Choosing the right strategy for online visibility and business growth
When you’re looking to grow your business online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of marketing options. Two of the most talked-about—and often confused—SEO vs Google Ads. Both aim to get your business in front of the right audience, but they work in very different ways.
If you’re unsure where to start or how to make the best use of your marketing budget, understanding the difference between SEO vs Google Ads is a smart first step. At Website Guy, we help businesses make the most of both strategies—based on goals, industry, and timing.
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving your website so it ranks higher in organic (non-paid) search results on platforms like Google. SEO involves a mix of technical adjustments, keyword-rich content creation, and ongoing improvements to user experience and site performance.
When done well, SEO builds long-term visibility and drives traffic to your website without paying for each click. It’s ideal for businesses that want to generate consistent leads and establish trust with their audience.
For an expert breakdown of how SEO works, check out Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO.
What are Google Ads?
Google Ads (also known as Pay-Per-Click or PPC advertising) is a paid strategy where your business appears at the top of search results almost instantly—usually marked as ‘Ad’. You select keywords to target, write ad copy, and pay each time someone clicks on your ad.
Google Ads are perfect for short-term goals, promotions, or when you need visibility right away. It’s fast, measurable, and scalable—but unlike SEO, once you stop paying, the traffic stops too.
You can explore more details via Google’s official Google Ads guide.
Key Differences Between SEO and Google Ads
- Cost structure:
SEO involves upfront investment in content and optimisation, while Google Ads requires ongoing spend per click. - Timeframe for results:
SEO takes time to build momentum but delivers compounding results. Google Ads offers immediate visibility. - Long-term vs. short-term:
SEO is a long-term strategy that builds credibility. Ads are best for immediate traffic and quick campaigns. - Credibility and click behaviour:
Many users skip ads in favour of organic results, viewing them as more trustworthy. SEO can build that trust. - Control and testing:
Google Ads allow for detailed A/B testing and precise control over budget, targeting, and messaging. SEO is more holistic and broad.
Which one is better?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. If you’re launching a new product or service and want fast traffic, Google Ads can be a powerful tool. If you’re looking to build sustainable traffic and brand trust over time, SEO is the better path.
In most cases, a combination of both delivers the best results. Ads can provide quick wins while SEO builds authority in the background.
At Website Guy, we offer both SEO services and ongoing support for your digital marketing efforts. Our team can help tailor a strategy that suits your business goals and market conditions.
Real-World Example: Combining SEO and Google Ads
Let’s say you’re a local electrician. Google Ads can get your phone ringing quickly for emergency jobs. But SEO ensures that when someone searches “Central Coast electrician” a few months down the line, your site shows up without needing to pay for the click.
Together, they create a steady stream of leads—some fast, some long-lasting.
Let Website Guy Help You Decide
Both SEO and Google Ads play a vital role in your digital marketing toolbox. The key is knowing when and how to use them. At Website Guy, we take the time to understand your business, your goals, and your market—then create a customised strategy that works.
Explore our full website packages or talk to us about what’s best for your needs. Want to learn more? Visit our contact page to start the conversation with a friendly, experienced team that cares about results.
