Deciding between Google Ads vs SEO vs Facebook Ads comes down to how fast you need results and whether people are already actively searching for what you sell. Most growing businesses end up using more than one — but the right first channel depends on intent and timeline.
The quick comparison
| Google Ads | SEO | Facebook / Instagram Ads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed to results | Days | 3–9 months | Days–weeks |
| Intent | High (active search) | High (active search) | Low–medium (interruption) |
| Ongoing cost | Pay per click | Time/content, “free” clicks | Pay per impression/click |
| Best for | Existing demand, lead gen | Long-term authority | Demand creation, visual products |
When to start with Google Ads
Google Ads wins when there’s existing search demand — people typing “emergency electrician near me” or “private GP London”. You appear at the exact moment someone wants what you offer, and you can be live in days. That immediacy is why it’s the usual first channel for service businesses that need enquiries now.
When to prioritise SEO
SEO captures the same high-intent searches but without paying per click — once you rank. The catch is time: it typically takes several months to build authority and see meaningful traffic. It’s an investment in compounding, long-term visibility, best run alongside ads rather than instead of them.
When Facebook and Instagram ads make sense
Meta’s platforms are about creating demand rather than capturing it. They shine for visual products, local awareness, events and offers people don’t actively search for. Intent is lower than search, so expect more impressions to produce a lead — but the targeting and creative reach can be excellent for the right business.
The honest answer for most UK SMEs
If you sell a service people search for, start with Google Ads to get enquiries flowing, then build SEO underneath it so you’re not paying for every click forever. Add social once you know your offer and message convert. The mistake is spreading a small budget thinly across all three at once.
Is Google Ads right for your business?
Google Ads works best when there’s clear search demand, you can track results, and a customer is worth £300+. It’s a poor fit for very low-margin products, things nobody searches for, or campaigns with unrealistic budgets. If you’re unsure, an honest suitability check beats guessing — see how I help or the pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I do Google Ads and SEO together?
Ideally yes. Ads deliver immediate enquiries while SEO builds compounding free traffic. Running both also gives you more search-term data to improve each.
Is Facebook cheaper than Google Ads?
Cost per click is often lower, but intent is lower too, so cost per lead can be similar or higher depending on your business. Compare leads, not clicks.
Can I just rely on SEO and skip ads?
Eventually, maybe — but SEO takes months. Most businesses can’t wait that long for enquiries, which is why ads bridge the gap.
Which has the best ROI?
Whichever matches your demand and timeline. For existing search demand and a need for speed, Google Ads usually wins on short-term ROI.
Want a straight answer on whether Google Ads is right for you? Get a free, no-pressure review.