ADWORDS VS SEO

When searching for something on the internet, do you look at the results on the top of the first page or do you take the time to scroll to the bottom of the third or fourth page?

Visibility of a website is crucial. Adwords and SEO are the main components of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and are two of the most valuable tools available for digital marketing campaigns.

What is Google Adwords?

Adwords is a pay-per-click (PPC) system. Paid online ads appear next to relevant searches and other content on the internet. This puts a company’s ad or website at the top of the page according to the keywords searched. The system works like an auction where advertisers bid for ad placement according to keywords and phrases.

The ads appear in Google search engine results and on products owned by Google such as YouTube and Gmail, along with other websites that participate in the program.

What is SEO?

SEO is the concept of Search Engine Optimization. Using this method of ranking means a more targeted approach to targeted and relevant content on the website. Listings are free and no one can pay for a better ranking. Proper SEO can boost rankings organically across all search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.) although Google is by far the most commonly used.

Factors to take into consideration when evaluating Adwords vs SEO

  • Immediate Results: When a marketing campaign requires immediate results, which would be the case for a seasonal or weekend sale, or a new business looking for quick exposure, Adwords is more efficient.
  • Measurable ROI: Adword online campaigns are highly measurable and can often automate a positive ROI. It can be strategic to capture all traffic without a predetermined budget as long as ROI is positive.
  • Longevity: Establishing your brand as an authority in your industry is partially accomplished by the quality content on your website. If content is optimized for keywords and readability it is more likely to be discovered by a relevant audience. This is done through SEO. Once you stop your Adword campaign traffic also stops, but with SEO it will continue.
  • Keywords: Adwords allows targeting of many keywords at the same time. For the best results with SEO, only a few keywords should be focused on.

    • The Dynamic Duo

    When comparing the benefits of Adwords vs SEO, don’t rule out the option of using them simultaneously. Adwords will hands down generate faster and measurable results. That does not mean that ranking organically is not important. Some consumers even purposefully skip advertising results in their searches.

    By generating quality SEO content for organic rankings and having great ad placement, you have the potential to reach a larger audience and gain authority.

    Getting to the First Page

    At Tree Ring Digital, we understand the digital marketing landscape. 75% of people using search engines never scroll past the first page. This makes it crucial that your website finds a way to get there. We can help your business secure that top position whether it be through Google AdWords or Search Engine Optimization efforts.