SEO vs Google Ads: The Real Cost

Actual numbers from service businesses. No fluff.

Local SEO

Organic Rankings

💰 Cost

$497-1,497/mo

Fixed monthly cost

⏱️ Timeline

2-8 weeks for first results
3-6 months for consistent leads

✅ Pros

  • • Works 24/7 even after you stop paying
  • • Cost per lead decreases over time
  • • Higher trust from customers
  • • Builds long-term business asset
  • • Can't be outbid by competitors

❌ Cons

  • • Takes time to see results
  • • Requires ongoing maintenance
  • • Google algorithm can change

Google Ads

Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

💰 Cost

$1,500-5,000+/mo

Ad spend + management fees

⏱️ Timeline

Immediate results
Leads start same day

✅ Pros

  • • Instant traffic and leads
  • • Easy to scale up or down
  • • Precise targeting options
  • • Exact ROI tracking
  • • Control over ad messaging

❌ Cons

  • • Costs never decrease (usually increase)
  • • Traffic stops when you stop paying
  • • Bidding wars drive up costs
  • • Lower trust vs organic results

Real Cost Comparison: 12 Months

Month SEO Cost Google Ads Cost
Month 1 $497 $2,500
Month 6 $2,982 $15,000+
Month 12 $5,964 $30,000+
If you stop paying... Still ranking, still getting calls All traffic stops immediately

Note: Google Ads costs typically increase 10-20% per year as competition drives up click prices.

When Should You Use Each?

Start with SEO if:

  • You can wait 4-8 weeks for results
  • You want to build a long-term asset
  • Your budget is under $1,500/month
  • You serve a specific local area
  • You're in it for the long haul

Use Google Ads if:

  • You need leads TODAY
  • You have $2,000+/month to spend
  • You're launching a new business/service
  • You're running a limited promotion
  • High profit margins justify high costs

💡 Pro Tip: Do Both (Eventually)

The smartest strategy: Start with SEO to build your foundation. Once you're ranking well organically, add Google Ads for extra volume. SEO gives you sustainable, cost-effective leads. Ads give you the ability to scale quickly when you need it.

Real Examples from Our Clients

Brooklyn HVAC Company

BEFORE (Google Ads only)

• Spending $3,200/month

• Getting 35-40 calls/month

• Cost per lead: $80-91

Annual cost: $38,400

AFTER (Switched to our SEO)

• Spending $997/month

• Getting 50-60 calls/month

• Cost per lead: $16-20

Annual cost: $11,964 (saved $26,436)

Manhattan Plumber

BEFORE (No marketing)

• Spending $0

• Getting 5-8 calls/month

• All from word of mouth

AFTER (Added our SEO)

• Spending $497/month

• Getting 30-35 calls/month

• Cost per lead: $14-16

400%+ increase in leads

The Honest Answer

For most local service businesses: SEO wins on cost and sustainability.

Google Ads is great for quick wins and seasonal pushes. But SEO builds an asset that keeps working even when you pause payments. If you can only pick one and you're in it for the long term, choose SEO.

Get Free SEO Analysis → Call (347) 749-8146