SEO or Google ads in business. What is a better?

What is a better for your business? SEO or Google Ads?

In this article we´ll explain difference between SEO and Google Ads.

We covered how important is SEO for your business, in a previous article about SEO. You can read it here.

Table of contents

What is SEO and Google ads?

Startups often face a crucial decision when building their online presence.

Should they invest in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or Google Ads?

Both strategies have their pros and cons, but which one works best for growth?

Understanding SEO

SEO is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher on search engines like Google.

It involves keyword research, content creation, and technical optimization.

SEO is an essential part of digital marketing and helps businesses achieve better online visibility, a higher number of conversions, and business growth.

Mainly Pros of SEO for Business

• Long-term results – Once you rank, you get consistent organic traffic without ongoing costs
• Higher trust & credibility – Users tend to trust organic search results more than ads
• Cost-effective – No direct costs per click, unlike paid ads

Cons Of SEO for Business

• Takes time – SEO can take 3–6 months before showing significant results
• Algorithm changes – Google updates can affect rankings
• Requires expertise – Good SEO requires knowledge of keyword research, technical SEO, and link building

Understanding Google Ads

Google Ads is an online advertising platform by Google that allows businesses and individuals to display paid ads in Google search results, on YouTube and on other partner websites within the Google Display Network.

Mainly Advantages of Google Ads for Business

• Instant results – Ads appear immediately after launching a campaign

• Precise targeting – Ability to target specific audiences based on keywords, location, demographics, etc

• Full budget control – Set daily budgets and adjust bids as needed

• Measurable results – Clear statistics on clicks, conversions, and return on investment (ROI)

• Flexibility – Ability to test different ads and optimize them in real-time

Mainly Disadvantages of Google Ads for Business

• Cost – Cost-per-click (CPC) can be high, especially in competitive industries
• Temporary results – Once you stop paying, the ads disappear, and traffic drops
• Budget dependency – The more you invest, the more visibility you get, but once you stop spending, the effect disappears

Google Ads vs. SEO – When to Use What?

Criteria	Google Ads	SEO
Speed of results	✅ Immediate traffic	❌ Takes months
Costs	❌ Pay per click	✅ Cheaper
Trustworthiness	❌ Ads can be seen as intrusive	✅ Organic results are more trust
Long-term impact	❌ Traffic stops when ads stop	✅ Sustainable result over time
Control	✅ Full control over ads	❌ Affected by Google’s algorithms
Competition	❌ High competition in bidding	❌ Hard to rank in organic search

The best approach is often a combination of both methods:

Google Ads for quick traffic and immediate conversions.

SEO as a long-term strategy for stable organic growth.

Specific Examples of Using Google Ads vs. SEO

Every business or project can benefit from Google Ads and SEO in different ways.

Here are concrete examples of when it’s best to use one method over the other—or a combination of both.

Example 2: Online Electronics Store

Google Ads: If you´re selling a new product, like the latest smartfone model, you want to attract immediately searching for “buy iPhone 15 Pro.” Paid ads will get you to the top instantly.

SEO: If you have a blog with reviews or guides (e.g. Best Smarthones under $700), SEO will bring in steady organic traffic over time.

Example 2: Local Restaurant

Google Ads: If you want to attract customers searching for “best Italian restaurant in New York” right now, you can target ads to people nearby.

SEO: If you optimize your website for “best pizza in New York,” you can rank high in organic search results and bring in a steady stream of visitors.

Example 3: Online Digital Marketing Course

Google Ads: A campaign can target people searching for “online digital marketing course” and lead them directly to sign up.

SEO: If you create valuable content like “How to Get Started in Digital Marketing” or “SEO vs. PPC – Which is Better?” you can attract organic visitors who might later enroll in your course.

Example 4: Wedding Photographer

Google Ads: If someone searches for “wedding photographer in Los Angeles,” you can appear at the top with a PPC ad.

SEO: Optimizing your website for phrases like “best wedding venues in Los Angeles” or “how much does a wedding photographer cost?” can attract potential clients naturally.

Example 5: Fitness Mobile App

Google Ads: Ads on YouTube or Google Play for “best fitness apps” can drive app downloads.

SEO: Blog posts like “Best Home Workouts for Abs” can bring in organic visitors who might be interested in your app.

Each business or project can benefit from Google Ads and SEO in a different way. Based on your strategy, decide what is better for your business and get started.