Why Organic SEO Beats Google Ads for Long-Term Results

This post was originally published on 4/4/24 and has been updated on 1/24/25 for accuracy, relevancy, and fresh visuals.

Let’s start with the basics. Google Ads are a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising method that allows businesses to show up at the top of search results—for a price. However, there isn’t enough space for everyone to claim the top spots, so Google uses algorithms to decide which sponsored businesses are most relevant to a user’s search. Only the top-ranked ads appear at the very top, ahead of organic (non-paid) listings.

Google Ads in Action

For example, let’s say I search for “plumber Redondo Beach, CA” on my desktop. At the time of writing this, the following sponsored businesses show up first. If I click on one, that click costs money from that company’s ad budget.

After those ads, Google displays local business listings through Google Business/Maps. Finally, we get to the non-sponsored, organic search results.

Now, if I perform the same search on my phone, I may see different sponsored results. Google knows I’m mobile, so it might prioritize local brick-and-mortar shops. Once the ads and Google Business listings are out of the way, I see the same organic results as my desktop search.

The Power of Organic Results

Here’s why organic SEO matters: Ads come and go, but organic rankings have staying power. A well-optimized website consistently ranks higher without needing an ad budget.

If you rely solely on ads but lack strong SEO, your visibility vanishes the moment your ad campaign ends. Worse, if the campaign wasn’t set up effectively, you might not even get the results you hoped for while spending money.

Ads vs. SEO: Why Organic Wins

• Longevity: Organic SEO builds sustainable visibility over time. Google Ads disappear once the budget runs out.

• Credibility: Many users skip ads entirely, preferring organic results because they feel more trustworthy.

• Cost-Effectiveness: While SEO requires an upfront investment, its long-term benefits far outweigh the recurring costs of ads.

Ads Can Work—With the Right Strategy

Depending on your industry, location, and competition, Google Ads can be a useful tool. However, they’re most effective when paired with a solid SEO foundation. Here’s why:

• SEO Prepares Your Site: A well-optimized site ensures users have a great experience once they land there.

• Better ROI: Combining ads with strong SEO maximizes your chances of converting clicks into customers.

• Professional Setup Matters: Running ads can get complicated, so hiring a pro to design and monitor your campaign is a smart move.

Our Approach: Organic SEO First

At La Mejor Website, we don’t recommend ads for every client. Your business, industry, and competition play a big role in deciding whether ads are worth it.

For our own success, we’ve focused on organic SEO. By consistently improving our website and sharing value-driven content, we’ve grown our audience and boosted sales—no ads required.

We believe in empowering small businesses with the same strategies we’ve used, helping you navigate the online landscape with confidence.

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Ready to Build Long-Term Success?

If you want to better understand how SEO works, you can read this article for more details.

Check the pulse of your website or discuss whether Google Ads might be a fit for your business, and let’s talk! Our first consultation is free. With over 15 years of experience and 160+ Five-Star Google reviews, we’ll give you an honest recommendation tailored to your goals.

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