrough rates and conversions. Clickthrough rates measure the success of your ads, and conversions measure the number of leads, sales, calls, and downloads your ad has delivered. 

REMARKETING

Google Ads allows you to target people who have previously visited your website. You can re-engage with people who have previously purchased something from you, or target people who were close to a purchase, but never completed it. 

TOP POSITIONS

Google Ads receive the Top Positions on Google Search. The organic listings are below the Google Ads, which means people will see paid listings first, before they scroll to the organic listings. 

WHICH IS BETTER, SEO OR GOOGLE ADS?

SEO is a long-term investment as it takes time to drive organic traffic to your website. SEO takes between 3-12 months to rank for valuable keywords, depending on several factors, such as:

• SEO Agency Expertise
• Keyword Competition

SEO should always be your primary aim; however, if you have a limited budget, you should focus on Google Ads first. If you have a decent budget, it is recommended to do both SEO and Google Ads together. 

You should build your client base with Google Ads while you wait patiently for your organic rankings to rise. If you have a limited budget, start with Google Ads, obtain clients and cash flow, before you invest in SEO.