By Steven Czyrny
There are millions of searches on Google every day. In fact, in July alone there were 9.97 billion Google searches. If you have a product or service to sell, you need to make sure your company can be found.
There are two basic ways for potential customers to find you on Google: paid search (PPC) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). How does each work and how do you choose between PPC vs SEO?
Read on for our quick guide to search engine strategies.
SEO: Generating Traffic Organically
To help you decide between SEO vs PPC, you need to understand how each works. We’ll start with SEO.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a free method used to generate traffic organically. SEO is based on the concept of keywords or search terms that a person would use to “search” for information or products on Google.
How to Optimize Content
Optimization means using keywords that someone would type in when looking for a product or service. You must incorporate this content organically on your website and blog pages. This makes your website more relevant so it will show up higher in search results.
Here are more SEO search tips to incorporate on your site.
PPC: Incorporating Paid Search
PPC stands for pay per click. It’s a form of paid SEO in which you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This method also uses keywords to generate relevant content.
When you search for something on Google, you’ll notice several “ads” at the top of the page. These are PPC ads.
It doesn’t have to be expensive to use PPC ads. You will probably end up making more money than you spend because your ad is more likely to be seen. More eyes on your ad mean more clicks, which means more potential sales.
If you’re not sure how this works, check out some insights from Google to ensure your ad shows up on the first page of search results (Google first page advertising).
PPC vs SEO: Which Is Best?
There are pros and cons when it comes to SEO vs paid search ads.
The case for PPC:
- Get the top spot on Google
- Better return on investment (ROI)—Businesses tend to make $3 for every $1.60 they spend
- Boost brand awareness
- Easier to find your product/service
The case for SEO:
- Many users ignore paid ads
- SEO can drive more traffic to your site
- Organic search can be more effective than paid search
In most cases, it’s advisable to use both methods to drive traffic to your site. Effective SEO and PPC management are essential if you want to increase sales or awareness, and they’re both vital parts of a solid digital marketing campaign.
Optimizing Your Google Presence
Businesses rely on advertising to attract potential customers. These days, that means ensuring your site is found when people search Google. If you don’t want to choose between PPC vs SEO, you can always incorporate elements of each into your strategy.
Are you looking to create a more effective digital presence with SEO optimization and PPC ads? Check out our consulting services, ranging from marketing and research to lead management.