Combining paid search with SEO can be very effective, especially if you want immediate visibility for high-intent searches like “24/7 emergency plumber.” Google Ads can place you at the top of the page, capturing traffic for urgent searches while your SEO efforts are still maturing. It’s also beneficial during competitive periods or in markets where organic ranking may take longer to establish.
However, relying solely on paid ads becomes expensive in the long run. Once you stop investing, your visibility disappears. SEO, on the other hand, steadily builds an online presence that can keep delivering results even after you reduce spending. Ideally, use both in a balanced strategy: paid ads for instant leads and SEO for sustainable, long-term growth. Over time, as your organic rankings solidify, you can adjust your ad budget to suit your needs.