Deciding whether to focus on SEO or Google Ads can be tough. Before making a choice, consider these factors:
4 key questions:
- Short-term or long-term goals: Are you looking for quick wins or building sustainable growth?
- Time constraints: How much time do you have?
- Budget: How much can you invest?
- Industry competition: How competitive is your niche?”
First, answer the questions above to determine the best strategy for your business.
Do you have a short-term or long-term sales goal?
If your answer is short-term, like less than six months, SEO might not be the best fit for you. SEO is a long-term strategy that takes time to see results. For quick wins, Google Ads is a better option.
How much time do you have?
If you need to see results quickly but also have long-term goals, consider starting with Google Ads while simultaneously implementing an SEO strategy.
How big is your budget?
If you’re working with a limited budget, careful planning is key. Weigh the costs of launching a Google Ads campaign against the expenses involved in implementing an SEO strategy.
It’s important to remember that while Google Ads can provide quick results, the benefits are temporary and directly tied to your ongoing ad spend. SEO, on the other hand, offers long-term rewards that can continue for years if executed correctly.
If budget isn’t a major constraint, consider starting both SEO and Google Ads simultaneously. Even after your SEO strategy starts to bear fruit, you can use Google Ads to fill in any gaps and boost your visibility.
How competitive is your industry?
Your industry might be very low-competitive. You might not even have direct competitors. These niches are rare. In such cases, you could potentially achieve good SEO results with a very low budget in less than 3 months or even run highly profitable Google Ads campaigns at a very low cost. While these niches are becoming rarer these days, if your business falls into one, consult with an expert to determine the best approach based on your budget and sales timeline.
If you’re in a highly competitive industry, you need to be very careful. If you’re not one of the industry leaders, neither strategy might be suitable for you. It might surprise you, but sometimes competition is so intense that it becomes economically unfeasible, and only industry leaders with strong brands, resources, and a history can compete. Remember, the top positions on the first page of search results are limited, and not everyone can be there. So, before entering a competitive market, carefully assess whether you have the capacity to compete.
I’m still unsure about which strategy to choose.
In that case, ask yourself this: “Do you truly want to be involved in this field long-term?” If your answer is no, I suggest reconsidering your business choice. If your answer is yes, I recommend starting with an SEO strategy. However, remember that consistency and perseverance are key to its success.
