Carter Media - Performance & Growth

    Is Google Ads or SEO better for my business?

    Google Ads buys immediate, controllable traffic and proves which keywords convert within weeks. SEO compounds slowly but lowers blended acquisition cost over 6 to 18 months. Most Australian businesses run both: ads for immediate pipeline and keyword validation, SEO and answer engine optimisation for durable, lower-cost demand.

    Key facts

    • Ads: results in days, cost stops when spend stops
    • SEO: 6–18 months to compound, cheaper long-run
    • Ads search term data is the best SEO keyword research available

    Last reviewed 2026-09-03