How to choose between Google Ads and SEO

This is a question almost every business owner asks:

“Should I run Google Ads or invest in SEO?”

Short answer?

It depends on:

• Your budget
• Your timeline
• Your competition
• Your goals

Long answer?

Let’s break it down properly.

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1. The biggest difference: speed vs sustainability

Google Ads = instant visibility
SEO = long-term visibility

With Google Ads:

• You can appear on page 1 tomorrow
• Traffic starts as soon as you pay
• Leads can come in immediately

With SEO:

• It takes 3–6 months to see traction
• Results build gradually
• Traffic continues even if you pause spending

Ads are like renting a billboard.

SEO is like owning property.

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2. When Google Ads makes more sense

Google Ads is better if:

• You need leads immediately
• You’re launching a new product
• You’re running a time-limited promotion
• You’re in a highly competitive niche
• You want predictable lead flow

But here’s the catch:

The moment you stop paying…

Traffic stops.

No budget = no visibility.

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3. When SEO makes more sense

SEO is better if:

• You want long-term growth
• You want organic leads
• You want to reduce ad dependency
• You care about authority & trust
• You’re thinking 6–12 months ahead

SEO compounds over time.

A well-ranked page can bring traffic for years.

Without paying per click.

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4. The cost comparison (realistically)

Google Ads

• RM1,000–RM5,000 ad budget/month (depending on industry)
• Plus management fees
• Cost per click increases over time
• Results are immediate but temporary

SEO

• RM300–RM2,000+/month depending on scope
• Slower results
• Traffic builds over time
• Lower cost per lead long-term

Ads are faster.

SEO is cheaper per lead in the long run.

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5. The smartest businesses don’t choose one

Here’s the truth:

It’s not Google Ads vs SEO.

It’s Google Ads and SEO — at different stages.

Smart strategy looks like this:

Phase 1: Run Google Ads for immediate leads.

Phase 2: Build SEO foundation in parallel.

Phase 3: Reduce ad dependency as organic traffic grows.

That’s how you balance speed and sustainability.

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6. The real question you should ask

Instead of asking:

“Which is better?”

Ask:

“What stage is my business in?”

New business? Ads may help faster.

Established business? SEO becomes more important.

No website? Both won’t work properly.

Everything starts with a solid foundation.

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Final thoughts

Google Ads gives you speed.

SEO gives you longevity.

One is rented visibility. One is owned visibility.

The best strategy depends on your timeline and goals.

🚀 At Schuah Solutions, we don’t push one blindly.

We: ✅ Build SEO-ready websites
✅ Structure pages for ranking
✅ Design landing pages for ads
✅ Help businesses balance short-term and long-term growth

All from RM375/month.

Fill in the form below for a FREE website draft
and let’s decide which strategy makes sense for your business.