SEO vs Google Ads vs Social Media – Which is Better?

When considering how to advertise your business, no doubt you will be considering whether SEO, Google Ads or Social Media Marketing is more effective.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as every business, and their needs, are different. SEO and Google Adwords are the main components of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Social Media Marketing consists of all the social channels including Facebook. Instagram, LinkedIn etc. When running digital marketing campaigns for your business, these are the most valuable tools to be using when promoting a business or website. Each of these mediums have their own differences and similarities and depending on your marketing goals there are situations where you could use them together or at separate times.

Below we take a look at each of these digital marketing techniques in more detail, to help you determine which one may be better for your business.

What is SEO?

SEO, or search engine optimisation, is a process that aims to increase conversion rates and bring traffic to a website by using techniques to raise a website through search engine rankings. SEO is free but it is a long-term digital marketing solution as SEO must be given constant attention to ensure a website retains its high-ranking place.

When optimising your website for search results in Google, Yahoo or Bing you need to make sure your website is search engine friendly. This way it can be “read” easily by search engine robots and provide a better user experience for browsers.

As an expert SEO agency, the main goal for us is to create internet marketing campaigns for clients to help boost their website traffic from search engines through the use of SEO.

What is included in SEO?

In order to increase the ranking of a website in a search engine, numerous SEO techniques can be used, they include:

Keyword placement

To rank higher for certain keyword, e.g. ‘Bookseller Melbourne’ the keyword phrase must be used an optimum number of times to improve the search engine ranking for this keyword.

Value

Google and other search engines can improve a website’s ranking if they believe the website is offering value to individuals searching the internet. Free guides and informative blog posts that offer value can, therefore, increase the ranking of a website.

User experience

If your website is difficult to navigate or contains errors and glitches, it will create a high drop-off rate, search engines will flag this rate and lower your search engine ranking.

Google Ads

Google Ads, also referred to as pay per click advertising (PPC), is a cost-effective marketing technique as you only pay for the ads that are clicked on by potential customers. The ad platform developed by Google creates instant results and does not require the time and maintenance SEO does.

Things to consider when using Google Ads

When creating a PPC campaign it is important you consider your target audience, and what may compel your target audience to click on your ad and be taken to your company website. For example, many PPC advertisements include information about an offer or a discount code. Google Ads can be tailored to only appear to a specific audience, for example, if you wish to increase your business in Sydney, the ads can be shown to only individuals based in Sydney.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a great way to not only grow but engage with your audience. Building and developing multiple social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, is an effective way to build your brand identity and communicate offers and information with your clients. Implementing a powerful social media funnel allows marketers to attract and convert prospects into qualified leads. This can be achieved by creating high-quality ad creatives, engaging content and distributing it through the right social channels.

Why is a strong social media presence beneficial?

With a strong social media presence, you can give more exposure to your brand and create new leads for your company. By posting content and images that appeal to your target audience, you are attracting the right clientele to your website.

Social media trends can change on a daily basis, which means constant social media marketing attention is required. Dead or inactive company social media accounts can make a business look unprofessional or closed, so it is essential to maintain a strong social media presence.

So, which is better for your marketing?

As previously stated, there is no answer to which method of digital marketing is better, it depends on the needs of your business and the customers you are trying to attract. For example, if you are trying to target a younger, millennial audience a strong social media presence is essential.

Often, the best digital marketing strategies combine all three marketing methods and using them together to support one another.

Start advertising your business with Design Point

SEO, Adwords & Social are not competitors but they are three powerful marketing tools available within your digital marketing resources.

If you would like help with SEO, PPC or Social Media Advertising, contact Design Point today! We can help you introduce and maintain one or multiple of these methods in an effective and beneficial way.

We know these digital marketing trends will help you scale your business, but how you strategise them is vital. This is where we come in, let us help you roll out some effective advertising campaigns for you to smash your goals. Get in touch for some lead driven digital marketing.