Google Ads or SEO: Which Is Right for a Small Welsh Business?

If you need enquiries coming in quickly and have a bit of budget to play with, Google Ads can be a good place to start. SEO is more of a slow burn, but it helps you rely less on paying for every click. Many small businesses use both, though not always together.

When Google Ads makes sense

Ads often suit a brand-new website, a seasonal offer or something people need in a hurry. You get to pick the search terms, location and how much you spend, and you can pause things whenever you like. Just bear in mind, the enquiries usually dry up as soon as you stop paying.

When SEO makes sense

SEO tends to work best for businesses offering services people look for all the time. If your website pages are helpful and your Google Business Profile is in good shape, you can keep getting visitors over time. It does take patience, though, and there's never a promise of results.

A simple way to decide

1. Sort out your website first. There's not much point paying for clicks if people can't get in touch easily.
2. Work out what one new customer is worth.
3. Run a small ads test if you need demand quickly.
4. With SEO, focus on the searches that actually bring you enquiries.

If you're not sure what to do next, Sgôr can take a look at your website, Google Ads and SEO, then suggest what might work best for you.