SEO vs. Paid Ads: What’s Right for Your Small Business?
If you’ve ever asked yourself,
“Should I be running Google ads… or investing in SEO?”
You’re not alone, we hear it all the time.
Both strategies can help your business grow. But they work very differently, and choosing the right one depends on your goals, budget, timeline, and how solid your foundation is.
Let’s break it down in plain language, with examples that actually make sense.
What’s the Difference Between SEO and Paid Ads?
Think of SEO like a gym membership.
It takes time, effort, and consistency, but the results last.
Think of paid ads like hiring a personal trainer for a quick boost.
You’ll feel the impact faster, but once you stop paying, the results fade.
SEO: The Long Game That Builds Authority
What it is:
Search Engine Optimization is the work that helps your business show up organically on Google, meaning without paying for clicks.
What it includes:
• Keyword-optimized website content
• Google Business optimization
• Blogs and location pages
• Backlink building
• Review management
• Ongoing monitoring and updates
Example:
You’re a local salon in Winter Park. You invest in SEO.
Now, when someone searches “Winter Park balayage” or “best hair salon near me,” your business appears in the top results, even months later, without running an ad.
Pros:
• Long-lasting results
• Builds trust and credibility
• Drives traffic 24/7
• Better ROI over time
Cons:
• Takes time to see results (usually 3–6 months)
• Requires consistent upkeep
• Doesn’t work well if your website or reputation is weak
Paid Ads: Fast, Targeted Visibility, for a Price
What it is:
You pay Google (or Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to show your business at the top of search results or in people’s feeds.
What it includes:
• Google Search Ads (text-based results)
• Google Display Ads (banners/images)
• Facebook & Instagram ads
• Retargeting campaigns
• Pay-per-click (PPC) management
Example:
You’re a new medspa in Miami with no online visibility yet. You run Google Ads targeting “Botox specials in Miami.” You show up immediately and people start clicking.
Pros:
• Immediate visibility
• Great for promotions, events, or new launches
• You control your audience and budget
• Easy to turn on/off
Cons:
• Costs add up fast
• Traffic stops the second you stop paying
• Doesn’t build long-term trust on its own
• Doesn’t fix bad reviews, slow sites, or missing content
So… Which One Should You Use?
Best Use for SEO:
• Local businesses who want long-term growth
• Brands who want to dominate organic search
• Companies with consistent service, quality, and reputation
• Businesses with content worth ranking
Best Use for Paid Ads:
• New businesses trying to get quick attention
• Launching new products, events, or promos
• Seasonal specials
• Businesses with solid landing pages but no traffic
Pro Tip: The most successful businesses use both,SEO to build momentum and paid ads to fill the gaps or drive short-term action.
One Important Note…
SEO and ads only work if your real-world experience matches the hype.
We can bring people to your site.
We can get them to click your ad.
But if the product, service, or follow-through is off? They’ll bounce and leave a review while they do it.
The online strategy has to reflect the truth of your business.
Let’s Find the Right Fit for You
At In-House Brand Lab by D. Nieves, we don’t push a one-size-fits-all plan.
We look at where you’re at, your traffic, your reviews, your budget and help you build a strategy that makes sense.
Whether it’s long-term SEO, a smart ad campaign, or both, we’ll guide you through it.
Let’s get you seen for all the right reasons.
www.inhousebrandlab.com
@inhousebrandlab by D. Nieves