VWB Blog Finding new ways to reach your target audience is essential to keep your business running and growing. Still, surprisingly, 37 percent of companies in the United States don’t invest in search engine optimization for their marketing plans. There are several digital marketing trends to add to your marketing strategy, but two of the most effective are SEO vs. PPC.
SEO benefits extend into your company’s long-term future, while pay-per-click ads are a fantastic way to drive traffic to your site when you’re working with a larger marketing budget. Picking the best option for your company comes down to learning the difference between SEO and PPC.
The good news is that you’ve found this enlightening guide to help you put together the best marketing strategy to grow your brand into a powerhouse. Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of PPC and SEO today!
What Is SEO?
Search engine optimization is optimizing your website and content to boost your ranking on search engines like Google and Bing. Producing quality content with the proper keywords will push your site to the first page, increasing the odds that your target audience finds and explores your website.
It’s an alternative to PPC marketing because it’s an organic way to boost website traffic. You’re more likely to attract your ideal target customer since the best keywords will push the consumer to your site when they search for the best electrician near them. Ranking higher than other websites for electricians will help you earn more business.
Benefits of SEO
There are several benefits of SEO that you should harness to grow your brand. One of the most apparent benefits of using SEO for your brand is increased visibility. Consumers are more likely to find your site when seeking goods or services to ease their pain points.
You’ll also earn consumers’ trust when they find your website higher on the search rankings. Organic search results give consumers confidence and credibility with your brand. Most users will skip paid ads and trust the organic search results to find what they want.
The primary goal of using SEO in your marketing strategy is to increase web traffic. SEO provides more chances to engage with your audience and share your mission, goods, or services. It’s an excellent opportunity to tell consumers why they should purchase from your brand.
Best of all, SEO is much cheaper than PPC and other paid ads. The process takes longer, but the long-term cost benefits are difficult to top. You’ll enjoy a much higher ROI with SEO marketing professionals.
Cons of SEO
The most significant drawback you’ll experience with SEO is the competitive market surrounding it. Other brands are using these strategies to earn more business, too. You’re also facing an uphill battle since paid ads often dominate the top of the page when consumers use search engines.
Another consideration with SEO is the constant need for maintenance. Your website must always produce new and engaging content to maintain your ranking or risk losing your spot on the front page. Planning for algorithm changes is another challenge with SEO as part of your marketing plan.
What Is PPC?
Pay-per-click ads are purchased ads that you can run on the platform of your choice. You’ll post an ad for your brand on Google Ads or Facebook and pay the platform each time a consumer clicks on one of your ads. Run a search on a significant search engine like Google or Bing, and you’ll find countless paid options at the top of the list.
Businesses enjoy using PPC marketing to drive traffic to their sites and generate more sales. You can get your goods or services in front of a precise audience interested in what your brand can offer.
Benefits of PPC
The most significant benefit of PPC vs. SEO marketing is the chance to hone in on your target audience. You can use targeted ads to reach your buyer persona and increase the likelihood of a sale. Use targeted ads with keyword research, geography, language, and previous website visits.
The speed at which you can implement your PPC ads is another benefit. You’ll get your ad campaign up and running in a few days. You won’t need to wait weeks or months for organic website traffic to flow.
It’s the fastest way to get your goods or services in front of an audience ready to purchase. The page position will also benefit your company when you pay for pay-per-click ads. Your website will get listed at the top of the page, so consumers will always see it when scrolling on a mobile device or computer.
Cons of PPC
The first drawback to consider with PPC marketing is the cost of this marketing strategy. The significant difference between SEO and PPC is that you’ll pay more for your pay-per-click ads. The first few clicks will seem reasonable, but the amount you’re paying will add up quickly.
You’ll also need to maintain your investment to enjoy the web traffic and increased sales. If you stop paying for PPC ads, the website traffic will dry up since it’s not organic.
Choosing only to use PPC ads when selecting the digital marketing trends to follow is digging your company a hole. It’s an easy form of marketing, but you’ll need to optimize it to enjoy the full results. You’ll still need keyword research and produce ads that draw consumers in.
Now You Know the Difference Between SEO and PPC
Diving into the difference between SEO and PPC marketing could make or break your company, as your growth depends on reaching your target audience and easing their pain points. SEO is an organic way to boost website traffic and rank higher on the first page of search engines like Google and Bing. PPC marketing costs more but provides immediate results.
Growing a business independently is an incredible challenge, but you don’t have to do it alone. Read more of our Business and Technology blog content to find the best tips and methods to take your brand to the top!