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Want to grow your business? Turn to the internet!
See a pattern developing here?
Just last year, there were over 9 billion Google searches performed across the globe each day.
Why is that important?
Simple.
There are two digital marketing and advertising power players that fueled those searches.
PPC vs SEO sounds like a Pay-Per-View showdown that occurs in Vegas, but alas – these two acronyms have very strong and powerful usages within our industry and have the capacity to grow your business exponentially.
Let’s take a closer look.
PPC vs SEO
PPC
Acronym translation: Pay-per-click.
What does it mean for our sites?
We can bid and pay for specific keywords, placing our ads/sites at or near the top of search pages.
SEO
Acronym translation: Search Engine Optimization
What does it mean for our sites?
Strategically using specific words, terms, or phrases within our sites, providing the potential to be seen towards the top of the major search engine pages (i.e. Google, Yahoo, Bing).
Everyone’s doing it
In this 21st century marketplace, not having a search engine marketing plan is detrimental to your business. End of story.
Whether you choose the route of a PPC or an SEO method is totally up to you and your specific business needs.
Here’s a way to visualize the difference between the two:
PPC’s are the Navy Seals that bust in and get stuff done. They are no nonsense, have a specific mission, and fulfill an immediate need.
Want immediate attention? PPC’s are great.
SEO’s are still pretty tough, but if we’re giving them a face – let’s think of them as the more docile suits. They outline a strategic plan that may prove more productive and useful. They are methodical, well-organized, tackle the ‘long term’ aspect of your SEM plan, and plainly stated – they work.
Both are ridiculously good looking and absolutely necessary for success – they just have different looks and strategies to get your online marketing and advertising job done.
Which is better?
Talk about a loaded question. I guess the best answer will depend on who you talk to and the needs of your business.
There are definitely some considerations and points of interest that will help you make a decision between PPC vs SEO.
Got cash?
When making the decision of a PPC vs SEO campaign, one of the main considerations that will largely influence your choice is how much do you want to spend?
PPC’s are awesome and effective, but the reality is they’re pricey.
If you have a decent budget, PPC’s could be top choices as they ensure that your business is visible and noticeable to those discerning eyes that want an immediate, and quick, answer to their web search.
However, based on your budget – you don’t want to go crazy bidding your keywords. In fact – your best bet is to contact a professional for guidance.
Bidding on the wrong keywords in a PPC campaign can cost you a ton of money, and definitely inhibit your ROI.
Choose wisely. Call an expert.
SEO’s are also awesome and effective. The reality of this secret weapon is it doesn’t have to cost you much of anything.
In many cases, it won’t cost you a dime.
There’s a reason these sweet little letters have created such a massive boom within the online marketing and advertising world.
In fact, chances are – you recognized SEO immediately, while possibly questioning, “What’s this PPC you speak of?”
SEO’s utilize strategically placed keywords on your site that drive visibility on the web.
How about an example?
It’s a rainy afternoon. You want to find something in your city that will allow you to emerge from your home.
You turn to Google and input the phrase: something fun near me.
Sound familiar?
A list of sites magically appear. The top sites have that exact phrase (multiple times) somewhere within their site, making it an SEO superstar.
However, without knowing how to utilize the powers of this three-lettered acronym, you could write something fun near me on your site a whole bunch of times, but without your intended outcome.
Again, your best bet – track an expert.
Location, location, location
Think of PPC’s as the giant billboards that you see along the road. You see them immediately.
PPC’s are almost always found at the top of search engines because, well, someone paid for them to be there!
If you stop paying, they instantly go away.
SEO’s, however, are like ads in a newspaper. They are less costly (often free) and less showy, but they are always visible.
Determining your location preference will help in choosing which SEM campaign will be the superstar of your business.
What are your intentions?
Sounds like something a parent asks when someone comes to pick up their kid for a date.
This isn’t too far off of that notion.
When considering your reasons for making a decision between PPC vs SEO, you have to ask yourself – are your intentions for the long term or the short term?
A PPC campaign can cost some serious money. Without a specific budget to keep PPC’s as a part of your SEM, they can become money gougers.
Be careful and plan wisely.
SEO campaigns can stand the test of time. They’re good for commitment, as they will continuously provide traffic the longer and more strategically they are used.
What’s the verdict?
Don’t you wish it were that easy?
The showdown between PPC vs SEO is one that has to be closely considered based on the needs of your business.
They are definitely better as a team but can be just as powerful on their own.
Do as much homework as possible to determine which is better for your budget, your needs, and your business productivity.
A question like this is always better with a second perspective. Don’t be afraid to make some inquiries into how SEM experts can help you navigate these web-based waters.
Need some advice? Let us know how we can help!
