Search Engine Optimization vs Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Boxing gloves

Search Engine Optimization and Pay-Per-Click advertising are some of my favorite topics because of their great use use for small businesses. I think it’s important we regularly get into the nitty gritty of what these two marketing strategies bring to the table so everyone understands our focus for your success.

We’ll define each first. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a plan to get your website noticed by search engines. You want your business showing at the top of a results page when someone searches anything that has to do with your business. If you are a real estate agent, you want your name and website first when someone searches “realtor” in your area. PPC, or Pay-Per-Click advertising, is a plan that actively places your website at the top of a search results page with an ad that looks like an organic result. Both require an investment on your part. For SEO you pay a company like Marlin; PPC you may pay Google directly.

There are pluses and minuses to both options AND let’s be clear, both are good options. SEO doesn’t show you results as quickly but costs less. That being said, paying for PPC directly to Google or Bing or your personal favorite search engine has the benefit of demystifying the secret to getting to the top of the search results page. You’ve already paid them to be there!

In a perfect world, you have the means to utilize BOTH strategies. You’re able to ensure traffic and revenue from every angle and avoiding putting all your eggs in one basket. Your PPC efforts can get you noticed/increase traffic immediately while your SEO work gets you rolling with keyword results and moves you up the results page. If you’re not able to dive into both strategies at once, that’s okay! We can mold and flex your campaign to maximize results and get your website noticed! Call Marlin today and let us build your online advertising plan!