The debate between PPC and SEO has been ongoing for quite some time.
So let us help you decide what could be the right decision for you and your business.
Both marketing strategies are extremely beneficial in their unique way, but one may fit your business better than the other.
Or you could benefit from using both!
Yes, you can totally do that.
PPC and SEO aren’t mortal enemies after all it seems.
In this article, we’ll break down the main parts of SEO and PPC, which include factors such as your goals, budget, and target audience.
Let’s get into it.
What are the Differences Between SEO and PPC?
SEO (search engine optimisation) is a much slower process than PPC (pay-per-click).
SEO focuses on improving search rankings and drawing traffic to your site.
It includes strategies like keyword optimisation, link building and aiming for long-term results for your business.
If you’re willing to put money into something that you won’t see instant results from then SEO may be the method for you.
That’s because it may take around 3-12 months to start seeing results.
Slow and steady wins the race as they say!
In contrast, PPC helps gain immediate results, it is a faster-paced process and you will begin to see results much sooner.
PPC is an advertising strategy where you pay each time your ad receives clicks, it’s a way of buying visits to your site rather than receiving visits organically.
Search Engine Optimisation
What are the Benefits of SEO?
SEO helps businesses achieve organic growth by improving search engine rankings, generating quality traffic and ensuring long-term sustainability.
It plays a crucial role in building brand reputation, credibility and awareness and can have a very good ROI (return on investment) for businesses when executed correctly.
SEO does require investment and ongoing effort to ensure you get the results you want.
With this long-term effort, you’re building strong foundations for your business going forward.
SEO is for those who want to play the long game!
What are the Cons of SEO?
The main drawback of SEO is that it takes time to generate real results.
So if you’re looking for a strategy with instant results SEO ain’t for you.
Another drawback of SEO is that you may be competing with businesses that have been ranking for a much longer period.
Meaning it can be considerably hard to outrank them.
It can also be time-consuming to research keywords, create content and generate backlinks to outrank your competitors.
Unless you hire SEO experts like us of course!
Pay Per Click Advertising
What are the Benefits of PPC?
Where SEO can take many months to gain some traction, results from your PPC campaigns can be seen within as little as a few weeks!
Another major advantage of PPC is that you can adjust your campaigns as you go along to maximise effectiveness.
With SEO you don’t have the privilege of being so flexible.
As well as being incredibly flexible PPC also allows you to target your desired audience.
You can do this by tailoring your campaigns by interests, location or demographic.
You’ll be getting your content in front of those most compatible with your business in no time.
What are the Cons of PPC?
PPC can be off putting for those who have limited budgets and resources.
You’ll need to invest time and effort into learning the different methods and strategies involved with PPC marketing.
Then you’ll need to invest money into a monthly budget for your ads.
With this constant investment, you’ll need to adopt a mindset that is at peace with losing some money. At the very beginning at least.
Once your campaign starts to perform you should start seeing a better ROI.
Another drawback of PPC is that it can be highly competitive.
This requires PPC experts like us to develop effective strategies, monitor performance closely and continuously keep up to date with your campaigns to stay ahead of competitors.
What to Consider with Both PPC and SEO
You need to identify your target audience and tailor your PPC and SEO strategies correctly.
This will allow you to reach and engage with your audience effectively.
Both SEO and PPC require ongoing optimisation and maintenance to ensure they get the outcome that you desire.
Don’t think you can press a magic button and both methods will work wonders!
If only, eh?
The most effective approach to PPC and SEO varies depending on your business goals, industry, target audience and budget.
A well-thought-out approach with one or both of these strategies can be a complete game changer for your business.
Why do SEO and PPC Work Well Together?
PPC and SEO are fundamental components of various successful digital marketing strategies.
Most businesses believe that these two strategies are like chalk and cheese. They just don’t go together!
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you’re working with the right experts who understand how SEO and PPC work then great results can be achieved.
By using both strategies together, you massively increase your chances of visibility in search engine results.
This is because PPC provides additional exposure alongside SEO.
When you use SEO and PPC strategies alongside each other you collect twice as much data.
This data can then be analysed and used to further optimise your strategies.
This means you’ll attract not just more visitors to your brand but also those who want to do business!
Using SEO and PPC to Bring You Real Results
Think of the old fable about the Tortoise and the Hare who raced one another.
PPC would be the Hare and SEO the Tortoise.
Both are capable of winning the race but in different manners.
Just don’t fall asleep like the Hare did!
All of this information can be quite overwhelming at times – but we hope this guide has provided you with some useful knowledge.
We’re a full-service digital marketing agency that provides both SEO and PPC to a range of clients.
Over the years we’ve worked with many clients and helped them succeed with both PPC and SEO.
If you need further advice on PPC and SEO then please reach out to us.