Q: Should I invest in Google Ads or SEO first?
That’s one of the most common and important questions every small business owner in Newmarket asks. The truth is, both Google Ads and SEO play essential roles in your digital marketing strategy, but the key lies in using them in the correct sequence and understanding how they complement each other.
For small businesses that need quick visibility, Google Ads is the ideal place to start. It allows you to get in front of potential customers almost immediately. Within days, your ads can start appearing at the top of Google search results for keywords directly related to your products or services. This kind of instant exposure is invaluable when you are trying to attract new customers, generate phone calls, and boost inquiries right away. Google Ads gives you measurable, trackable results, allowing you to see exactly how every dollar is performing. You can easily test which keywords, ad copy, and offers generate the best return.
While Google Ads delivers short-term impact, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) provides the long-term growth that every business needs to remain competitive. SEO is about earning your place on Google’s first page organically by optimizing your website, improving content quality, and building authority through backlinks and consistent local engagement. It might take several months to see significant results, but when those rankings climb, the benefits continue without paying for every click.
At Digital Marketing Experts (DME), we recommend an integrated approach that aligns both strategies. Start with Google Ads to drive immediate leads and brand awareness. As you collect performance data, you’ll discover which search terms and phrases generate the most valuable traffic. Those same insights can then shape your SEO strategy, helping you target high-performing keywords for long-term organic success.
The real magic happens when both work together. Google Ads keeps you visible at the top of search results while SEO ensures you also appear in the organic listings below. This dual presence builds brand trust, increases click-through rates, and gives you dominance across multiple touchpoints.
When done strategically, Google Ads and SEO are not competitors. They are partners in driving consistent growth, brand recognition, and profitability. At DME, we help Newmarket small businesses build that balance, ensuring you get fast results today and sustainable success tomorrow.