When you are working to grow your business, there is no question that your focus needs to be on establishing a strong online presence. According to PR Newswire, over 75% of all consumers begin their search for an item or service to purchase with an online search before exploring any other resource. Knowing this, the next logical question is how to maximize the benefits of your website, which is typically the largest tool businesses implement to gain online notoriety and impact. A brief Google search of the question typically directs people to two methods for increasing their online presence: SEO and paid ads. Now they want to know which is the best selection for their business. But the answer is not as simple as one or the other.
Grasping The Value and Impact Of SEO
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is the process of optimizing your website’s content, structure, and function to increase its appeal and, consequently, visibility in organic search results. In short, you are working to make your site as appealing as possible to the online search query Gods. The desired outcome is to have your website appear as early as possible in the search results when a person searches for a business or service like yours.
The benefit of SEO is that it provides long-term value and continues to help your website rank well in future searches. A quality created, optimized, and professionally managed site will pay off for years to come. However, it will take time for the impact to be significant, as the site must establish credibility to continue rising in the search results. This initial impact can take months to be noticeable.
A Deep Dive into Paid Ads
Paid ads are an option that provides nearly instant results. You can launch paid ads on Google or Facebook and have them seen by your target audience in a matter of moments. Those who click on the ad will be immediately directed to your website. However, keep in mind that each time a person clicks on the ad and is directed to your site, it incurs a cost for you, hence the name ‘pay-per-click’ or ‘paid ads’.
Additionally, you should be aware that the keyword or phrase you want in your ad may be in high demand. There is a massive amount of competition for ad space and the ability to capture the attention of someone looking for what you have to offer. So, the cost of each click might be more than you expected or hoped to invest in marketing and growing your online presence. And there is no guarantee that the click you paid for will be converted into a sale or a future customer.
What Is the Perfect Choice for Your Needs?
Like most things, there is no single perfect solution when you are looking to grow your online presence. The combination of long-term results from SEO and the rapid action of paid ads is often the most effective approach. It is never wise to pin the future of your business on a single choice or option. However, finding the perfect balance between paid ads and professional SEO is best left to the experts at Digital 1 Group. With decades of combined expertise in delivering increased online presence, better organic ranking, and higher revenue as a result, the team will evaluate your needs, market, and site to present you with a plan to take your business forward with a strong online presence and a promising future.