🌱 Should You Invest in SEO or PPC?

Hi there,

When it comes to getting found on search engines, you have two main options: paid visibility (PPC) and organic visibility (SEO). Let’s break down the differences:

Pay-per-click (PPC) ads give you instant visibility. These appear at the very top of search results as a sponsored ad. There are also different types of PPC ads such as display ads, search ads, shopping ads, video ads, social media ads, etc. Not all of them are directly tied to Google. Regardless of the type of PPC campaign, you will be required to pay anytime someone clicks on your ad. The cost can depend on different variables such as the keyword, your bid, and the quality of the ad. The biggest downside is that once you stop paying, your visibility disappears.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can help you rank organically beneath paid ads. The visibility you get from being an organic result is free, but many people still choose to invest in SEO. It can be an investment in their team and resources or an agency that can do it for them. While SEO typically takes 3-6 months to start working, the long-term success and authority is worth it.

At Avalanche Creative, we specialize in SEO, but there are times when we recommend doing both PPC and SEO. PPC can fill the gap while SEO is building momentum, and in some cases, highly competitive keywords make PPC a better option.

If you’re wondering what strategy makes the most sense for your business, apply for a free strategy audit.

Landscaper Marketing Example

When searching “fall leaf removal near me,” I noticed that both Turf Badger and BlueGrass Lawns are running a Local Services ad with Google Guaranteed.

These work a little differently than PPC since they are lead-per-click ad. This means that they will only pay when a searcher decides to message or get the business’s phone number.

Even though these businesses could likely rank organically for “fall leaf removal near me,” their ads are still well-executed.

Why I Love It

• They use a Local Services ad, not just a PPC ad. The Google Guaranteed badge adds credibility, making users more likely to trust and click.
• Clear service offering and ratings. Both listings highlight ‘Leaf Removal Services’ next to high ratings, reinforcing that they provide exactly what the searcher is looking for.
• Location relevance and a strong call to action. Since I searched ‘near me,’ both ads specify the areas they serve. Plus, the ads include direct calls to action like ‘Message’ or ‘Get Phone Number,’ making it easy for searchers to connect with the business.
• They are both trying to stand out. Highlighting what makes your business unique can help put you above a competitor. BlueGrass Lawns includes ‘Family Owned,’ appealing to those who might value tradition, while ‘Local Business’ creates a connection to the community.

Missed Our Last Webinar? Here’s Your Chance!

On Tuesday, March 18, from 12:00–1:00 PM (EST), we’re hosting another webinar!

If you missed the last one, this is your chance to catch up. Our CEO, Lance Beaudry, will cover the same key topics but in a more digestible, easy-to-understand way.

No matter your SEO experience, you’ll leave with clear, practical tips to help your business grow with Google.