SEO vs Google Ads: Which One Does Your Business Actually Need?
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is like planting a fruit tree. You do the work upfront, wait patiently, and eventually harvest fruit for years. But if you're hungry today, that tree won't help you.
Google Ads is like buying fruit from the store. You pay, you get fruit immediately. Stop paying, stop getting fruit.
Both have their place. The question is: what does your business need right now?
When You Actually Need Google Ads (Not SEO)
Choose Google Ads if any of these sound familiar:
You Need Customers This Month SEO takes 6-12 months to show meaningful results. Google Ads can bring customers this week. If cash flow is tight or you're launching a new service, Google Ads gives you immediate visibility.
You're in a Competitive Local Market If you're a lawyer in Auckland or a plumber in Wellington, ranking organically against established competitors takes time you might not have. Google Ads levels the playing field immediately.
You Have a Limited-Time Offer Got a promotion running for the next 30 days? SEO won't help you there. Google Ads can drive traffic to time-sensitive offers.
You Want to Test Market Demand Before investing months in SEO for a new service, test demand with Google Ads. You'll know within a week if people actually want what you're offering.
When You Actually Need SEO (Not Google Ads)
Choose SEO if these describe your situation:
You Want Long-Term, Sustainable Growth SEO builds compound interest. Each piece of quality content works for you 24/7 for years. Google Ads stop working the moment you stop paying.
Your Customers Research Before Buying If your customers read reviews, compare options, and take time to decide (like choosing a lawyer or accountant), SEO helps you show up throughout their research process.
You're in a Niche Market If you serve a specific industry or have specialised expertise, SEO helps you become the go-to resource in your field. Google Ads work better for broader services.
Your Profit Margins Support Long-Term Investment SEO requires patience and consistent investment before paying off. If you can afford to wait for results, the long-term ROI often beats Google Ads.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Both
SEO isn't free. Sure, you don't pay Google directly, but creating quality content, optimising your website, and building authority takes significant time or money.
Google Ads aren't instant success. Yes, you can get traffic quickly, but profitable campaigns require testing, optimisation, and ongoing management. Most businesses lose money on Google Ads in the first month.
Neither works if your business fundamentals are broken. If your website is terrible, your service is poor, or your pricing is wrong, no amount of traffic will fix your business.
The Smart Approach for Most NZ Businesses
Instead of choosing one or the other, consider this staged approach:
Month 1-3: Google Ads
Get immediate visibility and customers
Test which keywords and messages work
Generate cash flow to fund longer-term efforts
Month 4-6: Add Basic SEO
Optimise your website based on Google Ads learnings
Start creating content around your best-performing keywords
Build on what you know works
Month 7+: Integrated Strategy
Continue Google Ads for immediate needs
Build SEO authority for long-term growth
Use data from both to optimize your overall marketing
Have questions about SEO, Google Ads, or where to start? Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
