The Battle of Visibility: Organic vs Paid Search
Both SEO and Google Ads can put your business at the top of Google — but how they do it, how fast they work, and how long they last are entirely different.
So, what’s best for a business in British Columbia? Let’s compare.
What Is SEO? (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO involves optimizing your website and online presence so your business ranks organically on search engines.
Get the full breakdown in our Complete Vancouver SEO Checklist for 2025.
Pros of SEO:
- Long-term, compounding ROI
- Builds authority and trust
- Ideal for local searches (“dentist in Langley”)
- Lower cost per lead over time
- Works 24/7 without ad spend
Best for:
- Local businesses
- Service providers
- Ecommerce stores
- Businesses with long-term goals
Cons of SEO:
❌ Takes time (3–6 months minimum)
❌ Requires regular content and technical work
❌ Algorithm updates can affect performance
What Are Google Ads? (Formerly Google AdWords)
Google Ads is a paid advertising platform that lets you appear above organic results instantly — but only while you’re paying.
Curious about performance benchmarks? Explore our Google Ads services.
Pros of Google Ads:
Immediate visibility
Full budget control
Great for limited-time offers or product launches
Target users by location, device, income, interests
Track ROI easily with conversion tools
Best for:
- Startups needing instant traffic
- Seasonal campaigns
- New product launches
- High-margin services
Cons of Google Ads:
❌ Can get expensive in competitive niches
❌ Traffic disappears when you stop paying
❌ Click fraud and low-quality leads
❌ Doesn’t build long-term equity
SEO vs Google Ads — Cost Comparison
| Channel | Typical Monthly Cost | ROI Timeline | Long-Term Value |
| SEO | $1,500–$5,000 | 3–6+ months | High (evergreen) |
| Google Ads | $1,000–$10,000+ | Immediate (but ends) | None (pay-to-play) |
Need help budgeting? We explain pricing in every quote. Contact us to request a proposal.
What About Combining SEO & Google Ads?
Smart BC businesses use both:
Use Google Ads for short-term traffic and testing
Build SEO for long-term authority and cost savings
See how we do this in our client case studies.
Learn more in Why Website Speed Matters for SEO.
So, Which Should You Choose?
| Goal | Choose This |
| Fast traffic | Google Ads |
| Long-term growth | SEO |
| Limited budget | SEO |
| High-margin services | Google Ads + SEO |
| Multi-location visibility | Local SEO |
| New website | Both (starter PPC + SEO foundation) |
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Either/Or — It’s Strategy First
The real question isn’t “SEO vs Google Ads.” It’s: What’s the right sequence and mix for your goals, market, and budget?
