SEO or PPC-Which is Better?

SEO or PPC-Which is Better?

Both SEO and PPC have their advantages and disadvantages. I'm sure many people are rethinking their SEo strategies since the Panda update by Google.

Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) still viable way of marketing your website? I definitely would not overlook it. And since the Panda update I would definitely be looking at my web pages if they have fallen because of the algorithm. Such as:

1. Too many of the same keywords repeated over and over again (keyword stuffing). This is a warning, and would lower your ranking and prevent your page from being indexed.

2. Are your keywords or keyword phases within 2% of the total words on your articles.

3. Most importantly, is your content up to par with the new Panda standards. If not, it's time to do some reworking of your content.

4. If you are selling products, does your products have enough description to go along with your ad? You should have at least 150 words of description for each product.

If you have quality content and you know you are in compliance with Google, and you are not seeing the results you want, you may want to look at PPC.


Why PPC

There are several advantages with PPC, especially if you have a new website. Paid search ads gives you the following advantages:

1. You do not have to worry about the ups and downs of Google's algorithm.
2. If your Adwords ads are targeted, you will know that your target market is going to be reaching your site, which possibly means more sales.
3. Great for time sensitvie promotions
4. If you have a limited sales seasons, you can saturate the market while the demand is high
5. You can regulate traffic volume
6. If you have a new site, the paid search ads will get buying traffic to your site faster.

Okay, here is the down side for PPC, if you are a new site, and unfamiliar with paid per click advertising you can lose money that you may not have to spend. This, I am afraid the "learning curve element" is true for anyone, who have never used PPC advertising, whether your site is new or not.

SEO though many may not want to take the time to learn it, is a great avenue for small businesses to be noticed. If you take your time, and do it right, you can see people coming to your site. And, if you do it yourself, you save money.

PPC offers a learning curve with an outlay of money. If you want to get into the PPC marketing arena I would advise searching for a reliable book on the subject.

Is SEO or PPC better? It depends where you are at in the game, and the money, if you have any, that you want to put into your PPC campaign.  Both offer targeted results, but each require some learning. I personally would begin with learning SEO. Why, it will help you with your PPC campaign. Each, by the way, utilizes keywords.