If you’ve ever googled your company and found that you’re not at the top of the page, don’t worry – you’re not alone. A recent study showed that 89% of businesses don’t appear on the first page of search engine results.
So, you want to rank number one on Google? It’s not as easy as it used to be. With over 200 ranking factors and a constantly changing algorithm, businesses have their work cut out for them if they want to claim the top spot. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
This blog post will explore the two main paths to Google glory – through Ads or SEO. We will discuss the pros and cons of each strategy and how you can get started with both. And if all of this sounds overwhelming and you need some help getting your business online, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of experts are standing by, ready to help boost your website.
The pros and cons of Google Ads
Google Ads is a program that allows businesses to place ads on Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs). When someone conducts a search that matches your keywords, your ad should be shown alongside the organic search results (usually above).
The beauty of Google Ads is targeting potential customers when they are actively looking for your product or service. You can also specify how much you’re willing to spend on each click, so you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
The Benefits
Increased visibility and traffic to your website:
With Google Ads, you can reach more potential customers than ever before. By targeting your ads to specific keywords, you can ensure that your ads are seen by people already interested in what you offer.
Immediate exposure:
If you have a new website on a new domain, it will take a while to be featured high up the Google Search Rankings. Google Ads allows new players to enter the game and compete with everyone else regardless of their history.
Greater flexibility and control over your budget:
You can set a budget for how much you want to spend on Google Ads each day/month. When that threshold is reached, you won’t be additionally charged.
The negatives
It can be expensive:
The cost of running a Google Ads campaign can vary depending on the competitiveness of the keywords you choose and your budget.
Will it pay off?:
There is no guarantee that you will make any sales or generate leads from your website’s ad traffic.
Have you got the expertise?
Creating an effective Google Ads campaign takes time and effort. You’ll need to select the right keywords carefully and craft persuasive ads that resonate with your target audience.
Don’t halt the flow:
If you focus only on Google Ads and ignore SEO practices, then if you choose to turn off your Ad campaigns at any point, your business is essentially removed from that top spot, and you will be back to square one.
The pros and cons of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
You are building a long-lasting impression on the Google Search Network. If approached correctly, your website can steadily build its authority online. You are helping your future website compete at the top end of the results.
The Benefits
Friends forever:
You are building a long-lasting impression on the Google Search Network. If approached correctly, your website can steadily build its authority online. You are helping your future website compete at the top end of the results.
You don’t have to solely rely on Google Ads:
As clever as Google Ads are, the company behind them is far more intelligent. They know that by placing Ads at the top of the search results, you get the most exposure, and by getting the most exposure, in theory, you should harvest the best results. Businesses can depend on that positioning, which means they spend more to be there as their revenue can be linked.
Having a well-implemented SEO strategy means you depend on the business funnel of Google Ads. You
Everyone likes a tidy house:
It’s nice to know that your website is in good shape. A company’s website can be its most valuable asset. Surely you want it performing optimally, to the best it can be. Your competitor’s website probably adheres to best practices, so don’t avoid it!
What we’re talking about here is Technical SEO. There is so much information online regarding this topic and plenty of helpful checklists to follow, but it can be daunting. We will follow this insight with our Technical SEO Checklist soon, so please check that out.
The negatives
Time is money:
Implementing a solid SEO strategy can take time to plan—time to execute, and longer to reap the rewards of your hard work. In short, it’s a long game.
In it to win it:
To adhere to the ever-changing Google algorithms, constant content creation, and website management, you should consider someone on this full-time. Hire a creative agency that understands the pitfalls and where best to focus your efforts.
Technical know-how:
Technical SEO requires knowledge of how google interacts with websites and their content. There is a lot of content freely available online; however, not everything is straightforward to implement. If in doubt, seek some professional help.
The Summary
So, which is better for your business- Google Ads or SEO? The answer to that question depends on what you’re looking for and your budget. If you want a quick boost in traffic, then Google Ads may be the way to go. However, SEO may be the better option if you’re looking for long-term results and don’t have a big advertising budget.
Get in touch today to see how we can help build your online presence and drive more leads and sales through organic search engine results pages.
