Search Engine Optimization

What’s the Difference Between SEO and Ads?

SEO vs. ads—what’s the difference, and do you need both? Here’s a simple guide for service-based businesses to understand where SEO and ads fit in your marketing mix.

Janeel Abrahams

13 Jun 2025 — 2 min read

A roofer calls and says:
“I want to show up first on Google. Should I buy ads or do SEO?”

A landscaper says:
“I paid for ads but stopped and now I don’t show up anymore. Isn’t that what SEO is for?”

These are common questions—and the confusion is understandable.

SEO and ads both put you in front of searchers. But they work very differently—and choosing the right approach depends on your goals.

What Is SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of making your website and online presence show up organically in search results.

You’re not paying Google to show your site—you’re optimizing for:

Website content
Google Business Profile
Online reviews
Local directory listings
Technical site structure (page speed, mobile optimization)

Benefits:

Long-term visibility
Builds trust (“organic” is perceived as more credible)
Doesn’t disappear when you stop paying

Drawbacks:

Takes time to build momentum (months, not days)
Requires consistent effort and updates

What Are Ads?

Search ads (Google Ads or Microsoft Ads) are pay-per-click. You choose:

Which keywords you want to show up for
How much you’re willing to pay per click
Where your ad sends traffic

Benefits:

Instant visibility (you can show up today)
Great for targeting urgent services (“emergency plumber Augusta GA”)
Works even if your SEO isn’t strong yet

Drawbacks:

Costs can add up quickly
Stop paying → stop showing
Clicks don’t guarantee calls if your website isn’t solid

Which One Do You Need?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

Business Goal	SEO	Ads
Long-term visibility	✅	Maybe
Immediate leads	Maybe	✅
Build trust	✅	❌
Budget-friendly over time	✅	❌
Competing in a crowded market	✅ + Ads combo	✅ + SEO combo

SEO and ads work best together. Ads bring quick leads, SEO builds long-term presence. When your SEO starts working well, you can often scale back ad spend.

How Managed Nerds Helps You Balance Both

At Managed Nerds, we know that service-based businesses need marketing that actually works—without breaking the bank.

Here’s how we help:

Build your SEO foundation first—Google Business Profile, local SEO, website optimization
Run smart ad campaigns (Google & Microsoft Ads) while SEO grows
Use retargeting ads to stay top of mind with past site visitors
Show you the real numbers—calls, clicks, and conversions—not vanity metrics

Our goal?
Help you build an online presence that brings leads month after month—not just when you’re paying for ads.