SEO vs PPC? Your web traffic depends on this choice

About this series

It seems like recently, every single decision shapes and re-shapes your business trajectory. Your marketing decisions are no different. In this series, we examine some of the most common marketing decisions facing business owners, talk through the differences, and make recommendations you can trust.

Search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay per click (PPC) advertising both effectively bring visitors to your website, but choosing between them demands careful consideration. Here’s your first critical challenge from the Treat team: pick the strategy that truly matches your business ambitions.

SEO: playing the long game

SEO isn't just about getting traffic; it’s about building long term credibility and establishing authority. A robust SEO strategy ensures your brand remains visible and trusted by customers over time.

Research by BrightEdge reveals that organic search is responsible for driving 53% of website traffic, highlighting why SEO is so important for businesses aiming for sustainable visibility (BrightEdge, 2023). Successful SEO involves targeted keyword optimisation, consistently high quality content, website performance enhancements, and strategic backlinking.

Why SEO matters:

Steady, long-lasting traffic growth
Elevated brand reputation and trust
Cost effective returns over time

What to consider:

Patience is essential; results accumulate gradually
Continuous effort and optimisation are required
PPC: immediate visibility and results

If speed and immediate results matter most, PPC is your go to option. Platforms like Google Ads offer businesses rapid exposure, precisely targeted leads, and clearly measurable outcomes.

According to WordStream, businesses typically generate around £2 in revenue for every £1 spent on Google Ads, underscoring PPC’s powerful and predictable return on investment (WordStream, 2023). With PPC, you control exactly who sees your ads, when, and at what cost.

Why PPC works:

Instantaneous lead generation and site traffic
Precise audience targeting
Transparent and measurable results

Points to watch:

Requires ongoing investment to maintain traffic
Potentially higher initial costs
Best of both: a strategic hybrid

An intelligent combination of SEO and PPC could be the optimal solution for your business, delivering both immediate results and ongoing growth. Use PPC strategically to quickly capitalise on new products or services while concurrently investing in SEO to nurture long term visibility and customer trust. Need advice? Email Treat.

SEO vs PPC: Making your choice

When evaluating SEO versus PPC, ask yourself these questions:

Is immediate market impact essential for your goals?
Are you committed to building lasting trust and sustainable growth?

"Choosing between SEO vs PPC isn’t just about clicks and conversions; it’s about aligning your marketing with your long term vision. Each strategy serves a distinct purpose. Knowing exactly what you want from your investment is key," says Lyn Spindley, Founder at Treat Marketing.

Your next move

Carefully assess your current goals, budget, and resources. SEO rewards patience and consistency, while PPC delivers immediate gains. Your ideal strategy might well be a balanced approach combining elements of both.

Stay sharp and informed. Subscribe to our blog for more strategic 'This or That' marketing challenges straight from the Treat team.

Sources: