Here are some definitions as a reminder:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Process of optimizing your website to make it rank and show up organically on search engines
PPC (Pay Per Click): Search engine ads which cost the advertiser each time a person clicks on the ad
Organic: Attract your audience naturally without paying for ads
Paid: Attracting your audience through ads
Search Engines: Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.
Last week I talked about why organic SEO is so important (if you missed it, I recommend going back and reading it here), but today I am going to fill you in about why PPC can be just as important.
PPC advertising can seem expensive, but that’s why it’s important to do it right so you can get the best ROI (Return On Investment). If you plan to run ads yourself, please make sure you learn how to run ads that give you a good ROI, without spending money you don’t need to. Hint: Clicking on each “recommended” item in the search ad platform is probably not right for you!
There are so many benefits to PPC advertising. It’s fast and takes less time to optimize, for starters. As soon as your campaign starts running you will see increased traffic to your website. It doesn’t take months and months of optimization to see changes. Just small changes to your account can increase the RIGHT traffic to your website immediately, without requiring hours and hours of work.
Speaking of the right traffic. PPC is a great way to pinpoint your audience and get qualified leads to your website. By properly targeting and optimizing you are bringing people to your website who already need your service or product. They were searching for exactly what you have to offer and can become your customer immediately.
Last, but certainly not least, paid ads always show above organic results. When search engines were first around the only way to rank was organically. Today, a good portion of the results page is advertising. Getting your brand at the top today requires paid advertising.
So, organic or paid? What is the best option? It is definitely individual to your business, but for many the answer is BOTH! While organic is important and beneficial long term, PPC can help increase your qualified leads which gets you more customers and ultimately makes you more money.
Need help getting your search ads up and running? Have more questions? Schedule your free consultation today!