If you own a company trying to grow online, you probably asked this question at some point:
Should I spend money on Google ads or invest in SEO first?
It’s a good question and the answer is not always the same for everyone. Depending on your business goals, budget and schedule, any option may be the correct option. In this post, I will share how both your pros and cons work and which you may want to start with. We will also address how Facebook ads, a solid website designing company and even local SEO can be linked to the mixture.
Let’s get into that.
What’s the Difference Between Google Ads and SEO?
Google Ads (also called PPC or Pay-Per Click)
Google ads are the paid listings you see at the top of the search results. You choose to have words, write ads, define a budget and pay whenever someone clicks on your ad.
This is why people like it:
- You can get traffic right away
- You only pay when someone clicks
- It’s great for time-sensitive campaigns (like sales or events)
You can also run Google Ads Display (Visual Advertisements on Websites) or YouTube ads, depending on what you are promoting.
SEO (Research Mechanism Optimization)
The SEO is to get your site organically appear on Google without paying for ads. This involves:
- Optimizing its content with the right handwords
- Making sure your site loads fast and works on mobile
- Getting backlinks from other trusted websites
- Focusing on local SEO if you serve a specific area
The SEO takes longer, but when your site starts to classify, it can continue to bring traffic without advertisements with ads.
Google Ads vs SEO: Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down by what really matters.
1. Speed
If you need results now, go with google ads management. You could start seeing traffic the same day you launch your campaign.
SEO takes longer. You might wait a few months to see your pages show up in search results, especially if your site is brand new.
2. Cost
This one depends on your perspective.
With Google Ads, you pay per click. So even if someone clicks and doesn’t buy, you still pay. In competitive industries, clicks can get expensive like $10–$50 per click.
SEO, on the other hand, doesn’t charge you per visitor. But you’ll probably still need to invest in an SEO service to help with content, strategy, and optimization.
Short version:
- Ads = fast but ongoing costs
- SEO = slower but better long-term ROI
3. Long-Term Value
Once you stop running ads, your traffic disappears. That’s the trade-off with Google Ads.
With SEO, once you start ranking, you can keep getting traffic for months (or even years) without doing much. It’s more sustainable. If you’re in this for the long haul, SEO should be on your radar.
4. Trust
People tend to trust organic search results more than ads. Showing up high on Google through SEO gives your business credibility. You’re not “buying” attention you earned it.
That said, Google Ads still get clicks, especially when they’re written well and match the searcher’s intent.
5. Testing and Flexibility
Want to test different offers or headlines? Google Ads is your playground. You can run A/B tests easily and make quick changes.
SEO doesn’t move as fast.It is harder to test the content because it takes time for Google to crawl and classify the pages.
So, Which One Should You Focus on First?
Here’s a simple way to look at it:
Start with Google Ads if:
- You need leads or sales right away
- You’re launching a new product or service
- You want to test what keywords actually convert
- You’re okay with paying to learn what works
For example, a new business can run Google ads and even Facebook ads to get some initial traction. After finding out that customers respond, they can create their SEO strategy around this data.
Start with SEO if:
- You want long-term, sustainable traffic
- You’re on a tighter budget and don’t want to pay per click forever
- You’re a local business that needs to show up in “near me” searches (that’s where local SEO shines)
- You already get some traffic and want to build on it
Let’s say you are a local contractor. Investing in local SEO to appear on Google Maps and local search results can make a huge difference especially when people are looking for nearby services.
Why Not Use Both?
Honestly, the best results usually come from using both Google Ads and SEO together.
Here’s how it could work:
- Run Google Ads to drive quick traffic and learn what works
- Use those insights to guide your SEO and content strategy
- Make sure your site looks good and converts well (this is where a website design service can help)
- Layer in Facebook Ads for retargeting visitors who didn’t convert right away
It’s not about choosing one or the other forever. It’s about picking the right tool for the right job and then combining them once your budget allows.
Real Talk: What I Recommend
If you’re just starting out and need to bring in customers fast, start with Google Ads. Get some traffic, test your messaging, and make sure your site actually converts.
But don’t ignore SEO. Even just writing a few helpful blog posts or optimizing your homepage with keywords can start you off in the right direction. And if you’re serving a local area, get serious about local SEO. Claim your Google Business Profile, ask for reviews, and use your city name in your website content.
As your business grows, start investing more into SEO so you can lower your dependency on ads over time. That’s how you build a strong online presence that lasts.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every business is different.
But if you:
- Need traffic now → start with Google Ads
- Want to build for the future → invest in SEO
- Serve a local area → focus on local SEO
- Want better conversions → invest in a solid website design service
- Want to retarget or reach niche audiences → try Facebook Ads
You don’t need a massive budget to start. You just need a smart plan and a little patience. Whether you go the paid route, the organic route, or mix both, just remember: digital marketing is a journey, not a one-time fix.
If you’re not sure where to start, talking to a pro (like a local SEO service) can help you figure out the best first step.
