The Relationship Between SEO and PPC Advertising

Introduction

Search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising are two of the most common digital marketing tactics businesses use to drive traffic and lead to their websites. SEO involves organically optimizing your website and content to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).  This involves tactics such as keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation.

In contrast, PPC advertising involves paying for ads to appear at the top of SERPs or on other websites. PPC advertising is a form of digital advertising where advertisers pay each time a user clicks on one of their ads. These ads can appear at the top of SERPs or on other websites, and advertisers can target specific keywords, locations, and demographics.

Understanding the relationship between SEO and PPC is essential for effective digital marketing, as they can complement each other and improve overall results.

How SEO and PPC can work together

While SEO and PPC may seem like two different tactics, they can complement each other and work together to improve overall digital marketing results. For example, PPC advertising can drive traffic to a new website while the SEO strategy is still being developed. SEO can be used to improve the quality score of PPC ads, resulting in lower costs per click.

PPC also allows you to test keywords' ability to convert traffic and try various keyword intents. This data can be used to reform your longer-term SEO strategy, helping you rank for words you know can convert impressions to visitors.

Differences in strategy between SEO and PPC

There are several differences in strategy between SEO and PPC. The main goal of SEO is to rank higher on search engine results in pages organically, while the primary purpose of PPC is to drive traffic to your website through paid ads. The targeting methods are also different, as SEO targets keywords and content, while PPC targets specific keywords, locations, and demographics. Additionally, the measurement and optimization strategies for each tactic differ as well.

Let's say you've just launched your new website and are still developing your SEO strategy. In the meantime, you might run a PPC campaign to drive more traffic to your site. This can help you get more product exposure while working on your SEO.

There is a quick quip in the SEO world about the time to get results:"SEO Is 6 months from now, PPC is 6 minutes."

Using PPC to inform SEO strategy

Data from PPC campaigns can be used to inform SEO strategy. For example, PPC data can provide insights into which keywords and ad copy drive the most traffic and conversions. This data can then be used to inform the SEO strategy, such as by targeting those keywords and creating content around them.

Let's say you're running a PPC campaign targeting "handmade pottery" in your area, and you notice that one of your ads is performing exceptionally well. You can use this data to inform your SEO strategy by creating content around that specific keyword or optimizing your product pages to include more information about your pottery.

Using SEO to inform PPC strategy

SEO data can also be used to inform PPC strategy. For example, SEO data can provide insights into which keywords and content drive the most organic traffic and conversions. This data can then be used to inform the PPC strategy, such as by targeting those keywords in PPC ads and optimizing landing pages for those keywords.

Let's say you've been optimizing your product pages for keywords related to "hand-painted pottery," and you notice that these pages drive a lot of organic traffic and conversions. You can use this data to inform your PPC strategy by creating ads targeting specific keywords and directing users to the optimized product pages.

A Note About Costs

Regarding digital marketing, many business owners are concerned about the potential costs associated with SEO and PPC advertising. Understanding these costs is vital for creating a budget and deciding which tactics to invest in.

While SEO is technically free, some potential costs still exist. For example, you may need to invest in keyword research tools, website optimization, or content creation services to improve your organic ranking. Additionally, investing in SEO takes time, so you'll need to factor in the cost of your time or any employees working on your SEO strategy.

PPC advertising involves paying for ads, so there are more direct costs associated with this tactic. The cost of PPC ads varies depending on the keywords you're targeting, the competition for those keywords, and the platform you're using to run your ads. For example, Google Ads uses an auction-based system where advertisers bid on keywords, so the cost of your ads will depend on how much you're willing to bid. Additionally, investing in PPC takes time, so you'll need to factor in the cost of your time or any contractors working on your PPC strategy.

Balancing costs and benefits

When deciding whether to invest in SEO or PPC advertising, it's essential to consider each tactic's potential costs and benefits. SEO is a longer-term investment that can pay off over time as you improve your organic ranking and drive more traffic to your site. PPC advertising can deliver immediate results but may be more expensive in the short term. Ultimately, the right approach will depend on your budget, goals, and timeline.

SEO PPC Advertising
Cost No direct cost to display your website on SERPs Costs depend on the keywords you're targeting, the competition for those keywords, and the platform you're using to run your ads
Potential Costs Investing in keyword research tools, website optimization services, and content creation services Direct costs associated with paying for ads
Time Investment SEO takes time, so you'll need to factor in the cost of your time or the time of any employees who are working on your SEO strategy Can deliver more immediate results, but requires ongoing management and optimization
Results Timeline Longer-term investment that can pay off over time as you improve your organic ranking and drive more traffic to your site Delivers more immediate results, but may be more expensive in the short-term
Strategy Focuses on improving organic ranking through various tactics such as keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation Targets specific keywords and demographics through paid ads
Flexibility Less flexible than PPC advertising, as changes to your SEO strategy may take time to see results More flexible than SEO, as you can adjust your budget and targeting strategies as needed

 

Choose the best strategy for your goals.

Understanding the relationship between SEO and PPC is crucial for effective digital marketing. While they may seem like different tactics, they can work together to improve overall results. By using PPC to inform SEO strategy and using SEO to inform PPC strategy, businesses can create a more cohesive and effective digital marketing strategy that drives more traffic and leads to their website.

 

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