Local SEO vs. Paid Ads: What's the Best Way to Get Found by Local Clients?
Getting found by local clients can be a challenge, especially in a competitive market like New Orleans. Two of the most popular strategies to increase visibility are Local SEO and Paid Ads. But which one is the best way to get found by local clients? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your goals, your budget, and how quickly you need results. Let’s explore the differences and benefits of both approaches to help you decide what’s best for your business.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about making sure your business appears when people in your area search for services or products like yours. It involves optimizing your website, Google Business Profile, and local citations to make sure your business is visible in search results. The goal of local SEO is to drive organic (unpaid) traffic from people who are searching for the types of services you offer, right in your neighborhood.
With local SEO, you focus on getting your business to show up in the “Local Pack”—the group of three businesses that appear with a map at the top of search results. This is key to getting your business noticed by clients in your area who are ready to make a purchase.
What Are Paid Ads?
Paid Ads, or PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, are sponsored listings that show up at the top of search engine results. Unlike local SEO, where you earn your spot organically, paid ads guarantee your business appears prominently when people search for related keywords—as long as you’re willing to pay for it.
Google Ads is one of the most popular platforms for paid advertising, allowing businesses to bid on specific keywords. The benefit of paid ads is that they deliver fast, targeted results. As soon as you launch a campaign, you can start seeing your ad in search results and driving traffic to your website.
The Benefits of Local SEO
Local SEO has long-term benefits for your business. Once your website is optimized and ranking well, you can continue getting organic traffic without having to pay for each click. It also builds credibility with potential customers; people often trust organic search results more than paid ads, especially when they see strong customer reviews attached to your listing.
The downside of local SEO is that it takes time to see results. It could take weeks or even months to rank well in local search results, particularly if your industry is competitive. However, the payoff is that, once you’re ranking well, the traffic is essentially free and ongoing.
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The Benefits of Paid Ads
Paid ads provide immediate visibility. If you need to get found quickly—maybe you have a new promotion or need to boost sales right away—paid ads are an excellent option. They allow you to target specific keywords, demographics, and locations, ensuring that your ads are shown to people who are most likely to convert.
The biggest downside to paid ads is cost. You pay for every click, and those costs can add up quickly—especially in industries with high competition. Once you stop paying, the traffic stops, too. This means that paid ads are great for short-term boosts but can be expensive if relied upon for long-term growth.
Which Is Best for Your Business?
The best strategy often involves a combination of both local SEO and paid ads. Local SEO is a long-term investment that builds your brand’s online credibility and organic traffic. Paid ads can supplement that by providing immediate visibility, especially when you need a quick boost.
For example, if you’re a New Orleans-based business that just launched a new product or service, paid ads can give you the immediate visibility you need while your local SEO efforts build up over time. Meanwhile, investing in local SEO ensures that you continue to attract new clients organically, helping you establish a solid, lasting online presence.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Balance
At Design the Planet, we understand that every business has different needs and goals. Our local expertise and years of experience mean we know how to create a customized approach that balances both local SEO and paid advertising to get you found by your ideal clients. If you want to explore which strategy—or combination of strategies—is right for you, give us a call. We’re here to help your business thrive in the New Orleans community.
Lagniappe
In New Orleans, “lagniappe” means a little something extra. Here’s your lagniappe: When it comes to digital marketing, combining Local SEO and Paid Ads can create a powerful one-two punch. While SEO builds your long-term presence, Paid Ads can deliver quick wins to keep your business growing. Think of it as a way to make sure you’re covering all your bases—growing steadily while also being ready to seize immediate opportunities. If you need help navigating the world of Local SEO and Paid Ads, we’re always here to add that little extra touch to your marketing strategy.
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