What do I do? You hear about using SEO or PPC as vehicles to boost your online marketing presence but it’s all so confusing. How do I make up my mind?
This is a very common crossroads that business owners are confronted with. It all comes down to being very clear about a number of things. Firstly, what is your business and what products and services do you offer. Secondly, who is your targeted audience? Thirdly, what is your intended and desired outcome? Of course everyone wants more sales, more customers, and vacations in the Caribbean with a pina colada! One size does not fit all and it is necessary to be clear as to asking and answering these questions because the approach to achieving your desired results are very different.
If you establishing a brand that you want viewers to come and see and looking for that long lasting credibility from your brand which is represented by your website, then develop a long term and comprehensive SEO plan. Then you can be patient, take the time and attention that it takes in order to build out you “organic” SEO with content and relevant information that attracts both your viewers and the search engines.
If you have a website but are looking to monetize specific areas and aspects of what you offer or sell, then a PPC (Pay Per Click) strategy makes more sense. This does not suggest that you must pick one over the other. Many businesses utilize both which is smart. Building a long term branding strategy with organic search benefits is excellent, however if you are hungry and need to hunt fast and with immediate results, load up the PPC arsenal and go after that specific area of customer that is going to satisfy that need.
PPC offers you more flexibility and the ability to compete against older, larger, and more established businesses that are in the same arena as you are. Most clients are interested in profiting fast and seeing the fruits of their advertising spends as they are occurring. Then, yes, PPC is the direction to go!
