The oldest question in digital marketing. Here's a decision framework that actually works.
Google Ads — The Accelerator
Instant visibility for high-intent searches. Perfect for launches, promotions and seasonal spikes. Budget-controlled, measurable and scalable — but you pay for every click.
SEO — The Compound Engine
Slow to build, powerful forever. Organic rankings compound over time and cost per lead drops every month. The catch: it takes 4–8 months to see serious traction.
The Winning Mix
Start with ads to validate demand and generate cash flow while SEO compounds underneath. Rebalance as organic share grows.
Rules of Thumb
- New business? 70% ads, 30% SEO.
- Established with budget? 50/50.
- Local business (clinic, school, society)? SEO + Google Maps first.
Not sure where to start? Evergrow offers a free digital audit with a channel recommendation built in.